Taking vacations is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and preventing burnout.
Vacations provide an opportunity to recharge, relax, and unwind from the daily stresses of work and life. They allow individuals to step away from their routine, explore new places, and engage in activities that bring joy and rejuvenation. By taking time off, you can replenish your energy, improve your mental health, and enhance your productivity when you return to work.
Statistics show that vacation time is essential for preventing burnout, particularly in high-stress professions such as medicine. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, physicians who take vacations are less likely to experience burnout and are more satisfied with their careers. The study found that doctors who took regular time off were better equipped to handle the demands of their job and exhibited higher levels of job satisfaction and overall well-being. In addition, research from the American Psychological Association indicates that taking vacations can lead to lower stress levels, improved mental health, and better physical health outcomes.
Personally, I have found immense joy and meaning at “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Yes, I am one of those crazy Disney adults; the one who wears Disney shirts daily and talks incessantly about the latest movies or rides at any of the various theme parks. But this is a relatively new lifestyle that was born of pandemic trauma and burnout.
In December of 2021, I was not myself. Normally empathetic and compassionate, I had grown bitter and angry. Angry at the people who did not follow social distancing rules and refused vaccines. Bitter that my life had become filled with death and disabling illness that in many cases could have been prevented. I was working all the time because there were too many patients and not enough intensivists. I missed my family and was terrified that I would get sick or, worse yet, get my family sick and they would be one of the unlucky ones struggling to breathe in my ICU.
By the time Omicron came along I had nearly lost all empathy and compassion for my patients, and that broke me. I was close to leaving clinical medicine for industry and even had an offer to contemplate. But I decided to hold off on the decision to accept the contract until I got back from a Disney World trip where my whole family and I were headed to celebrate my 40th birthday. That was all I needed. After nearly two years of non-stop working, stress, fear, anger and sadness, I found myself at the Magic Kingdom. On New Year’s Eve with the Cinderella Castle in the background and fireworks in the sky, I ushered in 2022, and the 40th year of my life, in the arms of my loving family and cried.
I know it seems unbelievable that two weeks in Disney World truly changed my life, but it is true. I was able to reconnect with myself and my family in the most joyful and magical place on earth. I remembered why I went into medicine and what it meant to be a healer. When I returned to work, I was happy to be there. I was excited to see my colleagues and practice the craft that I had honed for so many years. And the best part of all, I was able to cry with my patients again, something that I had stopped doing during the pandemic when I had no more tears left to give.
Since that trip, my family and I have become obsessed with all things Disney. We are Magic Key Annual Pass holders and make the trek to Disneyland monthly.
By disconnecting from work and allowing time for relaxation and leisure activities, physicians can reduce the risk of burnout, boost their creativity, and enhance their overall quality of life. Prioritizing vacation time is not only beneficial for personal well-being but also essential for maintaining peak performance and longevity in one's career.
So, what are you waiting for?
Email Vanessa Walker, DO
