Close your eyes. When you think of the word “vacation,” where are you?

A tropical island, lying on the beach with a drink in your hand as waves gently wash ashore? Maybe you’re on the trails, hiking through nature at a national park. How about another country, soaking in the history and sampling decadent cuisine?

From planning your itinerary to the expense and then the avalanche of emails and work when you return, sometimes a vacation can seem like too much trouble.

But your health depends on it.

The Journal of Applied Psychology recently published a review on the immediate and long-lasting impact of going on vacation.

Among the findings: people who take vacations not only reduce their stress and levels of exhaustion and depression, but they lower their overall risk of death as well as complications from heart disease and metabolic issues, such as high blood pressure and high blood sugar. And, of course, you rest more, which is beneficial if you find yourself sleep-deprived.

There are several ways to maximize the positive effects of taking a trip.

It all starts with unplugging from work. That means deleting your email app on your phone if need be. You should limit the time you spend taking work calls or answering emails to once a day or better yet, not at all.

Be active on vacation. The more physical activity you get, the better the health outcomes.

It’s about living in the moment, making memories and cherishing the time you spend with loved ones. Even if it’s hard to get away for one long vacation, schedule several short ones throughout the year.

Your family will thank you, and so will your body.