If you are like me, the New Year serves as a time of reflection—a time to look back at the previous year and set goals for the upcoming year. As you reflect on the previous year, did you use all of our vacation days? Did you take time to just relax and be pampered? Did you escape the stress of the everyday? If you are like most Americans, you did not.

This year, I am asking all of our readers to resolve to take vacation. Even if you can’t escape to a Secrets Resort & Spa to be pampered in the ultimate relaxing setting, it is important to take a break from daily life. It is proven that vacations have many benefits, besides just creating happy memories. Vacations promote creativity and strengthen our bonds with loved ones. They help to stave off burnout and keep us healthy. And believe it or not, they can help your job performance!

What are some of your other resolutions this year?