Labor Day is coming up, but that doesn't mean all Americans are taking the day off.
A survey from the U.S. Travel Association says not enough Americans are using their vacation days. In fact, the study found U.S. workers wasted a record-setting 658 million vacation days.
There's proof that those vacation days can do the mind and body some good.
A group of doctors found that people who did take days off to do things they enjoyed had better blood pressure levels, lower stress levels and had an improved body mass index. They were also less likely to be depressed or feel negative.
All these effects were seen in people who took at least one week of vacation per year.
Experts also say it's not about quantity, but about quality.
So, if you can't take an entire week off from work, no worries! Just make the time off worth it by doing things you actually enjoy and spending it with people you like.
Another benefit-- the same study says people who take more time off are more likely to get a promotion or a raise.
The amount of time people take off differs from state to state. Workers in Idaho are leaving their vacation time on the table. According to a new report from Wallet Hub, Alaska is the hardest working state, while people in Michigan take it the easiest.
