President-elect Barack Obama recently created a media stir while vacationing in Hawaii. Photos of the shirtless Obama were all over the Internet with headlines like "Abama" among others -- that focused on his lean and muscled physique.
But what was more interesting to me is a quote about Obama's belief that leaders need to take vacations.
Over the summer, the soon-to-be "Most Powerful Leader of the Free World" visited with David Cameron, the head of the British Conservative Party in London and was overheard talking about how leaders need to take time away to think. Without downtime, Obama said, "you start making mistakes or you lose the big picture."
What?! Wow.
And the health benefits of time away have long been touted ... Vacations are believed to promote creativity, stave off burnout, help with job performance and even strengthen bonds. (Source: The Importance of Vacations, for Stress Relief, Productivity and Health)
While the idea of presidential vacations is hardly new -- (Bush has been to Camp David eight times during his time in office.) why do you think 'regular' Americans reportedly find it so hard to take time off?
And then while on vacation, why do we find it so hard to not check voice mail? Or put down our Blackberries? Have you experienced the benefits of taking time off? If so, what were they? And more importantly, do you think NOT taking time off makes people less healthy?