For thousands of years, countless cultures have required holidays. Why? Non-work days are vital to human health. They can,
- Improve physical health by hiking, swimming, surfing as well as paddleboarding, kayaking and other activities that build muscle and endurance.
- Uplift emotional wellbeing by stress-free activities that release endorphins, the natural painkillers that promote better moods
- Enrich work productivity by allowing mental refreshment and creativity
- Lengthen life by improving physical and emotional health
- Raise life satisfaction by combining the first four elements
In “The Time Off Work Employees Are Entitled to,” Statista.com reports,
Austria leads all countries with 38-day statutory minimum paid leave. plus the public holidays. Spain and France follow with 36 days off for workers. Germany and the UK guarantee 30 and 28 work-free days. Germans also enjoy up to 14 public holidays, potentially upping their holiday allotment to a whopping 44 days.
Of the United States, Statista.com adds, “The country is the only advanced economy that doesn’t guarantee paid vacation, leaving employees with only ten guaranteed public holidays. Even though some companies are generous and provide their employees with up to 15 days of paid leave annually … , In neighboring Canada, employees receive ten paid days off per year on top of nine public holidays.”
In Old English, the word halig meant, “holy, consecrated, sacred; godly; ecclesiastical.” It’s from Proto-Germanic hailaga (source also of Old Norse heilagr, Danish hellig, Old Old Saxon helag, Middle Dutch helich and more, early European languages.
The Oxford English Dictionary says the combination holy + day first meant, a day specially dedicated to religious observance or religious festivities. In the 1400’s, holiday meant, A day on which work, school, and other ordinary activities of a community are suspended, or on which shops, offices, etc., are closed; a day dedicated to leisure or recreation. Later also: a day specially dedicated to recognizing or honouring someone or something.
In “9 Reasons Holidays Are Important, villiers-hotel.co.uk asks,
Q: Do I really need a holiday?
A: Taking regular holidays is important. Allowing yourself to relax and rejuvenate during these breaks helps your body and mind escape the daily routine.
Q: Why do people like holidays?
A: People enjoy holidays as they offer an escape from their daily routines, which can often be stressful. These special times … allow us to do what we want and relax.
Allow more holidays!
Succeed and Soar!
Sandra Gould Ford
Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire.
Radiant Tree Books
The Best Journey presents wisdom for a well-lived life. The book contains vibrant photographs taken at Latrobe, Pennsylvania’s Amtrak station. The book is also a journal with space for personal notes.
This beautiful, 5×8″, 32-page book vividly illustrates precious wisdoms for life well lived. Also available for immediate, PDF download. A lovely gift.
Available as:
- 5 x 8, 32 page handbook $12.50
- Immediate download PDF $9.99
- Preview here
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