Americans have a notoriously complicated relationship with vacations. We get time off to take vacations, but far too many of us are reluctant to use it. This could be for many reasons including having too much work to get done for example. But many of you will skip out on a vacation because you think it will make you look bad in the eyes of your supervisors.

It sounds silly to those of you who use your time off and take vacations. It is a shame, really. But what is really sad is that these people who skip out on taking vacations suffer more than just time off not sitting on a beach or enjoying fine dining on a cruise ship. There are unhealthy consequences when you don't take regular breaks from work.

Ameriden, your source for Rhodiola Rosea, offers the consequences of not taking a vacation.

Recharge

There are probably some repetitive activities associated with your job. And when you do the same things day in and day out, it robs you of your mental flexibility. So when your boss asks you to be creative to solve a problem, you are tapped out and unable to help.

The solution is to take a vacation. A vacation gives your brain a break and your mind a chance to recharge.

Stress

A recent study found that vacations are a great way to reduce stress. In a conclusion that should be of no purpose, it seems that by removing yourself from the environments and activities that are the source of your stress, you enjoy reduced stress. That makes sense.

Depression

One study, in particular, determined that people who failed to take regular vacations were more likely to suffer from depression. The study found that people who take vacations at least once a year enjoyed higher levels of positive emotions. Plain and simple, they were happier.

Heart Disease

You may want to sit down for this.

There are been several studies, many of them long-term, that highlight the benefits your heart enjoys when you take vacations. One study, in particular, showed that men who don't take vacations were 30 percent more likely to have a heart attack compared to those who took vacations on a regular basis.

A different study found that those who take vacations on a regular basis were 21 percent less likely to die from heart disease. In a nutshell, not taking a vacation can kill you.

Productivity

Many people are afraid that taking a vacation will cut into their productivity. After all, you can’t expect to get any work done while you are sipping margaritas on a sunny beach.

This makes sense, but just the opposite is true. In fact, people who take frequent vacations are more productive than those who don’t. Employees who refuse to take time off are actually the ones with lower productivity.

There was one study that found for every 10 hours of vacation an employee takes, their performance ratings improve by over eight percent. That is a significant number.

So as you can clearly see, taking a vacation will not have any negative effect on your productivity.

Relationships

Spending quality time together is one key to a warm and successful relationship. It’s too bad that many relationships suffer because someone feels professional pursuits are more important.

Spending too much time at work and not taking days off will take a toll on your relationship. A vacation will allow you to reconnect with your significant other and keep them in your life.

Power Off

It is getting harder and harder to power off these days. Even when we get home from work, many of us feel obligated to check emails on our tablets or smartphones. Basically, our electronic devices stretch our work hours from nine to five to from when we wake up until we go to bed.

By taking frequent vacations, you allow yourself to disconnect from your computer and hopefully from your smartphone and tablet as well. In doing so, the downtime allows you to recharge.

If you are afraid your boss might need you for something, simply tell him or her that you are going camping and won't have any internet or cell phone service.

Stay healthy by taking supplements from Ameriden and by taking frequent vacations.