Doing the same things over and over, every single day, can become a bit too much to handle for anyone. Be it sitting in front of a computer for a long time, or traveling to work, working a hectic job and traveling back, or even doing the same set of domestic chores every single day – if you are not able to break away for some time, you are sure to end up feeling more fatigued and demotivated than you probably ought to be. That is because when monotony sets in, the mind tends to become numb, and that hampers one’s creativity and passion to do whatever you are doing. So the best way to give our best at any work, is actually by stealing ourselves away from it for sometime. That is why people take breaks. Be it small five to fifteen minute coffee breaks in between your work, or a five to fifteen days holiday, breaks help people rejuvenate themselves and come back to work with a fresh mind. While most people do take the smaller breaks invariably without fail, when it comes to the longer ones, i.e. the vacations, some are not as eager. A lot of reasons are cited – 1. I have no leave. 2. I have deadlines approaching at work. 3. Finances are tight. 4. It seems ridiculous to spend so much on holidays when we need to be saving up, especially with the economy being what it is. Believe me, these are some excuses I have heard from real people, not made up. Whenever I hear such responses, the first thing that crosses my mind is – “There will always be excuses no matter how good or bad you are faring. The secret lies in taking that break despite these excuses and coming back with greater productivity which will eventually reflect in the way you fare.” Vacations and holidays need not always be luxurious and expensive affairs. You can have fun even on a shoestring budget. All you need is the will to do it, followed by some diligent planning. The will is the primary key here. Let me give you some good reasons now to reinforce that will – Vacations Clear The Clutter Too much work can make your mind hazy. And I am not just talking about ‘office work’. Even domestic work, 24/7 parenting, or studying will have the same effect. The longer you put your mind through the same routine, the lesser it will be able to think clearly. You need to get away for some time to clear your mind, so that you can get back to the routine with a fresh perspective. Holidays Nurture Creativity Many a successful individuals would tell you that he or she got this great idea while on a vacation, and came back to implement it to resounding success. When the clutter clears up, creativity blossoms. Vacationing in a place away from where you belong, meeting people from different cultures, different schools of thought, opens up the mind to a great extent. This provides a fertile nurturing ground for innovative thoughts that one will be able to bring back to their work. Breaks Keep Relationships From Breaking Think about it, on weekdays, how many of us even get the time to look at our partner’s or children’s face and have a conversation? How many of us get the time to sit with them and find out what is going on in their minds? Vacations give us the golden opportunity to come closer to our loved ones. The quality time spent with the family cements any misgivings in relationships and stabilizes your domestic life. A stable home is, without doubt, the best anchor for a great work-life. So what are you thinking about still? Look up those hill-stations or beaches you have always wanted to visit, plan a holiday soon and have the time of your life. This holiday season, actually enjoy the holidays, before coming back with renewed enthusiasm and zest to take on the routine once more.