Take A Vacation for Your Health
July 21, 2020
Did you know that only 25% of Americans take their whole vacation each year?
As I write this, we are finalizing plans and packing for vacation. It won’t be the vacation that we have planned and saved for over the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to plans to visit our family in Hong Kong. Nonetheless it will be a much-needed break from work and the routine at home.
Did you know that surveys have shown that only 25% of Americans take all of their paid vacation days each year? One even showed that 42% don’t take any of their paid leave. In addition, 61% of people surveyed worked while on vacation.
There are significant benefits from taking a vacation – for you and for your employer. Research shows that employers benefit from increased productivity, better workplace morale, increased employee retention and better employee health.
The benefits for the employee include: reduced stress, decreased risk of death from heart disease, improved mental health, and improved relationships. One study found that men who took frequent annual vacations were 32% less likely to die from heart disease than their counterparts who chose not to vacation. The Framingham Study found that women who took vacations once every six years or less were almost eight times as likely to develop heart disease or have a heart attack than women who took at least two vacations a year. In a study conducted by Purdue University it was found that vacationing with your family contributes positively to the relationships and to the feeling of well-being.
I won’t be taking any work with me on our vacation this year. It’s too heavy to carry in my backpack and my brain and body need a break! I hope you are making plans to make some memories with your family this summer.
News
Highlights from the highest governing body of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Köhler previously was serving as the secretary of the General Conference.
The SonBridge Dental Clinic in College Place, Washington gave 157 people with unaddressed dental issues relief at a free community dental fair in May.
The General Conference Session will be held July 3-12 in St. Louis, Missouri. The theme for the session is "Jesus is Coming, I Will Go!"
Suspended 60 feet off the ground, there’s only one thing holding you up: trust.
Women of all ages enjoyed a restorative day of worship at this year’s spring women’s and young women’s one day retreat held on May 3. This year’s theme, Crafted by Grace, emphasized God’s abundant grace-filled plan for our lives.
Three academy students from Upper Columbia Conference received the $500 2025 Caring Heart Award scholarship, made possible through three-way funding from North Pacific Union, local conferences and academies.
During a joint meeting of the nominating committee and executive committee held Wednesday, May 28, Eric Brown was appointed as UCC vice president for administration.
Community members in Wenatchee now have a place to grow their own food, thanks to Wenatchee Adventist Church.
Patty Marsh, director of UCC women’s ministries, children’s ministries, urban ministries, disaster relief, and Adventist Community Services (ACS) is now retiring after 25 years of service in Upper Columbia Conference.
