Vacation is important for mental health

DALLAS, May 28 (UPI) -- Taking a vacation -- getting away from work and your everyday schedule -- is not just a fun diversion, it's important to mental health, a U.S. expert says.

Dr. Munro Cullum, a psychiatrist and neurologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, says the brain needs a rest now and then.

"More and more we are flooded with information in ever-increasing quantities, with more 'to-do' lists, more to keep in mind and more things to remember -- such as passwords, PIN numbers, computer procedures, day timers, appointments, cell phones, e-mail -- not to mention the everyday demands of life in today's busy society," Cullum said in a statement.

"These things can add up to stress."

While some level of stress can help people going and hasten projects and accomplishments, if stress becomes too much, it can result in negative physiological reactions in the body that can facilitate the development of illness.

"Vacations need to be long enough to de-stress, although even a short break can be a bit rejuvenating. For a significant de-stressing, however, it may take several days just to get ourselves used to the idea of relaxing," Cullum said.