We all know them, they are at the office in the wee hours of the morning and the last ones to leave in the evening. They are usually extremely productive and are viewed as extremely dedicated to their work. They sacrifice their vacation time because there is simply too much to get done. They’ve sometimes earned the title of “workaholic.” What many of us often overlook is that putting in these extremely long hours without taking the time to rejuvenate may actually be harming our team more than it is helping.

Working in the IT industry, like many other professions, requires long hours of continual focus and concentration. We are challenged with solving complex technical and non-technical issues on a daily basis. We manage multiple projects and deal with dozens of team members, vendors, and executives simultaneously. This fast-paced and highly demanding work environment will eventually take its toll on you if you do not schedule time to separate yourself from your work and rejuvenate.

Here are a few of the many benefits of taking regular vacations:

Get a new perspective: You may have heard analogies of being “too close to the project” to see the solution clearly. Sometimes when we take a break from our projects we will return with a fresh perspective and keener problem solving skills.

Reduce stress: Most of us know that when we are stressed out we make poor decisions. Taking a breather will allow us to unwind and relax. With a relaxed mind and body we will be able to think more clearly and handle difficult situations with a level head.

Improve health: If you find yourself taking more sick days than usual this may simply be your body telling you that it needs a break. A vacation will allot you the opportunity to get more sleep, exercise, and pay more attention to your diet. A rushed lifestyle may lead us to become sleep deprived, eat fast food, and to be sluggish as we sit at our desk all day.

These are just a few of the many benefits of taking some time away from work. Turn off the cell phone and avoid checking your email for a few days and you will be rewarding yourself and your coworkers in the long run.