Business, consumer and economic tidbits from DNT reporter Candace Renalls. Click here to view previous posts or additional resources.

Wired, vacations offer us little escape

The great thing about cell phones, smartphones and laptops is you can always be reached.

The bad thing about cell phones, smartphones and laptops is... you guessed it... you can always be reached.

That makes truly getting away from work and everyday stresses all the more difficult. Only half of working Americans come back from vacations feeling rested and rejuvenated, according to a story this week in the Wall Street Journal. That's even as 56 percent say they need a vacation more than ever.

Granted, some of us know how to tune out and relax. But in general working folks are having a harder and harder time detaching and getting away from it all, not just physically, but mentally. It doesn't help that 49 percent of employers expect workers to check in with the office while they're away, the Journal reports.

The story quotes Edward T. Creagan, a medical oncologist who writes the Mayo Clinic's stress blog: "It's been my experience that an 'out of office' respnse means nothing anymore. We're driving ourselves wacko with no time to power down."

While some people thrive being forever plugged in, the article suggests some are addicted to the adrenaline rush from stress. They gravitate to it. They create it.

They can't relax. Put them on a beautiful sandy beach and they can't last 15 minutes.

But there's hope.

For those who have trouble relaxing, the Journal says vacations should involve physical activity and mental stimulation. Try something new on vacation. Have a plan but be flexible in case you get bored. Limit expectations of you while you're gone. Take an extra day before and after your getaway to ease in and out of vacation mode.

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