I’m a psychotherapist and this is why our brains need vacations – and how many vacations should you take per year

In the run-up to Sunshine Saturday (6 January) – traditionally the most popular day of the year to book a getaway – an expert has told why we not only want a holiday, but our brains literally ‘need’ it.

TV psychotherapist Anna Williamson has told how researching holidays and hitting the ‘book now’ button can change our brain chemistry for the better.

The 42-year-old from Hertfordshire also reveals reasons why a weekend away might be better than a longer trip and how many days after a trip our body and mind really start to relax.

Anna also answers one important question: how many holidays do we actually need per year to feel rested?

“I would say we don’t just want a vacation… we need it,” says Anna, who cooperated TUI on this project.

‘The moment the December festivities are over, many people experience a hormone crash.

‘Our brain chemistry is changed by this heightened state of joy and so they crave another hit of oxytocin and dopamine – our brain’s reward, comfort and love hormones.

‘That’s why we’re doing our best to book a holiday in January, to inspire the phenomenon known as Sunshine Saturday, to recreate the buzz.’

Studies show that so-called ‘braincations’ trigger the release of neurotransmitters and can improve mood, reduce stress and improve cognitive function.

A vacation also improves our ability to think creatively and can have lasting effects on the nervous system, helping it recover from injuries such as strokes and improving heart health.

According to TUI’s research, most Brits would have started looking for a holiday on New Year’s Day this year, with around four in ten (37 per cent) likely to book a summer holiday around this time of year.

On average, it takes the average adult 53 hours – more than two days – to find their dream vacation.

So, what is the optimal number of vacations per year? The answer is a bit complicated.

Anna said: ‘However, there is no definitive amount of time that people need to stay healthy [at least] two vacations a year is considered a realistic sweet spot for most.

‘Many studies suggest that taking a break every two months, even just for a day or two, is necessary to prevent feelings of anxiety, stress, fatigue and physical illness.

‘Other research shows that little and often can be a very good solution to staying rested – instead of saving yourself for one trip a year.’

What kind of trip you take – a weekend getaway to the city or a two-week beach holiday – is up to you, but there are some interesting facts to consider.

Anna said: ‘Research has shown that people feel most rested, less anxious and in a better mood after three days’ holiday.

‘As a complete curve of this, if a longer holiday is preferred, some research suggests eight days is the sweet spot.

‘Although the pressure of one annual holiday can often be counterproductive due to the stress of trying to force fun, which can often overwhelm the whole point of going away.’

The pleasure of holidays and traveling does not only arise during the journey itself; even planning a trip affects the brain.

Anna said: ‘When we start scrolling online and looking at the holiday offers that tempt us, the first spark of attraction ignites in our brains, knowing that a potential reward is on the way.

‘This hormone release is so powerful that it begins to produce dopamine, the chemical released that mimics the feelings people get during activities such as eating a nice meal, shopping or having sex.

‘The sensory experience that our representational system (sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell) undergoes, also called the “path to pleasure”, tingles with pleasure – the images, the memories released from previous holidays, the glossy hotel photos.

“It’s all-consuming.”

Vacations are also known to improve sleep patterns, which can last up to two weeks after you get home, according to one study.

What you do during the holidays can also make a difference in how rested you feel afterwards.

Neuroscience research shows that the brain gets a “novelty” every time you experience something “new,” like seeing your hotel room or taking the first dip in the pool.

It has even been found that meditation during a trip can help you maintain that ‘vacation high’ for longer.

Anna said: ‘Be very clear with yourself and the people you are going on holiday with about what you want to get out of the holiday.

‘Is it just complete rest and relaxation or do you want to revive and discover some passions?

‘It’s not right or wrong, but choosing the right partner to go on holiday with is really essential.

‘To achieve complete rest and relaxation, it’s worth keeping in mind that it’s all about moderation.

‘Enjoy it, but also try to add some exercise to your day, even if it’s just a few laps around the pool, think about portion control at buffets and drink plenty of water.

‘Take a walk every morning and after dinner to ensure you get enough vitamin D and work on your physical health.’

As for Anna herself, the mother of two likes to take regular breaks which suits her family’s ‘freelance lifestyle’.

She added: ‘We love family holidays and we try to go away about four times a year – usually one of them is a week, the rest are more weekend breaks.

“My husband and I also try to schedule a few mini-breaks for both of us so we can reset the relationship a few times a year, and I like to take my mom along once a year for a little bit of mothering.” daughter time.

‘If time and finances allow it, I also try to get away for a few days with my best friends if possible.

‘Vacation is essential to enjoy some space and time away from the daily pressures and to work on connection and communication.

“Your brain and body will thank you for it.”

Previous research from TUI shows that Brits get a ‘peak’ holiday feeling after 43 hours of travel and that the average person loses this feeling about 3.7 days after unpacking the suitcase.

Meanwhile, more than two in ten people book their next holiday less than a month after returning home.

After booking a break, 65 percent said they felt “excited,” 35 percent said they felt “satisfied” and 34 percent felt happier.

About one in three (29 percent) chooses a European beach holiday, and 30 percent goes for a week.

Twelve percent go for 10 days and 15 percent book for two weeks.

TUI expects sales this year to be stronger than in January 2022 and January 2020, before the pandemic hit.

“For years we have seen a huge demand for finding and booking a holiday after Christmas, and we expect this to be no different this January,” said Phillip Iveson, commercial director of TUI UK & I.

‘We know people are keen to plan their future travel plans right now, the appetite for travel has never been greater and we’re offering some incredible offers on all our products this new year, including up to £300 savings on selected holidays , thousands of free child places, a £0 deposit to secure your holiday and extra savings in the TUI app.

‘Whether it’s a seven-night beach holiday, a three-night city break or a fourteen-night cruise, we cater for all needs and durations.

‘With more destinations than ever before and flights from 22 regional airports, we look forward to welcoming new and existing customers to their holidays this year.’