Most people look forward to going on holiday at least once a year, sometimes more. The Christmas season can often be made into a short getaway whilst summer vacations are often longer.
Going away for a few days or a week or two can be a great stress-reliever. There are a number of reasons for this:
Change of space
When you go on holiday you are in a different environment and this can be good for you. Whether it’s a 5-star hotel or a tent in a forest – it’s a change. It gives you something new to see and experience which gets your attention out. Anything which gets your attention out helps to relieve stress.
Trying out new things
Whilst on holiday you can be tempted to try out new things. Whether this is going for a boat ride, trying new foods, skiing for the first time etc. Any new thing tried is something to engage your interest. When your interest is engaged in new things stress reduces.
You get to rest and sleep more
On holiday you’re more likely to relax and rest during part of the day. If you like a leisurely holiday where you read a lot then that’s great for reducing stress. Even if you spend the whole day hiking you can take rests in between and take in the view. People often find they sleep better when they’re on holiday because they’re not thinking about everyday problems. And if physical activity is involved in the holiday it also helps you to sleep better.
You get time to ‘breathe’
Taking time out to ‘breathe’ is important. This isn’t just physical breathing but more like mental breathing. You give yourself a chance to relax. Your idea of relaxing may be sky-diving and hang gliding – even so, you’re actually taking time to breathe in comparison to your day-to-day activities.
Stress-free holidays
Whilst being on holiday can reduce stress, the lead up to the holiday can be stressful. This is due to everything that has to be done to actually leave to go on holiday! Here are a few ideas of ways to reduce stress before a holiday:
- Book your holiday well in advance where possible
3 months before
- If going abroad make sure your passport is valid
- If going to the USA make sure you have the relevant visa/ESTA that’s required
- Arrange travel insurance
- If going abroad where vaccinations are encouraged or mandatory arrange to get these done
2 weeks before
- If you have a pet that needs to be cared for, make arrangements with a friend or family member to do this
- Make a list of anything you need to buy to take with you on the trip – sun cream, bikini, books etc. and go shopping
1 week before
- Make a rough plan of the clothes you’re going to take and get these washed and ironed
- Dig out your suitcase – this gives you time to get a new one if needed
- Get foreign currency for the trip if needed
- If you’ll be travelling to an airport work out how you’re going to get there – taxi, friend, bus etc.
24 hours before
- If travelling by car, fill up with petrol
- Book the taxi to the airport
- Write a list of everything you plan to take with you. Divide it up into categories like clothes, toiletries, electrical items etc. Include a section “for the journey” for things you want to carry on your person
- Pack your suitcase with everything but the last minute toiletries, ticking off your list as you go. You will then have a few items left to tick off just before you leave (toothbrush, mobile phone, passport etc.)
- CHILL OUT – spend the evening chilling out – watching a nice movie, enjoying a nice meal etc. Get to bed at a reasonable time so you don’t start your journey the next day on little sleep. Lack of sleep is one of the worst ways to start a holiday!
The Day!
- Pack your last few bits that are unticked on your list
- Have some breakfast
- Pack some snacks for the journey
- Check everything is safe and secure in your home (gas, electric, water, lights etc.)
- Leave home in plenty of time if you need to be at the airport or bus station. Leaving late just adds unnecessary stress
- One last check you have your passport (if needed) and mobile phone
- GO ON HOLIDAY AND ENJOY!
