Why and how you should holiday
I don’t wish to boast, but I am just back from a fantastic holiday. Two weeks of relaxing, of which ten days was spent in Bali where we sunned, swam, and celebrated a friend’s milestone birthday. Absolute bliss!
It got me thinking about the true value of holidays. We all know how refreshed we feel after a break from the regular fast pace of life where the demands of work and personal lives can often have us feeling overwhelmed. Whether it's a short weekend getaway or an extended vacation, holidays offer loads of benefits that contribute to our overall well-being.
After my lovely break, and recognising how good I am feeling, I thought it was worth looking into the advantages of taking holidays, comparing the benefits of longer versus shorter breaks, and providing insights on the ideal frequency and length of holidays for optimal health improvement.
The Health Benefits of Holidays
Holidays are not just a luxury; they are a necessity for maintaining good health. Let’s take a look at why this is the case:
1. Stress Reduction
One of the most immediate benefits of a holiday is the reduction in stress levels. Chronic stress is linked to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression. Taking a break allows the mind and body to relax and recover, leading to lower stress hormones such as cortisol.
The importance of lowering cortisol levels can’t be understated. Moderate to high levels of cortisone may lead to health issues such as chronic disease (e.g. high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes), weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, concentration issues and lack of energy. Start booking that trip now!
2. Improved Mental Health
Holidays provide a much-needed respite from the pressures of everyday life. This break can help prevent burnout and improve mood and mental clarity. Engaging in activities you enjoy, whether it’s lounging on a beach, exploring a new city, or hiking in nature, can lead to increased happiness and a more positive outlook on life. In fact, The University of Pittsburgh’s Mind-Body Center found vacations increase pleasant emotions while reducing depression. Powerful stuff!
3. Enhanced Physical Health
Your physical health can be improved during holidays due to increased physical activity and better sleep. Many people engage in activities such as swimming, hiking, or simply walking more when they are on vacation. For those of you who sit at a desk most of the week, holidays often deliver far more movement even if it is just between the sun lounge and the pool! Additionally, the relaxation that comes with a holiday can lead to better sleep patterns, which are crucial for overall health.
4. Increased Productivity and Creativity
Stepping away from work can actually make you more productive and creative. A change of scenery and a break from routine can stimulate new ideas and perspectives. In fact, Lin -Manuel Miranda came up with the idea for the Hamilton musical while on holidays. “It’s no accident that the best idea I’ve ever had in my life — perhaps maybe the best one I’ll ever have in my life — came to me on vacation,” he shared. “The moment my brain got a moment’s rest, Hamilton walked into it.” What could pop into your mind if you take a break and allow some space for creativity and not just a list of chores you need to remember?
5. Strengthened Relationships
For some, getting some quality time with family and friends is a focus when it comes to planning a holiday and for good reason. Think about all those wonderful shared experiences and amazing memories you create when you move away from the hustle and bustle of day to day existence. During my trip, I tried an ice bath with the encouragement of my fellow travelers and that is certainly an amazing experience that will stay with all of us for time to come.
Aside from the actual holiday itself, there’s nothing more special than looking back at holiday snaps or reminiscing about the fun you all had – it strengthens emotional connections and fosters a stronger sense of belonging.
Longer vs. Shorter holidays
When it comes to getting away, both longer and shorter breaks have their own unique benefits. There’s no better or worse option, it’s what might suit your diary or your budget. Personally, I think a mix of both across a year are important but let’s take a look at them both:
Shorter Breaks
Regular recharge: Shorter breaks, such as long weekends or mini-holidays, provide frequent opportunities to recharge and escape the daily grind. These can be particularly effective for reducing stress and preventing burnout. Science Direct discusses the fact that even a two day break delivers positive effects on perceived stress and well-being.
Less Disruption: Shorter holidays are less disruptive to your routine and work responsibilities. They require less planning and can be easier to fit into a busy schedule. Get your overnight bag ready and get yourself on the road straight after work on a Friday night to maximise your time away!
Quick Boost: A short break can offer a quick boost in energy and morale, making it easier to return to work with a fresh perspective. Think of those fantastic quick getaways with a partner or group of friends. You might be tired when you get home on Sunday but I bet you feel revitalised at the same time!
Longer Breaks
Deep Relaxation: Longer holidays provide more time to shake off the stress and focus on more relaxation and recovery. When life has been particularly busy, it sometimes takes a week or so to really feel like you are in the moment and truly enjoying your holiday experience.
Immersive Experiences: With more time, you have more opportunity to really engage in all your holiday location has to offer. Whether you go local or head overseas, a longer break provides the time to take in more of the culture or experiences that your destination has to offer.
Longer disconnect from work: Disconnecting from your work is really important when it comes to overall health as it plays into a healthy work/life balance that we are all trying to get right. It all plays into supporting your health and all those points I listed above – reducing stress, improving mental and physical health, increasing your productivity and creativity and giving time to important relationships. Disconnecting means truly turning it all off. Don’t check emails, don’t agree to that short meeting, no phone calls – all of this interrupts your break and short circuits the benefits of your holiday. Put yourself and your health first!
There’s plenty to love about holidays and it seems that it doesn't matter if you take lots of short breaks or save up your time for a super sized getaway. The important thing is that you make sure you make the time to holiday and you savour every sweet moment you get to enjoy with friends, family or even on your own. Your health will thank you.