As summer approaches, many are gearing up for their annual holidays. While most people recognize that taking time off is beneficial, the extent to which holidays positively impact our health is often underestimated—by both employers and employees.
Dr. Jason Seewoodhary, a former Worcestershire GP, emphasizes that holidays are not merely leisure but a vital component of maintaining mental and physical wellbeing. “Holidays improve mind, body, and soul,” he states, encouraging the community to prioritize regular breaks.
Reducing Stress and Enhancing Mental Clarity
One of the most immediate health benefits of a holiday is stress reduction. Work-related pressure is a common cause of chronic stress, which poses significant risks to overall health. Time off allows individuals to rest, recharge, and mentally declutter, fostering improved concentration, heightened creativity, and renewed motivation.
Improved Mood and Sleep Quality
Stress often leads to poor sleep, which can trigger negative emotions such as sadness, anger, and frustration. This, in turn, worsens sleep quality, creating a harmful cycle. Holidays provide an opportunity to reset sleep patterns, contributing to better mood and cognitive function. The American Psychological Association notes that even an extra 60 to 90 minutes of nightly sleep can significantly boost memory and concentration.
Physical Health Benefits
Regular holidays have been linked to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks. In one study involving 749 women, those who vacationed less than once every six years were found to be eight times more likely to develop heart problems compared to women who took holidays twice a year. Additionally, holidays encourage healthier habits such as increased physical activity, balanced diets, and time outdoors—activities that raise vitamin D levels and strengthen the immune system, bones, and joints.
Long-Lasting Positive Effects
New research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology reveals that the positive effects of holidays can endure for weeks. While wellbeing tends to dip moderately after returning to work, it remains elevated for up to 21 days—and potentially as long as 43 days—suggesting that more frequent breaks, such as every six weeks, could be beneficial.
Interestingly, holidays combining time at home with time away yielded better wellbeing outcomes than trips spent entirely away from home. Longer vacations offered greater wellbeing boosts but were also followed by sharper declines once the holiday ended.
The study further found that the activities undertaken during holidays matter: physical exercise and socializing contribute most to improved wellbeing, whereas passive or skill-learning activities showed little effect.
Guidance for Employers and Employees
Researchers urge employers to offer as much vacation time as possible and foster a workplace culture that does not penalize employees for taking leave. Dr. Seewoodhary echoes this sentiment, urging individuals to prioritize their health over work demands.
“Life is for living,” he concludes, “and making the most of your time off is essential for both physical and mental health. Don’t let work consume you—take your holiday and enjoy the benefits this summer.”
