Many people take vacations but don’t really know how to take one effectively. Others foolishly say they don’t need a vacation. But everyone can benefit from getting away.^[1] As I write this, I am still feeling the benefits of a trip to South America that I returned from three weeks ago.

While most agree that taking vacations is a good idea, some report that the benefits are short-lived, disappearing quickly after returning to work. Why do some people benefit for longer than others? I think there are several reasons, some of which I’ve read about; others are simply my own experience.