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Holidays to Heal
Louise Page • February 11, 2025

When Holidays Fail to Refresh: Finding Genuine Rest for you Hard Workers

We all know the feeling: after months of relentless work, you finally take a holiday, only to return feeling just as exhausted as before you left. For many hard workers, the traditional holiday can sometimes fail to provide the rest and rejuvenation they desperately need.


In this blog, we'll explore some common holiday pitfalls and offer suggestions for science-backed ways to achieve genuine rest.

Common Holiday Pitfalls

Overpacked Itineraries


Example: Imagine planning a trip to Europe with the goal of visiting five countries in ten days. While the idea of seeing so many places might seem exciting, the reality often involves constant travel, early mornings, and little time to truly relax.


Why it fails: Overpacked itineraries can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. Instead of unwinding, you're constantly on the move, leaving little room for genuine rest.



Work-Centric "Breaks"


Example: A workaholic might take a "holiday" but still check emails, attend virtual meetings, or work on projects. This kind of break is more common than you might think, especially with the rise of remote work.


Why it fails: When work follows you on holiday, it prevents you from fully disconnecting and recharging. The stress and mental load of work remain, undermining the purpose of the break.



Social Overcommitment


Example: Spending your holiday visiting family and friends can be wonderful, but it can also become overwhelming if you're constantly socialising and have no time for yourself.


Why it fails: Social overcommitment can lead to burnout, especially for introverts who need alone time to recharge. Without personal downtime, the holiday can feel more like an obligation than a break.

Science-Backed Suggestions for Genuine Rest

Embrace Nature


Suggestion: Plan a holiday that involves spending time in nature, such as hiking, camping, or visiting a national park. Research shows that nature has a calming effect on the mind and body, reducing stress and improving mood.


Benefit: Nature-based holidays can provide a sense of peace and tranquility, helping you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.



Digital Detox


Suggestion: Commit to a digital detox during your holiday. Turn off your phone, avoid checking emails, and stay away from social media.


Benefit: Disconnecting from digital devices can reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to be more present and enjoy your surroundings fully.



Mindfulness and Relaxation


Suggestion: Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises into your holiday routine. Consider a retreat focused on relaxation and self-care.


Benefit: Mindfulness practices can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being. The encourage you to slow down and focus on the present moment.



Quality Sleep


Suggestion: Prioritise getting enough sleep during your holiday. Choose accommodations that offer a comfortable and quiet environment, and establish a relaxing bedtime routine.


Benefit: Quality sleep is essential for physical and mental recovery. It helps improve mood, cognitive function, and overall health.



Leisure and Hobbies


Suggestion: Spend your holiday engaging in leisure activities or hobbies that you enjoy but rarely have time for. This could be reading, painting, cooking, or any other activity that brings you joy.


Benefit: Engaging in hobbies can provide a sense of fulfillment and relaxation, helping you to unwind and recharge.

Holidays are meant to provide a break from the demands of work and daily life, but not all holidays are created equal. By avoiding common pitfalls and embracing science-backed strategies for genuine rest, you can return from your break feeling truly refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges.


Remember, the key to a successful holiday is finding what works best for you and prioritising your well-being.

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