As a dental insurance broker, professionalism and productivity are imperative. Commanding the respect and affection of your co-workers and clients is also important. However, without a proper vacation, you may well be damaging your reputation, harming your health and diminishing your overall enjoyment of life. If your summer vacation plan does not involve a satisfactory amount of down-time, you need to re-evaluate. Three compelling reasons as to why brokers need vacations follow.

Health Benefits

Working long hours, and worrying about your performance is exhausting – both physically and mentally. Most Americans, however, feel as though they are unable to vacation, which is detrimental to their health and well-being. In fact, not vacationing puts them at higher risk of heart attack, one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Recent studies, however, show that women who take vacations are 50% less likely to have a heart attack and men that vacation reduce their risk by 30%. Convincing statistics and compelling reasons to vacation, aren't they?

Vacations Make You Happy

Happiness and job satisfaction are improved tremendously when individuals indulge in relaxation on a consistent basis. Therefore, regularly leaving the office behind for a true vacation will increase your happiness in the workplace. The weeks and days leading up to a vacation will be filled with anticipation and, perhaps even giddiness. In addition, vacations that lack stress, and encourage utter rest and relaxation have been shown to create happier employees for weeks afterward. Therefore, leave your cell phone and computer behind and simply be in the moment for a truly joyful experience.

You'll Do Better at Work

Most people don't take a vacation because they feel as though they have too much work to do. Time off will put them behind, or worse yet, they will be replaced. The truth is that you'll actually be more productive if you take time away from your work. You might think that relaxing is lazy and that you won't accomplish anything. That, however is completely wrong. Research shows that mental downtime actually helps you develop new skills. So, if you've been struggling to learn the new software system or process at work, you just need a little time off. That means completely relaxing, enjoying the scenery and forgetting about your job.

Don't spend the entire summer working, or thinking about work. Plan a fun vacation with your family or friends and truly let go and relax for a while. Not only will it be good for you physically and emotionally, but it will also pay off professionally. When you get back, that glow everyone sees won't just be from the sun, it'll be because your batteries are completely recharged and you're feeling great.