From the Chamber: Vacation

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Summer vacations for some are in full swing. It appears that the challenges of the cost of travel has not discouraged the need to take a break. Business leaders are sometimes torn between taking well-needed time off and worrying about their business while they are away.

I found these statistics in my library of articles and thought you might be encouraged to take some time to just enjoy!

“A vacation away keeps the doctor at bay.” Recent research and a number of experts are finding that the addiction of some of us for all work and no play is bad for our health. Alan Muney, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer for Oxford Health Plans says, “We need to take vacations seriously.” While we are pretty good at getting those important check-ups, we fall short when it comes time to take a vacation. Dr. Muney suggests that we need enough time to unwind. “A lot of what this is about is a mental attitude. When you come back, you should feel refreshed with a new perspective.”

Dr. Stephen Sinatra, a cardiologist at UConn School of Medicine says, “Too much work and not enough play is bad for the heart…He tells his patients who can’t afford a vacation that they can’t afford not to take a vacation.” He also adds that it is a wonderful time to spend with family and I certainly can attest to that.

An American Express survey found that 33 percent of those on vacation checked in with their office at least once a day. Brooks Bump, assistant professor of psychology at the State University of New York believes that the value of vacations “lies in the change of pace itself – getting your mind off daily worries…it’s taking time out from the everyday, relentless stressors…vacations have their unique, restorative powers.”

Mike MacNair, President & CEO of MacNair Travel Management in Washington DC says, “You have to make up your mind that you’re going to have a life, travel, recharge your batteries and spend time with family.”


I am taking this advice to heart and soon enjoying my family on a wonderful vacation by the sea. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our Board, volunteers and staff just about situated in our new office on Field Street, we are on track and things will run smoothly in my absence.

I cannot promise to ignore my emails but I will listen to good advice so that I return refreshed, re-juvenated and raring to get back to work. Wishing you the same words of wisdom.

JoAnn Ryan is President & CEO of the NW CT Chamber of Commerce. You can reach her by email: [email protected] or phone: 860-482-6586.

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