In today’s day and age it’s hard to take time away from work. But, what you might not know is that going on vacation is actually very healthy for you.

University of Minnesota professor Carrie Oelberger says detaching from work can reduce stressors on our body’s nervous system, keeping us healthier.

She says, “The [World Health Organization] has now identified burnout as an occupational phenomenon… This idea that when human beings are put under repeated stress and strain in a work environment, that has a negative impact on your health.”

“I do think that vacations can have a positive impact on mitigating some of those challenges, particularly if it’s taken intentionally and with some of those really healthy boundaries with the work environment while you’re on vacation.”

So how does one have a healthy vacation, well Professor Oelberger says:

• Before vacation reduce the work load because the pressure can follow you on break.
• Try not to check emails or think about work on your break.
• Engage with activities that you enjoy doing.
• When you return to work keep the work load low.

If you follow these tips Oelberger says it will maximize the benefits of the vacation.

Detachment it the main thing to keep in mind and we can practice it week too: turning off your phone before you go to bed and not thinking of work on the weekend.