The race to the poolside sunbeds is on this summer, with around 66% of Brits heading abroad for their annual holiday.[i] Despite the rising cost of living, many of us are prioritising a break from normality – and there are many benefits of doing so.
Supporting mental health
Taking a break from work, even if only for a few days, can have a significant impact on our mental health. It helps us feel rested and less anxious, and improves our mood.[ii] In as stressful a profession as dentistry, this is essential for all individuals. Such a break can help us reset and recharge, preparing us for the latter half of the year and allowing us to continue working hard to support our patients.
Anecdotally, we also all tend to spend more time outdoors when we go away – even if staycationing in the UK. There is plenty of evidence to show that this alone can enhance mental wellbeing, further reducing stress and increasing quality of life.[iii]
Physical health advantages
Beyond the psychological advantages of taking a break and changing up the routine, there are some physical benefits to enjoy too. One nine-year study published in 2000[iv] found a link between holiday frequency and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Researchers assessed middle-aged men at high risk for CHD and reported that more holidays were associated with a lowered risk of all-cause mortality, as well as mortality specifically attributed to CHD.
Another, slightly less academic, study in 2016[v] found that 10% of participants surveyed after a holiday felt their skin condition had improved and 6% had experienced weight loss since returning.
Reducing the headache
For all those fellow principals who fear the stress of leaving the business behind for a week or two, there are some things we can do to prepare:
- Plan ahead – schedule a gap in the appointment book and ensure your holiday doesn’t clash with any important dates like professionals shows, training courses or equipment testing days.
- Delegate – have another clinician on stand-by for patient emergencies and allocate day-to-day management of the practice to your manager or an associate for the time you are away so you know someone competent is in charge.
- Be sure to cut off – even if only for a few days at a time, allocate time during which you will not check emails or be contactable for work matters.
The conclusion, as far as I can see, is that holidaying is good for your health and wellbeing. It’s a must for us all! So, if you haven’t got your break booked in, get it in the diary soon.
About the Author:
EndoCare, led by Dr Michael Sultan, is one of the UK’s most trusted Specialist Endodontist practices. Through the use of the latest technologies and techniques, the highly-trained team can offer exceptional standards of care – always putting the patient first. What’s more, EndoCare is a dependable referral centre, to which dentists from across the country send their patients for the best in specialist endodontic treatment.
References:
[i] YouGov. Britons on the move: A look at the 2024’s top travel trends. April 2024. https://business.yougov.com/content/49277-britons-on-the-move-a-look-at-the-2024s-top-travel-trends [Accessed July 2024]
[ii] Scott E. How to take a break from wok (and why you need to) November 2023. https://www.verywellmind.com/why-you-should-take-a-break-3144576 [Accessed July 2024]
[iii] Burnett S. Time spent outdoors improves mental health and wellbeing. National Trust for Scotland. January 2024. https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/time-spent-outdoors-improves-mental-health-and-wellbeing#:~:text=The%20research%20also%20found%20that,enhances%20their%20quality%20of%20life. [Accessed July 2024]
[iv] Gump BB, Matthews KA. Are vacations good for your health? The 9-year mortality experience after the multiple risk factor intervention trial. Psychosom Med. 2000 Sep-Oct;62(5):608-12. doi: 10.1097/00006842-200009000-00003. PMID: 11020089.
[v] Reported by Mail Online. Revealed: why taking a holiday really is good for you with hidden benefits including better skin, weight loss and even a higher sex drive. April 2016. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3517543/Why-taking-holiday-REALLY-good-hidden-benefits-including-better-skin-weight-loss-higher-sex-drive.html [Accessed July 2024]
