Take that vacation you've been talking about - you won't regret it.
Hello friends,
Having just gone on vacation near Lake Michigan, I want to
talk to you about the importance of taking vacation. Like many of you taking
time off work, it is very hard for me to leave our patients or our practice for
any extended time. My mind tells me our
patients might suffer without me there or my team might need me to help in
certain situations. Sometimes I feel
guilty not being in the office. But I
have had to make strong efforts to let that negativity go. Once I did that, vacations have helped
tremendously with work/life balance for myself and my family and I now realize
how essential taking a vacation or mini-break truly is. I use vacations to get out of my normal
routine and usual environment and shake it up a bit. This is great for my relationships and I
always come back to work rejuvenated and ready to serve our patients and my
team at a much higher level. The positives always outweigh the negatives and I
have found these vacations essential for my personal growth and to be much
better for our company.
Did you know that taking vacations can help improve your
physical and mental health, familial relationships, and decrease burnout while
increasing your overall happiness?
Stress contributes to heart disease, high blood pressure,
and a number of other conditions. Taking vacations is proven to lessen the risk
of many stress-induced ailments. Chronic exposure to stress hormones can be a
contributing factor to anxiety and depression. Being away from work and
relaxing helps to relieve stress - this allows the body and mind to heal itself
and get back to normal.
As an added bonus, most people are more focused and
productive at work and home when they return from vacation. People who take
time out to relax are also less likely to experience burnout, which makes them
more productive in their every day life. Being more productive, less stressed,
and enjoying life helps to keep personal relationships strong.
I can personally tell you all of this is true! Today is my
first day back to work from vacation and I am feeling so relaxed, refreshed,
energized, and closer to my family. I personally try to take two small
vacations a year so I can be a better doctor, boss, husband, and father.
So next time you’re feeling stressed – plan that vacation
you’ve always wanted to go on. Or if you are on a tight schedule/budget, just
take a day or two to explore this great city of ours – unplugged! No phones or
technology to distract you, just time with the people you care about most and
enjoying this beautiful place we call home.
Below I have attached some links to some of my favorite
places to visit right here in Michigan – check them out for your next vacation
idea!
Yours in good health,
Dr. Miller
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| I only took my phone out once during my vacation to capture this photo of the sunset! |