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Summertime is synonymous with vacation time. Many Americans, however, struggle to take vacation.

Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) Dr. David Ludden, a psychology professor and the Psychology Department chair, said that vacations have become work vacations.

“It’s easy to think, ‘They need me’ because it gives you a sense of importance, and that makes it hard not to be checking and responding to work email while on vacation,” he said. “There is even an expectation that you should answer work emails and calls. We are a consumer culture, which is marked with a need to make more money to buy more things.”

“There needs to be a change in attitude so that we can really have vacations and get away from work,” he added. “It boils down to what you value more: work or time away.”

In fact, Expedia just released its 24th Annual Vacation Deprivation Report, which states that 53% of Americans don’t plan to use all of their vacation time this year. On average, Americans struggle to take 12 days off annually. Additionally, Americans are twice as likely to go an entire year, or more, without taking time off.

Studies throughout the years demonstrate the benefits of vacation.

“Taking time away helps with stress management, and that helps improve your overall health,” said Ludden. “You’ll come back feeling happier, and all of these things help improve your mental health.”

Ludden shared two important tips to help make vacation time a priority.

“Turn off your work email,” he said. “That way, you’re not tempted to keep checking it and responding while you’re on vacation. Second, make it a priority to enjoy your time off, whether it’s traveling, going on adventures, or simply relaxing.”