Research shows Americans work more, take less vacation, put in longer days and retire later than any other country in the industrialized world.

Productivity and stress management trainer and coach, Joe Robinson, author of, “Work to Live” and “Don’t Miss Your Life,” says the issue is driven by a number of factors – namely, work force cutbacks and lean staffing that make it difficult for people doing the jobs to get away.

This being said, there is plenty of research that shows the positive effects a vacation can have on your physical and mental well-being, whether you choose to travel or stay home. People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals.

Here are some of the benefits of taking time off.

Improved physical health.

Stress can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure. For both men and women, the New York Times reported, taking a vacation every two years compared to every six will lessen the risk of coronary heart disease or heart attacks.

Improved mental health.

Vacations are stress reducers. We emerge from a successful vacation feeling ready to take on the world again. Away time helps us to gain perspective on our problems, relax with our families and friends, and get a break from our usual routines.

Decreased burnout.

Workers who take regular time to relax are less likely to experience burnout, making them more creative and productive than their overworked, under-rested counterparts.

Happiness Booster.

Research shows the biggest boost in happiness comes from planning the vacation. A person can feel the effects up to eight weeks before the trip.

In today’s fast-paced, tech-reliant world, we can forget to take the time to unwind – to look up from our computers and phones and pay attention to the life happiness around us.

Bottom line: Enjoy and experience all that a vacation has to offer. Life is so much better when viewed through your eyes rather than your smartphone.