Take Time Off from Work/Responsibilities:

Time: 5m-24hrs

Lots of stress can build up without one knowing it is there from the fast-paced life they are living. Whether you would like to take the whole day off and hit the slopes for a day of skiing or just spend five minutes making origami animals, be sure to make time today to do something you enjoy.

Instructions:

When spending time in a relaxing environment a reduction in biological processes related to stress can occur allowing for improvement of well-being in general. Vacation time/days have been proven to benefit:

• Life satisfaction
• Physical well-being
• Physical health
• Mental health
• Productivity

Unsure of what to do on break? Check out some of the activities below:

• Interact with nature
• Partake in an activity you have previously done and liked
• Follow an art tutorial
• Get creative with origami
• Learn a card trick
• Play a board game
• Day trip to your favorite spot within driving distance

Evidence:

Vacation and meditation are very beneficial to well-being [Mount Sinai Health System (2016). Systems biology study reveals benefits of vacation, meditation; Robinson (2017). Reasons to Take a Vacation]. Research shows that engaging in activities for leisure has a wide range of beneficial health effects including reduced negative mood, more interest, less stress, and lower resting heart rate [Zawadzki, M.J., Smyth, J.M. & Costigan, H.J. (2015). Real-Time Associations Between Engaging in Leisure and Daily Health and Well-Being].