What is the reason why so many Americans are suffering from depression, burnout, low productivity, decreased creativity, failed relationships, stress, anxiety, heart disease, stomach ulcers, heart disease, and heart disease? You may not be able to relax or rest properly.

America’s work ethic is strict and emphasizes effort and extra time. However, overscheduling can cause creativity to be lost and even harm mental and physical well-being. Independent studies by the University of Leicester (and the University of Michigan) have shown that Denmark is the world’s most happy country. Denmark has the highest number of workers who receive 31 days of vacation per year.

American workers average only 10 vacation days per year. Many employees take advantage of this. Harris Interactive found that Americans did not take 438 million vacation days in 2007.

Nonstop work doesn’t make workers more productive. It actually reduces productivity. Relaxation can help to clear out frenetic energy from the mind and body, which in turn can dramatically improve mood and attitude. Workers can take time off to regain their sense of balance so they are more productive when they return to work.

SUCCESS Magazine’s editor and publisher, Darren Hardy offers these tips for Americans looking to recharge their batteries.

* Rephrase “time off.”Do not allow yourself to think about taking time off. Hardy calls his down time “off”. “Rejuvenation Time,”This sounds productive, purposeful and valuable.

* Schedule time for yourself. Make sure you mark vacation time in your calendar. Treat it like a scheduled appointment with Oprah and the Queen of England. Turn off your e mail and Blackberries when you take a vacation.

* Declare when you’re going on vacation. Let everyone know what you’re doing and when you won’t be available.

* Measure your time off. Measuring how often you eat dinner, naps, meditate and watch movies with your family is a good indicator of how much time you spend doing things you love. You can have fun once in a while if you don’t make enough time.

Visit this site for more information about how to balance your personal and professional life. www.SUCCESS.com.