Give Me a Break

While planning our family’s first real-deal, official vacation, I came across the following statistic:

According to research on young professionals in central New Jersey, “86% plan to take an adventure vacation (hiking, diving, etc.) in the next 12 months.” That’s a lot of people planning a break from their daily work. It also reported that “84% use coupons,” which is good, but additional savings won’t change the fact that few of those polled will use all of their days off.

Nearly two-thirds of Americans in general fail to maximize their vacation allowance. I’m guilty. I have too much to do, not enough time, just enough money to pay the bills and enjoy a few frills. Vacation doesn’t fit. At the very least, it requires a willingness to argue with each of these excuses—and others, too—so I stay home.

Yet, now is the time, when you are young and setting patterns, to get in the habit of prioritizing rest. Sabbath is good, a night out with friends is good. But extended rest—a “suspension of normal,” you might say—can do wonders.

Consider this list of benefits, thanks in part to Linden Schaffer: lower risk of heart disease, deeper sleep, sharper decision-making, less depression, and fresh perspective, not to mention the potential for good memories. All results of vacation well-spent, coupons or not.

I want to recommend a recent article by Christian Nathler of Notable.ca. He’s writing to young professionals and includes four tips for you to consider as you take (all of your) vacation:

1. Use it to avoid burnout
2. Take long breaks (vs extended weekends)
3. Combine it with existing paid holidays
4. Travel (beyond your zip code)

He even gives permission to work a little during vacation, under certain conditions.

Wherever you decide to go, have a great time. Trust that the work you've been called to do can stand your temporary departure. Even Jesus took time off.

Additional Content:

+Audio: Got a Sabbath?

+Article: No Time for Vacation Time