Why Your Brain Craves Vacation Time [Infographic]

When's the last time you took a real vacation? Not just a long weekend, but a real vacation -- one with some serious rest and relaxation time?

If you're scratching your head, you're not alone. In fact, according to the U.S. Travel Association, workers typically fail to take even five vacation days a year.

But you're not doing yourself any favors by riding out the wave at work. As it turns out, 77% of HR professionals believe that employees who use most or all of their vacation time are actually more productive on average than those who don't.

When it comes down to it, your brain actually craves -- and depends on -- that time off to help you reboot your concentration and satisfaction. Check out the infographic from Expedia below to learn more about the importance of vacation time and how it affects your brain. (And read this list of clever out-of-office replies to use when you do finally book that trip.)