In business, it’s easy to get consumed with the daily needs of our company and neglect our well-being. This is amplified during the holidays, as we try to get everything our loved ones want and maximize our holiday marketing strategies. A great way to avoid holiday burnout is with a vacation, which could have a bigger impact than you would think.

Clinical psychologist Deborah Mulhern has reported that when you don’t get away from external stresses (like work), it’s harder for your body to relax. Not only can time away help your body relax, but, according to frontiersin.org, it can also improve your brain’s health. In a study they conducted in 2017, participants had increased plasma and neurotrophic factor protein (or BDNF) levels, which keep nerve cells healthy.

Our hearts can benefit from vacations as well. Studies show that men at risk of heart disease who skip vacations for five consecutive years or more are 30% more likely to suffer from a heart attack. It’s not just men’s health either. Recent reports indicate that women who take a vacation at least once every six years are almost eight times less likely to have a heart attack or develop heart disease.

Taking a vacation can benefit your personal well-being and give you a fresh perspective on your business. If you’re an AFEUSA member, make sure to use your exclusive Avis/Budget discount for any car rental/travel needs.