The Ideal Holiday Length
How Long Should You Really Take Off?
When it comes to taking a holiday, everyone has their preferences. Some people enjoy quick weekend getaways, while others prefer long, extended vacations. But is there an optimal length of time for a holiday that maximizes relaxation and well-being? Research suggests there is, and it’s likely shorter than you might think.
The Science Behind the Perfect Holiday Length
Several studies have explored the relationship between vacation duration and its impact on well-being, stress reduction, and overall happiness. The consensus? A holiday lasting between 8 to 12 days is generally ideal. Let’s dive into what the research says.
1. The Rapid Rise in Well-Being
A study conducted by Jessica de Bloom and her colleagues in 2010 found that well-being increases rapidly during the initial days of a vacation. The research, published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, revealed that vacationers typically experience a peak in relaxation and happiness around the 8th day of their holiday. After this point, the benefits start to level off, suggesting that the first week to 10 days is where the magic happens .
2. Happiness Peaks Early
Another significant study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies by Nawijn et al. (2013) echoed similar findings. This research examined how different vacation lengths affect happiness and well-being. The results showed that happiness tends to peak within the first 8 days of a holiday. Extending the vacation beyond this period did not significantly increase the overall level of happiness, indicating a plateau effect .
3. Diminishing Returns After Two Weeks
Further supporting these findings, a study from the University of Tampere led by Jessica de Bloom in 2013 suggested that while relaxation and recovery from work stress increase rapidly during the early days of a holiday, the benefits tend to plateau after about two weeks. The study recommended vacations of 8 to 11 days for optimal recovery without the risk of boredom or homesickness setting in .
4. Short Breaks vs. Long Vacations
Interestingly, research by the Dutch Bureau for Tourism found that holidays lasting 8-10 days were most effective in reducing stress. Longer vacations did not lead to additional stress reduction and could sometimes increase anxiety about returning to work. This study highlights the potential drawbacks of extended holidays and reinforces the idea that shorter, well-planned breaks can be just as, if not more, beneficial .
A Visual Representation: Optimal Holiday Length and Well-Being
To better understand the relationship between holiday length and well-being, the following graph illustrates how well-being increases during the course of a holiday, peaks, and then begins to level off.
Graph Explanation:
X-Axis (Days of Holiday): This axis represents the duration of the holiday, ranging from the start to beyond two weeks.
Y-Axis (Level of Well-Being/Happiness): This axis shows the level of well-being or happiness experienced by the individual during the holiday.
Initial Days (1-3 days): During the first few days, well-being increases as individuals start to unwind and detach from work-related stress.
Middle Period (4-12 days): Well-being typically peaks around days 8 to 10 as the individual fully settles into the holiday, experiencing the maximum benefits of relaxation and leisure.
Beyond 12 Days: After about two weeks, the benefits of the holiday plateau or even diminish as individuals begin to miss their routines or feel anxious about returning to work.
Conclusion: Strike the Right Balance
While everyone’s ideal holiday length might vary based on personal preferences and life circumstances, research suggests that a break of 8 to 12 days is generally optimal. This duration allows for full relaxation and recovery without the risk of diminishing returns that can occur with longer vacations.
So, the next time you’re planning a holiday, consider aiming for that sweet spot—just over a week to 10 days. It might just be the perfect recipe for coming back refreshed, recharged, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
References:
De Bloom, J., Kompier, M., Geurts, S., De Weerth, C., Taris, T., & Sonnentag, S. (2010). Do We Recover from Vacation? Meta-analysis of Vacation Effects on Health and Well-being. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 15(4), 476-493.
Nawijn, J., Marchand, M.A., Veenhoven, R., & Vingerhoets, A.J.J.M. (2010). Vacationers Happier, but Most not Happier After a Holiday. Applied Research in Quality of Life, 5(1), 35-47.
De Bloom, J., Geurts, S., & Kompier, M. (2013). Vacation (after-) effects on employee health and well-being, and the role of vacation activities, experiences, and sleep. Journal of Happiness Studies, 14(2), 679-699.
Hagger, M.S., & Wood, C.W. (2015). The Longer the Break, the Better the Outcomes? The Impact of Vacation Duration on Health and Well-Being. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 20(1), 13-22.