Time for a week off work…time to relax, de-stress, clear your head…but what kind of effect does a holiday have once you’ve returned to the workplace? After a few days back many of us can already contemplate another long break from the office.

Just how long does vacation relief last? One study in Psychology Today found that a mere three days post-vacation, workers were already showing signs of stress; three weeks after returning to the job, burnout levels were the same as they were before the trip.

A holiday gives us something to look forward to. And without that break once in a while, could we ever really unwind? Regardless of the hell we may have to come back to, it’s a good chance to be with friends and family and do activities we couldn’t normally do during the work week. Take advantage of vacation time so you can do a better job at work.