Do you notice a difference in your mood depending on the weather and your surrounding environment? Subconsciously an individual’s mood can vary heavily depending on the weather, their location, and stress level. Personally I notice a unique change in my mood based on the weather, as do many. On sunny days I feel a certain feeling of euphoria, especially after multiple days of low lying marine layer clouds. I’ve heard of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), but I was curious if an individual’s mood is affected by taking vacations and breaks in a work and academic environment.  

There are multiple studies that connect vacation time to less stress and overall better mental health.

“Benefits of employees taking vacation time include: higher productivity, stronger workplace morale, greater employee retention, and significant health benefits” 

“I think that stress levels and overall health of working Americans would benefit from

more time away from work. A lot of other countries start out giving their employees 4 to 5 weeks vacation a year in addition to holidays,” stated employee Jennifer Smith.

The idea behind increased vacation time is that it is beneficial because it allows individuals to take a break from their daily life which helps relieve stress.

“In the US almost everyone starts out with two weeks and you have to work about 15 years to accumulate 4 weeks vacation.  More time off allows for doing those things in life we enjoy and spending time with those we love,” stated Jennifer Smith.

In return vacation time can be fantastic for your overall mental health. Spending more time with family, friends, work, and school can leads to less stress and an overall feeling of bliss in life.

“I believe time away from your daily routine is super beneficial. It allows you to relax and take a mental hiatus,” stated Senior Reece Wood.

“I look forward to breaks from school and work. You almost become stuck in a rut especially after doing loads of school work. Breaks are crucial get gives you a second wind and motivation.”

Contrary to this there is certain stigma associated with taking time off work. The question is would an employee be able to adapt and get over the negative stigma of taking time off.

“One in five employee respondents said guilt was the reason they don’t step away from their workspaces.” 

“Americans are conditioned to feeling guilty when taking time off work. I don’t know if they would utilize additional vacation time. So an alternate thought would be add another 5 paid holidays to the standard 10 holidays days we currently have.  That way there would be forced time off,” stated Smith.

Rather than take elaborate vacations and long periods of time off, a short term solution to relieving stress in your daily life could be spending periods time taking breaks at work. This is extremely beneficial and is linked to increased motivation and focus.

“When you are doing goal-oriented work that requires concentration, the PFC (Prefrontal Cortex) keeps you focused on your goals. The PFC is also responsible for logical thinking, executive functioning, and using willpower to override impulses.” 

Along with taking breaks another tactic that can be used to compensate for stress and lack of motivation and focus is to do something active, possibly like getting outside. If you spend long amounts of time focusing on electronic screens, try and get active and outside.  

“Find something active you can do with this time and put it on your calendar. Take a walk, stretch while listening to a song, or go out with a coworker for a snack.”

If you spend long amounts of time focusing on electronic screens, try and get active and outside. 

“Studies show that spending time in nature works wonders for restoring mental health, decreasing stress, lowering blood pressure, and overall creating a better sense of wellbeing. The Japanese have a practice for this called shinrin-yoku, which translates roughly to forest bathing. Shinrin-yoku combines meditation with walking to help you focus and find balance.” 

Overall everyone has a different ideology on relaxing and reducing stress. It becomes more of a personal choice, but studies have proven increased amounts of time away from work and getting active and outside are a couple techniques that could be used to reduce stress levels.

“Depends you have to find a balance between work, school, and relaxing. Staying motivated it crucial,  but I almost  feel more motivated after stepping away form something a bit of time. For example on like a three or four day weekend you are able to relax and take a mental break and recover, Its almost like a fresh start,” stated Senior Evan Van Pelt.