How taking a vacation can improve your mental and physical health
In 2024, 47% of Americans left some paid time off unused.
'When you do not take time off from work, chronic stress can lead to things like depression, anxiety and even burnout,' Dr. Charletta Dennis, medical director of behavioral health at Priority Health, said. 'The lack of rest, also, can increase the risk of things like heart disease and high blood pressure, and it also can weaken the immune system, so you want to make sure that you are taking off.'
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Dennis said that when you take time to rest, your body and mind recharge.
'It gives you a sense of calmness a sense of ease. it also can reduce cortisol levels, and reducing cortisol levels can do things like improve your mood, improve your sleep and increase satisfaction in life overall,' she said.
She said long summer days give you more daylight hours to spend outdoors and participate in activities that can improve your health.
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She urged people to truly unplug when they take time off: turn off email alerts, set limits with co-workers and prioritize your vacation time.
'Protect that time to protect your mind,' Dennis said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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