Three simple tips for getting the most out of your vacation

Vacations are vital for our productivity and well-being.

According to a survey quoted by Doist, 90% of respondents reported that time off helps them relax and recharge, 65% indicated that it improves their concentration and productivity, and 85% said it makes them happier. 

Another study, which Alex Pang features in his book Rest, found that 71% of workers who take regular vacations reported being satisfied with their work – as opposed to just 17% of those who don't.

The problem with vacations, however, is that the benefits don't last very long. According to Pang, researchers tell us that energy, engagement and happiness are back to pre-vacation levels three to four weeks after the vacation. Also, happiness levels rise rapidly during the first few days, peak at around day eight, and either plateau or slowly decline after that.

These findings suggest that we should reassess the rhythm of vacations in our lives. As with disconnecting from work in the evenings and on weekends, frequency is more important than duration. Pang quotes psychologist and vacation researcher Jessica de Bloom, who draws an interesting comparison: "Vacations are like sleep: you need to take them regularly to benefit".

That’s why one helpful tip for getting the most out of vacations is to have more frequent, shorter ones ​– by going for a one-week vacation once a quarter instead of a two-week one twice a year, say.

As I'm well aware that the end of July might be a bit late to act upon these findings, here are two additional tips for improving any vacation – maybe even the one you're on right now.

First, mind the beginning. As per happiness researcher Elisabeth Dunn, the first couple of days are essential for both our looking forward to and looking back on the experience: "If these days are happy days, the vacation will be both anticipated and remembered with more fondness overall; if they aren't, then they'll drag down the whole thing". 

Second, mind the end. According to the "peak-end rule" by Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman, we unconsciously evaluate the quality of vacations based on averaging the most intense (the peak) and the last moment (the end). As Dunn explains, how a vacation ends matters a lot: "Going out with a bang, going on the hot air balloon or whatever on the last day of the trip, could be a good strategy for maximizing reminiscence".

In short, pay special attention to the beginning and end of your vacation. Of course, it doesn't have to be that “hot air balloon” experience. In times like these, including some buffer time at the airport goes a long way. So does treating yourself to a long, scenic walk at your destination – or enjoying a great meal on the first or last day of the vacation.

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Until next week,
Christian