Article June 24, 2002 ISSUE

On getting away from it all

By Merelice

THERE'S A LOT OF CURRENT REFLECTION (plus many books) on the value of balance in life. It has become a truism that people's lives are healthier and happier when they tend to all their needs: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Where does taking a vacation or having leisure time fit in?

I'm generally a strong advocate for vacations. Over the years as a department manager, I urged co-workers to use, not lose, their vacation time. After they returned from their holiday, they and their work were often refreshed—but not always.