Researchers have given the ideal length of vacation.
Going far and for a long time to recharge the batteries is the dream of many French people, especially when daily routine and work end up taking precedence over a necessary and well-deserved rest. But what is the ideal length of vacation to really enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed or lost when you return? It seems that the answer is more nuanced than one might think and that a long vacation is not that beneficial.
While many French people plan a long break in the summer, mainly in August, the latest research is enough to make us think about the benefits of this famous summer break, which very often lasts around three weeks of leave. According to a researcher, it is difficult to determine an optimal length of vacation because everyone relaxes differently. However, this research suggests that staying too long can make getting back into your daily routine more difficult, while vacations that are too short don't allow you to fully decompress.
Research indicates that after a certain period of time, the beneficial effect of vacation begins to diminish. Indeed, a study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies demonstrated in 2022 that travelers' well-being peaks around the eighth day before falling back to normal levels a week after returning to work, even after an extended vacation. three weeks or more.
Taking several small breaks instead of one long period is a strategy that some experts recommend. This allows you to maintain a high level of well-being throughout the year without feeling overwhelmed by returning to work. Indeed, the frequency of vacations seems to have a more positive impact on happiness and general well-being than the duration of vacations.
For those who work during the week, a week's vacation is often ideal. It corresponds to a complete work cycle and provides sufficient time to rest without disrupting sleeping or daily life habits. Additionally, according to Susan Whitbourne, a professor emeritus cited by the Washington Post, taking just three or four days can be too rushed and stressful, while seven days provides the perfect balance of relaxation and time to prepare for return.
Using your days off strategically by aligning them with holidays can maximize time spent on vacation without feeling overwhelmed upon return. A week, or 7 to 8 days, seems to be the ideal compromise for most workers. This time allows not only sufficient disconnection but also easy readjustment to the usual routine without the stress of a rushed return. The benefits of such a break are clear: it is better to have short, regular vacations than long absences which could harm your professional and personal balance. So plan your days of rest by thinking about recharging your batteries, but also not disrupting your rhythm of life too much.
