Psychology Today: Get the Best Psychological Boost Out of Your Vacation
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“Anticipating your vacation offers some of the best mental health benefits. Most people think of vacations as a time to relax and unwind. But there’s an inherent amount of stress that comes with traveling, especially during a pandemic. What does science say about how much vacations actually help to reduce stress? And what can you do to get the most out of yours?
It turns out — and the evidence is crystal clear on this — a main psychological benefit of going on vacation is the anticipation of one. There are many studies that show vacationers see the strongest benefits in both their mental and physical health in the weeks leading up to their vacation.
One study, conducted by researchers in the Netherlands, measured the effects of vacations on happiness. Researchers found the act of planning a vacation yields a much larger boost in happiness — up to eight additional weeks of improved moods in anticipating the vacation. They also found the vacation led to an immediate boost in happiness, but those improvements fade within a few weeks.
It turns out that how you spend your time on vacation is important too. A 2016 study published by the University of Massachusetts Amherst surveyed more than 800 vacationers to determine whether vacations relieve stress or improve life satisfaction. The study identified some attributes of vacations that lead to stress relief. People who perceive they have control over their travel plans are more likely to feel less stressed after a vacation. Mastering a new skill and detaching psychologically from work during vacation also helps to reduce stress levels. The study also found that longer vacations provide more opportunities to achieve these goals, hence yielding greater benefits.“
KEY POINTS
Research shows that vacations offer a mental boost, especially in the days leading up to the trip.
Reminiscing about vacations provides a psychological benefit during difficult times.
Read the whole article here
#Vacation #MentalHealth #Well-being
💬 Do you like making plans for your vacation? Do you sometimes feel stressed before heading for a vacation? If so, how do you reduce it?
@globalBraid3744
Thank you for this wonderful article! Yes, I often get stressed before heading on a vacation! I think it’s part of the experience to feel a little stress, but it’s often counterbalanced by excitement and the thrill of travel and exploring the world. I often try to make sure I pack my bags as early as I can and I make sure to read up on rules that exist in that country and tourist places like: “10 things to know before traveling to x country” or 10 things to see in x country”. Basically, I try to gather as much information as possible to reduce my anxiety. Another key thing is to make sure to be early for the flight and to make sure tickets and passports are accounted for.
@professionalVision2624
These are all great tips, thank you for sharing! I think packing my bag early would also save so much stress for me! With only one bag being free this day, I usually do not pay for another because it tends to be more expensive than the tickets I buy haha. But then I cannot fit everything in and it is soo stressful.
@globalBraid3744 I love planning vacations, but I think I start to get stressed when it comes to booking the little things like snorkeling or other reservations! I am great with booking the flights and hotels, but I'll leav ethe other stuff up to the others 😂 I have considered a travel agent before, but I've never actually done it! I wonder if it would make a big difference.
@fruityPond7887
Oh really! Why is planning activities more stressful for you? For me, booking hotels and flights is more stressful as I usually feel more responsibilities. I think travel agents are helpful but I find the service overpriced.
@globalBraid3744 I think that it's more stressful for me because I worry that the activities I book aren't on reliable websites lol I think maybe it's just anxiety. 😂 What else is new haha
But in all honesty, I just think that I need more experience booking them and I'll feel more comfortable. I've never really booked the little things!
@fruityPond7887
I haven't thoughts about that! It makes sense.
It definitely only requires more experience before you can get comfortable with it :)
@globalBraid3744 Thank you for the encouragement! I hope it gets easier with time :)
@globalBraid3744 This such an interesting article! Thank you for sharing ^_^
@zealousGrace5023
My pleasure! I appreciate you taking the time to read it and reply.
@globalBraid3744 of course ^_^
