TIME OFF
Where would we be if no one took time off?
Where would we be if no one took time off?
Can you picture a world where there are no vacations, no days where you unplug from your laptop or even your phone? What would that look like? Would you be able to handle it? I have been pondering these questions lately as I plan a day or two to disconnect from the world. I think the answer is pretty simple but that depends on your personality.
For me, it would be sad and depressing. Too much work breeds anger and resentment as well as burnout. When I was in the Army, that is all we did, work. Our days started at four am and went until at least five pm. Most times longer. You did get a lunch break and often times to chat with others but that was only when you weren’t in the field, out training or deployed. It was daunting and tiring. Now that I am out of the military, I value my time off so much more.
In book research, I’ve found some very interesting statistics that detail what countries take the most vacations and where they like to go to. Oddly enough, Iran ranks number one for the most paid vacations days off and public holidays. To be followed by the European countries of Belgium, Finland, France and Norway. The United States to contrast, ranks second as the least amount of paid vacation days. Why is that?
Culture of course plays a big part of it. We are a capitalist nation, and we must work to make the bread so to speak. Evermore toiling away for long hours and often at more than one job, Americans place our value on what we ‘do’ and less on what we ‘enjoy’. Which begs to question, why do we not like time off?
I think for our own mental health and those that have to be around us, we should embrace taking things slower. Enjoying an afternoon without phones or computers or TV. Read a book, go sit outside, see a sunset or even a sunrise. Talk in person with someone or go out for a nice meal. Have a drink if that’s your thing, or a coffee. But unplug for goodness sake. Life is far too short.
It really is.
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When you have some time off, my second psychological thriller, BODIES OF EVIDENCE is out now from Provoco Publishing. It sure gives all the scary vibes that you might have enjoyed from The Only Ones Left.
