How Vacation Affects the Mood and Well-being
Hearing the sound of waves, feeling sand under your feet, exploring a new city, taking a long bike ride, or relaxing on the couch watching TV—everyone has their idea of the perfect holiday. No matter what you choose, it all offers benefits. Rest is not just a luxury; it is essential. It also relates to good brain health.
A study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry shows that having a plan and sticking to a daily routine helps improve happiness and peace. Routine makes the mind feel safe and confident. But it’s important to keep a balance.
If each day is the same with no new experiences, life can become boring. We get stuck in routines and stop paying attention to the present moment. Over time, this can make life dull. A good way to break this cycle is a vacation.
Scientists have found that doing something new helps the brain grow new connections and repairs old ones. Whether it’s trying a new cafe or traveling abroad, new experiences are like workouts for the brain. This ability, called neuroplasticity, helps us change habits, let go of unwanted ones, develop new skills, and fight stress.
In short, taking a vacation boosts creativity and flexibility of thought.
Traveling, being with loved ones, reading, or walking outside all stimulate the brain. These activities release chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins that make us happy. They also lower cortisol, which is linked to stress.
Research shows that just thinking about a vacation can lower stress. As the trip gets closer, people often notice their heart beating slower and feeling calmer.
Signs that you need a break Your brain can tell you it’s time to rest in many ways.
Feeling down as Monday approaches.
Getting tired from repetitive tasks.
Feeling overwhelmed when small problems seem big.
Having decision fatigue, where choosing becomes too hard.
Feeling pessimistic and losing hope.
Becoming more irritable than usual.
Struggling to focus or stay on task.
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy.
Avoiding work, even when it’s due.
Seeing a drop in your productivity and work quality.
Your body is sensitive to stress and exhaustion. It may warn you through worsened health or existing conditions.
You might say things like, “My vacation was fun, but I need another one.” That’s not true. A vacation helps refresh the brain and improve your mood. Going straight back to the normal routine can be stressful. To avoid that, give yourself a day to relax and get used to returning home before jumping back into work.