By Jennifer Cassetty, M.S.

Have you ever known yourself to finally take a vacation and have trouble letting go and truly relaxing? Maybe you feel like you still need to stay on schedule rather than letting go and doing what you like when you like. Being on vacation calls for a different type of thinking and response. It is more important to switch into these responses than to geographically be in a certain spot.

Vacations are good for more than a suntan, souvenir hat, and a couple extra pounds. Whether you take a full two-week vacation or enjoy several small get-aways each year, spending time away from the office and daily grind revives your body and mind. Vacations benefit your health by:

• Lowering stress levels
• Reducing anxiety, chronic tension and depression
• Restoring a healthy appetite
• Easing sleep problems
• Brightening your mood and improving sense of well-being
• Sharpening your focus on the present
• Enhancing the immune function
• Energizing your body from the sun's rays or from relaxing in natural habitats such as lakes, trees and vegetation.

Many people have a problem “unplugging“ at the end of their workday. Make sure you engage yourself with positive, relaxing habits such as:

• Lowering stress levels
• Dimming the lights when having dinner
• Taking a warm bath with scented candles
• Keeping items such as pictures of family in your bedroom
• Not having a television or computer in your bedroom

Let go of your worries — work was there when you left it, it will be there when you get back. It is important to remember to focus on the present and take care of yourself. While you are on vacation, make it special. Take a trip to the beach, go to a museum, or get a massage and a facial. Whatever you do, make the most of your time and let the rest of the world melt away.

For additional information please contact NIFS at 317.274.3432.