In an increasingly fast-moving world, marked by work obligations, deadlines and sometimes even work overload, vacations are more important than ever. They help us get rid of accumulated tensions, clear the mind and regenerate the body.
And it’s not exactly something we should take lightly. A study conducted over two decades with more than 700 people, revealed that those who took vacations less than once every six years were 8 times more likely to develop heart problems compared to those who took vacations twice a year.
It does not end there. Another research carried out over 5 years with 1,500 people found that those who went on vacation once every two years or less, were more likely to suffer from depression or feel dissatisfied and unhappy in their relationships, as opposed to those who took vacations twice a year or more.
The moral is that the more time we spend working, without disconnecting, the more our stress level increases, which will not only take a toll on our mood and relationships, but also on our body. However, any type of vacation is not worth it either.
When holidays stress us out and exhaust us more
Anyway, vacations are not a panacea. It is not enough to get away from work to achieve the desired relaxation, relieve tension and recover from fatigue. In fact, a study conducted in the Netherlands revealed that many people do not feel happier and more relaxed when they return from their vacation.
Further analysis indicated that vacations do not automatically generate happiness, especially when we experience moderate or high stress related to the trip. The stress generated by planning all the details of the trip, tying up loose ends at the destination, managing transportation, not being familiar with the place or the feeling of insecurity contribute to travelers feeling less happy and more stressed, and having less energy at work after returning from vacation.
Therefore, the satisfaction, happiness and relaxation that vacations usually bring depend largely on how we experience them. A vacation that is poorly planned, stressful, or full of activities that generate tension or exhaust us eliminates the benefits attributed to free time.
Fortunately, not all trips are the same. Could a less stressful trip make us happier and help us recharge our batteries? Are there those perfect vacations that allow us to relieve stress?
3 keys to enjoying a relaxing vacation
A stressful, exhausting and poorly planned trip eliminates the benefits of a vacation. There is no doubt. The good news is that a survey by the Applied Positive Research Institute with more than 400 travelers, paints a clearer picture of what travel should be like to enjoy a relaxing and reinvigorating vacation that makes us happier.
1. Plan the trip in advance. 90% of people who feel satisfied and relaxed on their vacation have planned the details of the trip more than a month in advance. On the other hand, researchers have found that planning things at the last minute usually generates a higher level of stress, probably due to tension and uncertainty. Therefore, choose your destination and start planning your vacation with enough time to allow you manage everything without getting stressed.
2. Choose a destination far from home. Although staying at home allows us to rest, this survey revealed that the level of happiness increases with trips out of the city and skyrockets with those outside the country. A study carried out at the University of Helsinki, for example, found that holidays in the Tropics are usually very relaxing and their benefits extend when we return home. However, it is not necessary to go that far, the most important thing is to get a change of scenery, which is why also some Spain vacations can be ideal for relaxing, resting and replenishing energy thanks to its excellent climate, particularly on its islands, where you can breathe an atmosphere much more relaxed that will end up influencing you positively.
3. Not having to worry about the details. 74% of people consider the most stressful aspect of traveling to be planning the details. Last minute changes, transportation, as well as plans on site are often a source of additional stress that prevents them from relaxing and resting. If you want to avoid these problems, the ideal is to organize a travel agenda or simply book in one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Europe and you forget about everything.
In fact, in the era of Airbnb, all-inclusive resorts continue to be a non-negligible option to enjoy and rest since they not only avoid economic worries, because vacations are paid for in advance, they also tend to provide a more relaxing and carefree stay that allows us to truly disconnect from the routine and stress that is felt in big cities.
In addition, many of these options include flight and transfer, and even excursions at the destination, so that we avoid all the stress that comes with having to plan each of the details of the trip. Therefore, they are the perfect alternative to travel without worries.
Of course, try to make your vacation start from the moment you leave home. When you are at the airport, choose a Wi-Fi-free zone. Instead of staying attached to your phone, read a book or do something else that connects you with leisure. We need 12 to 24 hours to disconnect from work and completely relax, so if you wait until you arrive at your destination to begin that process, you are shortening your trip.
Finally, remember that the less stress you experience while traveling, the more you will get out of your free time. A well-planned vacation in a relaxing environment can make you happier and help you release stress and tension, so you can return to work more energized and with memorable experiences in your life.
References:
Laukkala, T. et. Al. (2022) A Two-Week Vacation in the Tropics and Psychological Well-Being—An Observational Follow-Up Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health; 19(16): 10381.
Achor, S. (2014) When a Vacation Reduces Stress — And When It Doesn’t. In: Harvard Business Review.
Nawijn, J. et. Al. (2010) Vacationers Happier, but Most not Happier After a Holiday. Applied Research Quality Life; 5: 35–47.
Chikani, V. et. Al. (2005) Vacations improve mental health among rural women: the Wisconsin Rural Women’s Health Study. WMJ; 104(6): 20-23.
Eaker, E. D. et. Al. (1992) Myocardial Infarction and Coronary Death among Women: Psychosocial Predictors from a 20-Year Follow-up of Women in the Framingham Study. American JournalofEpidemiology; 135(8): 854–864.
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