How Often Do You Really Need a Vacation? Here’s What the Experts Say

Let’s face it – if you haven’t taken a break since the summer, you’re probably feeling the burn. According to a recent poll, the average person needs a vacation every 110 days to stay mentally healthy and keep their sanity intact. Yep, that’s about three vacations a year to recharge and keep that work-life balance in check.

So, What’s the Deal with Paid Time Off?

The survey also revealed something a little concerning: only 18% of people actually use up all their paid vacation days. For most of us, that means we’re leaving vacation time on the table—five unused days, on average. And, nope, they won’t roll over into 2025. Bye-bye, extra days off!

But here’s the kicker: even when we do take time off, it’s not always to chill. In fact, less than 40% of our vacation time is spent actually relaxing. Instead, people are using their time for things like running errands, doctor’s appointments, handling family emergencies, or even taking staycations.

Related: Why Going on Vacation Feels Like a Job in Itself: The Pre-Vacation To-Do List

The Breakdown: What Are We Really Doing with Our Vacation Days?

Instead of lounging by the beach, we’re running the marathon of adult responsibilities. Here’s how most of us spend our time off:

• Vacations (the actual vacation kind)
• Personal time at home
• Doctor’s appointments
• Staycations (because, hey, sometimes the couch wins)
• Family emergencies
• Running errands
• Childcare duties

Why You Need to Take That Break (Seriously)

Here’s the thing: work is tough, and we’re not always great at balancing it with personal life. Taking regular breaks is crucial for maintaining mental health, creativity, and overall well-being. So if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to take some time off, consider this your sign. Whether it’s a big vacation or just a few days to catch your breath, taking a break is not only good for you, it’s actually necessary.

Got any vacation days left? Time to make them count!