If Barack Can Take a Vacation ---

--- then so can you!

The Obama's are vacationing on Martha's Vineyard this week, and they are getting a considerable amount of heat for it. And not just from the August sun. The word is that with so much going on with Barack's Healthcare Reform initiative, how could he possibly take a vacation NOW?

He probably needs it.

We all know that there is no good time to take time off. I certainly feel that way and I'm not one of the leaders of the free world.

But the truth is that vacation time is really essential to our well-being, and makes us even more productive in our work. It helps to reduce stress and it gives us the kind of quality time we need to re-kindle relationships with our friends and family. In a nutshell, vacation time enhances our wellness.

Now I know you all believe me intellectually when I say this, but actually unplugging from work is a lot harder. But with stress levels at an all time high, we need our time away more than ever.

LifeClever.com has a great article that should provide all the added inspiration you need to get out of the office. The site highlights 7 benefits of vacation time that can help you to:

- live longer

- improve mental health

- revamp your relationships

- recapture your childhood

- gain self confidence

- find creative inspiration

- become more productive

Gain self confidence ... didn't think about it that way! Among that list, I find the notion of being a kid again to be the most immediately relevant. When on vacation, we get to get up when we want to get up, eat when we want to eat, spend as much time as we want exercising or reading or watching tv as we want --- we get to do what we want when we want to. Just like when we were a kid.

Talk about a stress-reliever in an otherwise time-starved, overly-scheduled life!

So if you haven't spent any time away from work yet this year, use this blog post as inspiration to make some plans. The planning can often be the most fun part, even if it's just a "stay-cation."

LifeClever.com also has some tips for how to take a vacation:

- create a vacation fund

- let your boss and coworkers know early

- don't ask, declare it

- book your flights and hotel early

- pack light

- leave your Crackberry at home

- wear headphones

- try sleeping pills

- don't plan every minute

- don't cut your vacation time short

If you want to read the full article, click here: http://www.lifeclever.com/7-great-benefits-of-taking-a-vacation-and-how-to-do-it/

So if you haven't put aside your own vacation time for the year yet, please remember how vitally important it is to your personal health and well-being. I'm getting on the phone to plan it right now!

Hope this finds you well -- Jim.