Vacationing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Vacation time doesn’t have to mean jumping on a plane to a faraway destination. There are many ways to enjoy time away from work that requires minimal planning and still gives you a chance to recharge.

The benefits of taking a vacation

Reduce burnout

Vacation time provides the opportunity for a mental and physical break and reduces stress induced fatigue.

Live a longer, healthier life

Taking time off from work can decrease stress levels, improve your immune system, promote better heart-health and reduce risk for heart disease.

Promote a stronger work culture

People who take vacations are significantly happier and in return, are more successful in their job. Employees help contribute to a strong work culture when they are happy and most importantly, well-rested.

Not sure how to spend your vacation time during a pandemic? Here are a few suggestions

Get active

Gyms, fitness centres and other activity centres are offering free live streams, and virtual pre-recorded classes.

Enjoy your downtime

Give yourself a break from social media and dust off that paperback you never got around to finishing.
Create a vacation soundtrack. From the vibrant sounds of Spain to steel drums from the Caribbean, bring your dream destination to you.

Start planning (or daydreaming)

Plan your next celebration, a dream vacation, or even a meal plan for the upcoming week. Getting organized helps you declutter your mind and your bucket list.

Travel (without leaving the comfort of home)

Take a camping trip in the backyard, complete with a tent, flashlights and snacks.
Enjoy a virtual tour of an aquarium, museumor zoo.
Take a (themed) virtual trip. Think Italy, with Bocelli playing in the background, while sipping Barolo.

Get social

Host a virtual games night with friends and family. Platforms such as kahoot are great for online games.
Random acts of kindness pay dividends. Make an anonymous donation or mail a letter to a friend.

The bottom line here is that vacation is important for all of us, regardless of our role. If you aren’t sure about your vacation time entitlement, speak to your manager today.

Additional Resources

Republish this Article for Free

Republish this Article

We believe in the free flow of information. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivs 2.5 Canada (CC BY-ND 2.5 CA), so you can republish our articles for free, online or in print.

All republished articles must be attributed in the following way and contain links to both the site and original article: “This article was first published on Daily News. Read the original article.”

Vacation time doesn’t have to mean jumping on a plane to a faraway destination. There are many ways to enjoy time away from work that requires minimal planning and still gives you a chance to recharge.
<h5><strong>The benefits of taking a vacation</strong></h5>
<strong>Reduce burnout</strong>

Vacation time provides the opportunity for a mental and physical break and reduces stress induced fatigue.

<strong>Live a longer, healthier life</strong>

Taking time off from work can decrease stress levels, improve your immune system, promote better heart-health and reduce risk for heart disease.

<strong>Promote a stronger work culture</strong>

People who take vacations are significantly happier and in return, are more successful in their job. Employees help contribute to a strong work culture when they are happy and most importantly, well-rested.
<h5><strong>Not sure how to spend your vacation time during a pandemic? Here are a few suggestions</strong></h5>
<strong>Get active</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Gyms, fitness centres and other activity centres are offering free live streams, and virtual pre-recorded classes.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Enjoy your downtime</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Give yourself a break from social media and dust off that paperback you never got around to finishing.</li>
 	<li>Create a vacation soundtrack. From the vibrant sounds of Spain to steel drums from the Caribbean, bring your dream destination to you.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Start planning (or daydreaming)</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Plan your next celebration, a dream vacation, or even a meal plan for the upcoming week. Getting organized helps you declutter your mind and your bucket list.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Travel (without leaving the comfort of home)</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Take a camping trip in the backyard, complete with a tent, flashlights and snacks.</li>
 	<li>Enjoy a virtual tour of an <a href="https://wbkr.com/free-virtual-aquarium-tours-from-across-the-world-video/">aquarium</a>, <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/75809/12-world-class-museums-you-can-visit-online">museum</a>or <a href="https://www.wanderwoman.ca/virtual-tours/">zoo</a>.</li>
 	<li>Take a (themed) virtual trip. Think Italy, with Bocelli playing in the background, while sipping Barolo.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Get social</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Host a virtual games night with friends and family. Platforms such as kahoot are great for online games.</li>
 	<li>Random acts of kindness pay dividends. Make an anonymous donation or mail a letter to a friend.</li>
</ul>
The bottom line here is that vacation is important for all of us, regardless of our role. If you aren’t sure about your vacation time entitlement, speak to your manager today.
<h5><strong>Additional Resources</strong></h5>
<ul>
 	<li><a href="https://hr.mcmaster.ca/why-vacation-is-important/">Why Vacation Is Important</a></li>
 	<li><a href="https://hr.mcmaster.ca/guiding-principles-for-2020-vacation-time/">Guiding Principles for 2020 Vacation time</a></li>
</ul>

Media Enquiries

Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 24073
Email: comms@mcmaster.ca

The Communications and Public Affairs Office is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

The University has a broadcast quality television studio to facilitate live and pre-recorded interviews with media. Learn more about our experts.