Dear colleagues,

Rest Is Not Idleness*

Finding suitable accommodations in Washington, DC can be challenging, but during the month of August, lodging suddenly becomes much more available. That’s when the nation’s legislators take their summer break and leave town, along with many of their staff members. Restaurants and streets become less busy, and the city enjoys a bit more breathing room.

While we may disagree with our national leaders on many things, their practice of taking breaks is one we might want to copy. For many of us, it is rare that we don’t work hard enough. What is more common is that we don’t recover well enough, especially for long-term needs.

Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis was once criticized for taking a short vacation right before the start of an important trial. “I need the rest,” explained Brandeis. “I find that I can do a year’s work in eleven months, but I can’t do it in twelve.”

If you think about it, you have to admit that the relaxation, improved energy, and enhanced mood you feel after a multiple-day break is deeply enjoyable.

Beyond enjoyment, research on the many benefits of taking vacation encourages taking vacations! Harvard Business Review’s article, The Data-Driven Case for Vacation, ends by saying:

“But the conclusion of this article and all of our research isn’t complicated: Go on vacation. If you take all your vacation days and plan ahead for trips, you will increase your happiness, success rate, and likelihood of promotion, and you’ll lower your stress level to boot.”

*from John Lubbock, The Use of Life (1894)

Take a Vacation Now with this 2 Minute Nature Video

WISER WORDS

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.”
—Alan Cohen

We wish you success in whatever form of restoration you choose.

Warmly,
Your colleagues at Advanced Wellness Systems