Why a sabbatical is good for your health

Is it time you left your stress in the departure lounge and jetted off to pastures new?

To any stressed employee, the thought of a sabbatical from work sounds like absolute heaven, but, without proper planning, the reality can prove to be rather different.

Author Robert Levine has enjoyed several sabbaticals in recent years, with varying results. And in his new book, Power Sabbatical, he describes his experiences and offers a host of useful suggestions to help others get the best out of their extended break from work.

The kind of sabbatical he refers to is definitely not just a long and expensive holiday.

He explains: 'I define a power sabbatical as a sabbatical focused not just on rest and rejuvenation, but also on achieving greater life and career focus and achievement. As the 'power walk' has an aim beyond just getting from point A to point B, and the 'power nap' is about more than just sleep, the power sabbatical serves many needs.'

Robert is clear that although redundancy, stress and job dissatisfaction are among the most common and justified reasons for taking a sabbatical, many others simply reach a stage where they long for more out of life.