A holiday shines brightly on your calendar, with those crossed-out days holding as much allure as a trip to France or the Caribbean. What could be more appealing than escaping the pressures of work and family for a week or two, whether on a beach or in a distant city?
However, the reality often falls short of expectations, as anyone who has struggled to connect to hotel Wi-Fi can attest. The much-anticipated weeks of vacation can sometimes lead to disappointment and increased stress for many individuals.
“Holidays can be a mixed blessing,” notes Amos Szeps, the CEO of Peoplemax, a specialized leadership coaching and well-being practice. “While they offer much-needed relaxation and perspective, they can also bring about disillusionment and heightened stress. Understanding our own psychological tendencies can help ensure that our time off enhances rather than diminishes our well-being.”
There are ways to make the most of your holiday, no matter how difficult it is. If you find pleasure in packing for a trip, keep reading for tips on making the most of your time away.
The Benefits of Holidays
Enhanced Happiness Through Travel
“Exploring a beautiful destination and returning to the essence of human existence can be truly fulfilling,” remarks Szeps. Numerous studies have confirmed that recreational travel boosts positive emotions.
A study by Dutch researchers in 2016 tracked individuals before and after their vacations, revealing that travel elevates happiness, well-being, and life satisfaction. These positive emotions stimulate curiosity, learning, and play, expanding individuals’ cognitive and emotional horizons.
Stress Reduction Opportunity
“Holidays provide a chance for your nervous system to relax in beneficial ways,” explains Szeps. The stress of a demanding job often keeps cortisol levels high and testosterone levels low, hindering creativity and reflection in daily life.
In a tranquil beach setting, cortisol levels can decrease, offering a reprieve from the constant workplace pressures. “Moving away from the office environment removes the noise and defensive mindset, allowing for reflection, decision-making, and relaxation,” adds Szeps.
Clarity of Thought
The same 2016 study assessed participants’ cognitive flexibility before and after their vacations. Individuals were asked to brainstorm various uses for common objects, such as a hammer, in a limited time frame. Interestingly, most participants demonstrated improved creative thinking after their holiday.
“Time spent on a beach provides the mental space to contemplate significant life decisions, such as career changes or relocations,” says Szeps.
Heart Health Benefits
Long-term studies have underscored the importance of vacations on physical health. The Framingham Heart Study in 1992 revealed that men who don’t take vacations face a 30% higher risk of heart attacks, while women face a 50% higher risk.
Challenges of Holidays
Anticipation vs. Reality
The year-long anticipation leading up to a vacation can sometimes result in unexpected stress and disappointment when the actual experience falls short. Unforeseen challenges like flight delays, sleepless nights, or subpar accommodations can disrupt the anticipated bliss of the holiday.
“The pressure to be happy during a vacation can exacerbate negative emotions,” Szeps points out. While it’s acceptable to feel discontent at work, experiencing similar emotions during a holiday can be disheartening.
Personal Challenges Persist
The concept of “doing a geographical” in addiction psychology highlights the misconception that changing locations will automatically resolve personal struggles. Szeps emphasizes that individuals carry their internal challenges wherever they go, and external changes may not lead to lasting happiness.
“You remain the same person regardless of your location. Personal contentment is relatively stable over time and isn’t drastically altered by environmental changes,” Szeps explains.
Absence of Daily Challenges
Human beings are wired to face challenges and overcome obstacles as part of life. Vacations, especially extended ones, can create a void devoid of these essential struggles, leading to stress and discomfort.
“We thrive on challenges, and friction is inherent in life,” Szeps notes. The sudden absence of obstacles, typical of a holiday setting, can induce stress. Unexpected irritations like sand discomfort or service issues can disrupt the expected tranquility.
Re-Entry Challenges
As individuals acclimate to the holiday routine and unwind, transitioning back to daily life can be jarring. Work-related stressors, commuting woes, and interpersonal challenges may seem more pronounced after a break.
To address these post-holiday challenges, Szeps suggests focusing on long-term contentment and finding joy in everyday experiences to reduce the reliance on vacations for happiness.
Optimizing Your Holiday Experience
Distribute Annual Leave Strategically
Rather than taking extended vacations, consider spreading your annual leave across multiple short breaks. The British Psychological Society suggests this method to stop vacation benefits from evaporating too quickly and to assist people keep a good work-life balance.
Engage in Physical or Structured Activities
Setting physical or intellectual challenges during your holiday can enhance fulfillment and personal growth. Whether embarking on a challenging trek, volunteering for a meaningful cause, or exploring your heritage, structured activities can add depth to your vacation experience.
Manage Your “Out of Office” Message
Follow the example of Daimler car manufacturer in Germany by setting clear boundaries in your out-of-office message. Consider ending your out-of-office notification the day after your return to alleviate pressure and surprise correspondents.
Control Email Check-Ins
Balancing work communication while on vacation is crucial. Limiting email checks to a specific time each day, as demonstrated in a German study, can reduce stress for executives who prefer staying informed during their time off. Maintaining self-determination in managing work-related correspondence is key.
Ease Back Into Work
Returning to work mid-week can help ease the transition and lessen the shock of re-entry. Plan relaxing activities post-work to preserve the positive effects of your vacation experience.