Why You Need to Take Time Off…

and the Benefits You Gain from New Perspectives

In this issue: Why You Need to Take Time Off /Collaboration Is a Key Skill. So Why Aren’t We Teaching It? / Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations / The Lighter Side of Travel

Why you’re getting this:

I'm Andrea J. Miller and this is my “The Wellthy Leader” Newsletter. I send this to people in my networks, people I’ve met recently, and friends I want to keep in touch with. You can unsubscribe (SEE THE VERY BOTTOM OF THE EMAIL) anytime, I won’t be offended

Why You Need to Take Time Off…and the Wisdom from Gaining a New Perspective

It’s that time of year again…when Europeans take a month (or more) off from work and Americans go away for a week with their computers (…and hopefully family and/or friends).

While I’m joking (sort of), the US is globally notorious for not taking time off.

The data shows that in 2020, Americans failed to take 33% of their paid time off, while their  European Union counterparts were mandated to take paid vacation - four weeks is the minimum. 

Having worked overseas for many years I found the differences in how we view and use time fascinating and disturbing.

I was a bit surprised by the differences when I moved to Switzerland.

Even the words used to describe this yearly ritual were dissimilar.

In America, we go on vacation to, well, vacate our lives. 

And in Europe, they go on holiday, which you must admit just sounds far more inviting.

But this isn’t a post about the importance of embracing cultural differences (a favorite topic of mine), it’s about why we need to change our perception of time off and actually take it.

Sure vacation beats going into the office (or these days, logging onto Zoom), but what’s really so important about it?

As with most important things, the true value can be found in the intangibles.

It’s things like finally being able to change the focus of our seemingly, always-on brains from work to new and different experiences and things.

Not to mention the opportunity for additional sleep,...

increased time to connect with others or to just be alone (depending on your preference)

as well as the elimination of the usual, often unnoticeable daily stressors.

The result of all this can be substantial. It can help you feel more relaxed, and have greater clarity and creativity, as you engage your brain in new ways.

Additionally, the research shows that even a short vacation lasting four to five days can positively affect your health and wellness. And that even looking forward to a vacation may have a positive effect on cardiovascular health and dampen the harmful effects of stress.

At least that’s what I found during my recent brief vacation (oh do I miss my European holidays) with friends.

The Benefits Gained from New Perspectives

It was a week of sunshine, laughter, mini-adventures, and beach time.

My friend, who lives in the area had planned everything.

We just had to show up and be ready for fun (pretty awesome, right?)

It turned out to be not only fun but renewing and thought-provoking.

I didn’t know everyone there.

We had different backgrounds, lives, and perspectives.

I returned refreshed and with new ideas that I wouldn’t have had if I’d just stayed home, worked, and Googled.

We can get so caught up in the doing that we forget that innovation and creativity require the space for simply being in order to see beyond the everyday.

It’s with this new and different lens that real learning occurs and that often elusive creative spark is ignited.

In fact, this post wasn’t even my idea, my friend suggested it as I rattled off themes that bubbled up in the midst of the fun, new, and unfamiliar surroundings.

As we start this holiday weekend and the beginning of summer I would suggest that opportunities for adventures and perspective-changing are awaiting each one of you, whether you stay at home or head off to different places

The question is, are you willing to make the time and space for them?

To help begin your journey I’ve included a fun website that I recently learned about in the resource section of my newsletter so you can create and plan your adventure, wherever you/it may be.

Happy Travels!

And for those in the US, Happy 4th of July!

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RECOMMENDED LISTENS, READS

Collaboration Is a Key Skill. So Why Aren’t We Teaching It?:

New research from MIT Sloan finds that despite the importance of collaboration, most organizations fall short when it comes to helping workers build their relationship skills.

Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations:

The definitive guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders (their words, not mine)…definitely worth a look if you want to plan an adventure both close and far from home.

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The Lighter Side of Travel

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Are there any other subjects you want me to cover? Have Questions? Or, Need a Coach to Help You Create Your Wild and Precious Life… Hit “Reply” and tell me!

I love hearing from you :)!

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Andrea J. Miller

+1 (646) 556-5401 (Whatsapp)