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Research shows it takes a really superior break to instill lasting happiness. In a 2010 study,
researchers found that only vacationers who deemed their breaks
“very relaxing” felt notably happier upon returning to everyday life.
Vacationers who reflected on their
time off as “relaxing,” “neutral” or
at all stressful noted no change in
happiness after re-entry. For those
who had “very relaxing” holidays,
that post-vacation glow lasted
eight weeks(!) after returning to
work, Rodale reported.
So how do you capitalize on
those weeks of potential bliss?
“It is to be expected that you
would feel a little let down [after
vacation],” says Robin Haight,
PsyD, a clinical psychologist in
Tyson’s Corner, Virginia, “but
it’s not inevitable. If you’ve really given yourself a good vacation, coming back to your routine
doesn’t have to feel bad.” One
way to do that?
“Make sure you are on vacation when you’re on vacation,”
Haight says.
Taking some time to prepare
can ensure that you have that key
“very relaxing” time away. And a
few easy steps can help you avoid
the irritability, anxiety, lack of
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08.18.13
Researchers found that
only vacationers who deemed
their breaks ‘very relaxing’
felt notably happier upon
returning to everyday life.”
motivation and problems focusing that all together add up to the
dreaded post-vacation syndrome
upon your return. (Note: Should
your funk persist, the problem
may not be simply post-vacation
letdown. Consider consulting a
mental healthcare provider,
says Haight.)