We should admit it - we are now more concerned about our livelihood, jobs and careers than anything else. This could be explained by the fact that we are all just bouncing off from the recession, which made us all realize the importance of everything we have. The problem, however, is that the harder we try to use our time being productive in our job or business, the more we forget the important things and people in our lives. Yes, you need to work hard, but you also need to take some time off, too, and take a vacation.

Here's what vacation can do for you:

1. It reduces your stress.

Whether you are pressured at work or experiencing a burnout, you will benefit from a vacation because it will dramatically reduce the stress you are experiencing. Stress will prevent you from seeing things clearly. However, when you take a break, you will learn how to balance your life and work, and this can significantly reduce your stress and any signs of burnout.

2. It does a lot of good to your health.

According to studies, taking a vacation every once in a while can reduce one's risk of developing stress-related illnesses and even sudden deaths.

3. It helps you improve your productivity.

Taking very few days off can lead to impatience, exhaustion, illness, and poor decision making. You will be more productive and efficient at work after you take a well deserved vacation. It has been proven through many surveys and studies that those employees who are happy and satisfied with their vacations return to work with more energy and positivity.

4. It makes you more creative.

By going on a vacation, you get the time and opportunity to refresh and recharge your brain. Also, your experiences during your vacations can be a good source of inspiration for whatever tasks or projects you need to do at work. According to experts, busy workers are likely to get their best ideas when they are away from their work.

5. It makes you happier.

In a recent study, it was found that taking some time off can improve a person's level of happiness. This is the result of the excitement and anticipation involved in going on a vacation. It is also believed that the elation remains even after returning from the vacation. Career coaches also recommend that workers spread their vacation experience two or three times a year, instead of taking one grand vacation.

6. It allows you to spend more time with yourself and your family.

The quality of your life depends a lot on how you appreciate yourself and the people close to your heart. You can experience this only when you free yourself from a busy schedule. Going on trips or vacations gives you an opportunity to think about all the things and people that matter.

Any life coaching professional will tell you that being selfish is not always bad. You have to be selfish at times so you could give yourself the things that you deserve. Also, experiencing something new and going out of your comfort zone is good not only for your body, but for your mind as well.

Author's Bio: 

Cecile Peterkin is a certified career and retirement coach, and a registered member of the Career Professionals of Canada and the International Coach Federation. She is also the Founder and Senior Career Strategist at Cosmic Coaching Centre, provider of career and life management services for middle managers and mid-career professionals across Canada, United States and Europe.