"Vacation is what you take when you can't take what you've been taking any longer."

~Unknown

I was watching a webcast the other day about stress and its impact on the United States. I was surprised to hear that stress is the number one factor that contributes to our aging faster than normal. Number one!

There was also a question that that was presented that still has me thinking. There is a link between stress and vacation levels saying that longer vacations produce less stress in leaders. Do the results mean that those who take longer vacations feel less stressed? Or is it that the less stressed they feel, the more vacation they are able to take? Either way, it's interesting to think about.

Well, summer is 2/3 over and have you been able to take a holiday? I use the word holiday because it sounds so European and classic to me. I started to take a look at some of the words associated with vacation and here's what I found:

So when we think of your stress level and a way you can decrease it, think of a re-treat and treating yourself again to some time away.

My wish for you the rest of this summer is when you are on holiday, enjoy your vacation time in one of your favorite recreational areas and vacate your mind of worries. Retreat to seclusion and privacy (or to an asylum)...it's your choice.

Step into leading and play a Bigger Game in your life...don't wait...model leadership...the World needs us to do this...and do this by retreating.

Lead Strong!

Pat

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THE FOUR C'S OF STRESS HARDINESS

A study had been conducted in large organizations undergoing reorganizations, to identify how people coped with stress. Researchers observed that while most people exhibited high levels of stress symptoms, some individuals seemed to be thriving, and were able to transform stress into a productive, rather than destructive, process.

These "stress-hardy" individuals all had certain traits in common: they viewed themselves as in control of their circumstances; they felt a commitment to their work and to the organization; and they saw the changes going on as a challenge rather than a threat to their well-being. (Later studies added a 4th variable: a sense of connection to one's co-workers and/or strong social support networks.)

1. CONTROL (VS. POWERLESSNESS)

• Focus on what you can control; try to let go of the rest
• May not be able to control feelings, but can control how you express them
• Can also control: attitude, overall outlook, how well you work, how you treat others, how well you take care of yourself, daily routines

2. COMMITMENT (VS. LACK OF MEANING)

• Having a sense of purpose in life, and at work, reduces your susceptibility to illness
• Normal for level of commitment to fluctuate over time
• When changes occur, time to re-evaluate goals and renew commitments

3. CHALLENGE (VS. THREAT)

• Chinese character for "change" contains both "crisis" and "opportunity"
• Without some stress and change, we would fail to grow and thrive
• To make a conscious decision to accept the challenge is energizing

4. CONNECTION (VS. ISOLATION)

• Importance of support networks, both at work and in your personal life
• Someone to talk with, to "reality check" your perceptions
• Human need to feel understood

Source: Unknown

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• 20-Minute Vacations: Quick, Affordable, and Fun "Getaways" from the Stress of Everyday Life by Judith Sachs
  
  
• Insist on vacations and lunch breaks to relieve workplace stress. (SMALL BUSINESS HELP LINE): An article from: San Diego Business Journal by Joanne G. Sujansky
  
  
• Five Good Minutes at Work: 100 Mindful Practices to Help You Relieve Stress & Bring Your Best to Work (Five Good Minutes) by Jeffrey, M.D. Brantley and Wendy Millstine
  

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• Here's a link to an article about the importance of vacations, for stress relief, productivity and health.
  
  
• Stress Management - a Human Resources article with links to multiple articles with tips on managing stress at work, minimizing workplace negativity, reducing burnout and much more.
  
  
• How Mini Vacations Treat Stress - A two and a half minute You Tube video that reminds us to take a mental stress break often throughout the day.

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