The need for vacation is not just once or twice per year as us Americans like to think. We need rest far more frequently.
The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz make the point in their book that as humans we tend to view ourselves much like the machines we utilize. The computer continues to hum along awaiting our next instruction or foray onto the Internet. Except for needing fuel and occasional maintenance, our vehicles motor on down the highway. Rather interesting coincidence that our nodding off while driving is the cause of many accidents. What, or rather who, is the unreliable component here?
Humans are not machines and function far better with periods of rest and recovery. We are aware of the sleep cycle of 7-8 hours each night, although many of us try to short-cut that. Most of us experience another lull in the afternoon, a time when we reach for a sweet or salty snack when a 10-20 minute nap would bring us far more benefits and fewer calories.
There is yet another rhythm that cycles in 90 to 120 minute intervals. By paying more attention to this rhythm, we have more energy throughout the day. Here is an example: Say a report to management is due in three days. You spend the first two hours of the morning working on the report, then take a 10-20 minute break and move on to another type of work, such as calls to clients. You may not have finished the report, but instead you have planned another 2 hour time period to resume your work. By taking these breaks, varying our work and recharging with a nap, we will have far more energy (and time) in our days.