Even though there are many articles warning of the perils associated with overworking, many people still choose to forgo vacations.

A 2015 survey from Glassdoor found that US employees only use half (51%) of their eligible paid vacation time.

“Some people are simply workaholics. Many employees feel they are already too behind in their work and they fear falling even further behind if they take their vacation,” explains Michael Kerr, an international business speaker and author of “The Humor Advantage.”

“Some are worried about their boss’s perception, especially when no one else is taking their vacation. And some employees in a highly competitive industry are even fearful it can cost them their job either because it will reflect poorly on their work ethic or it will leave an opening for a colleague to prove themselves while they’re away.”
However, not taking regular vacations is a proven recipe for burnout that can lead to major health issues, he warns.

Here are 12 signs you desperately need a vacation from work:

1. Signs of chronic stress, such as chronic tension headaches, back strain, stomach issues
2. You’re having trouble sleeping
3. When you begin missing important events in your personal life
4. You’re starting to make more mistakes at work
5. You’re no longer enthusiastic about your work
6. You’ve lost your sense of humor
7. Molehills routinely become mountains
8. Your entire life revolves around your work
9. You can only think about work to the exclusion of most other things in your life
10. You start making unhealthy choices to cope with stress
11. You have no energy at all to participate in any fun activities
12. You daydream about anything but work

Source: Business Insider