We can still take a break this summer
More than two months since lockdown began, many are weary of the endless uncertainties. But now, to make matters worse, our annual opportunity to relax and take a break from stresses is looking unlikely. In fact, your holiday may even have become another source of stress if you’re struggling to recoup a deposit, and/or if your new financial situation rules out the sort of break you’d hoped to enjoy.
The benefits of getting away are well established, although modest. In a survey of 3,451 Canadians in full-time employment, Margo Hilbrecht and Bryan Smale, at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, found those who took a holiday reported an increase in life satisfaction and general wellbeing. This finding was confirmed by Jessica de Bloom, at the University of Tampere in Finland, when she compiled the results of seven studies. She found a small but consistent decrease in exhaustion and health complaints as well as a modest increase in life satisfaction. The employees in her own study showed greater cognitive flexibility after taking a vacation.
Although holidays are beneficial, the positive effects fade surprisingly quickly. In another study, de Bloom found the levels of health and wellbeing returned to baseline within the first week back at work.
Other studies suggest the benefits rarely last beyond two weeks.
None the less, most of us would welcome a holiday this summer. How can you enjoy a break, despite current restrictions?
First, plan extensively. Jeroen Nawijn at Erasmus University, Rotterdam, surveyed 1,530 adults and found the greatest contrast in happiness between those going on holiday and those who were not happened during the planning stage.
Planning a holiday is not only enjoyable, it is something no one can restrict – and it doesn’t cost anything. Secondly, find ways to decrease responsibilities and workload. De Bloom found that workers who took a weekend away reported greater wellbeing than those who chose a staycation, and suggested it was because it is easier to ignore chores and obligations when away.
Turn off your devices and ban household chores, whatever form of break you choose to take.
You should also increase new experiences. Those de Bloom surveyed said this was key to increasing their sense of wellbeing. This isn’t easy if you stay home, but not impossible. Move furniture around. Put new bedclothes on your bed. Wear holiday clothing. Order in unusual foods. Create a home spa.
Try taking more staycations. They cost next to nothing, so you can enjoy them as often as you like.
Finally, if you feel you must get away, keep it modest. It’s easy to be lured by promises of the bliss of far-flung beaches. Holidaying nearby – those wonderful places you always intend to visit “one day” – keeps costs low and avoids all the extra stress of a long journey.