Taking a vacation can help you feel more relaxed at work and happier in general.
A study published in the Journal of Psychology and Health followed 87 blue-collar employees. Those who took time off saw a marked decline in feeling overworked or nearing burnout.
“A respite from work diminishes levels of strain,” the authors write.
Other studies show that these effects last up to a month after taking a break.
If you can’t, and would still like a way to de-stress in your off-hours, consider taking up a hobby. Warren Buffett plays the ukulele, and science says that has probably helped him make smart financial decisions. If you’re even shorter on time, practice this two-minute exercise a Harvard-trained psychologist says decreases stress levels.
Either way, remember that showing up to work for 52 weeks in a year isn’t a long-term strategy for success.
Check out research-backed advice to help you fall asleep when you’re mind is racing about work