Viva Vacay!

Americans have and take less vacation days than almost any other country. What are you doing at work? Get out there (or inside) and enjoy those precious days!
 
According to Vault.com, Americans work two weeks longer than the Japanese, two months longer than the Germans and it would take the average American employee 15 years or more to score the same vacation packages as our average European counterparts. In fact, the U.S. is one of very few industrialized countries where employers are not obligated to offer any vacation time and approximately 20% of American’s don’t even take all the time they are entitled to.
 
That “all work and no play” mentality is a recipe for stress-filled, sedentary lifestyles that put both our mental and physical health at risk. And, as a working parent, you don't get nearly enough time with the kids! As summer is winding down, take advantage of your vacation days, even if you didn’t plan on going anywhere special. Take a few days (or even a week!) to spend time with the kids, your significant other and even yourself.
 
Even if you have just started a new job or gone back to work after baby, put your vacation time to use. Plan projects and games with the family, go on a romantic date, visit a museum or just veg out in front of the TV for five hours and catch up on your favorite shows (we're catching up on recorded eps of "Mad Men" and "Army Wives" these days.) Whatever it is that you want to do, do it! Relaxing your mind will help you de-stress, be happier and make you more productive when you do head back to work.
 
Let us know what you have planned as summer winds down. Can you find it in you to take a few days off?