Holiday Happiness

A study at Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands) published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life mentions that we are happier while traveling. Furthermore, the time we spend planning vacations also improves our mood. However, when the break ends, happiness levels drop very rapidly. This means that, far from being prolonged over time, the positive effect on psychological well-being caused by vacations practically disappears once we return to our routine.

However, in their research, the scientists found an exception: when vacations were very relaxing, the vacationers' happiness lasted at least two weeks after returning to work.

According to Jeroen Nawijn, co-author of the paper, the results imply several recommendations to keep in mind. From the individual's point of view, it would be better to take several vacations a year rather than one long vacation period in the summer. Furthermore, school holidays should be better distributed. And it would be advisable to plan the break, as much as possible, stress-free.