3 Tips to Overcoming Vacation Guilt This Fourth of July

As we head into an extended holiday weekend, it’s the perfect time to talk about something many of us quietly struggle with: vacation guilt.

Taking time off should be restorative and joyful, yet for a surprising number of people, it’s laced with anxiety, second-guessing, and guilt. The truth? Using your paid time off isn't just a perk—it's essential to your well-being.

A Forbes article highlights just how serious overwork can be: “Working 55 hours or more a week was associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from heart disease than a workweek of 35 to 40 hours.” That means taking regular breaks—including actual vacations—could quite literally save your life.

But it’s not just about survival. Time away from work also boosts productivity, creativity, and overall job satisfaction. So, if time off is that beneficial, why are so many of us leaving it on the table?

According to the Harvard Business Review, Americans gave up 768 million days of unused vacation in 2018 alone, with over 30% of that time completely forfeited. That’s a lot of rest, recovery, and joy left behind—all while burnout continues to rise.

One major reason? Vacation guilt. It’s a real and common emotional hurdle. Maybe you worry your team will struggle in your absence. Maybe you feel you haven’t “earned it” yet. Or perhaps there's a looming deadline that’s hard to ignore.

If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and the good news is that guilt doesn’t have to win. Here are 3 tips to help you overcome vacation guilt and actually enjoy your time off this Fourth of July:

1. Work for a Company That Supports Work-Life Balance. Guilt is harder to shake when it’s built into the culture. Seek out (or advocate for) an organization that values time off as part of long-term productivity. When leadership sets the tone that rest is necessary and encouraged, taking your PTO feels a lot less like a risk and more like what it is—a right.

2. Shift Your Mindset. Time off isn’t a weakness or a luxury—it’s a smart, healthy investment. Rested employees are more creative, focused, and engaged. You’re not abandoning your team by taking a break—you’re recharging so you can show up even stronger when you return.

3. Plan Ahead. One of the best ways to ease vacation guilt is to prepare. Wrap up key projects or delegate tasks in advance. Set clear expectations with your team and create an out-of-office plan. This not only shows accountability but also allows you to unplug with peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: So as the fireworks light up the sky this weekend, remember: you deserve to enjoy your time off—guilt-free. Rest isn’t just good for you, it’s good for everyone around you. Happy Fourth of July—and happy unplugging!