Why holidays are good for your mental health

Whether we’re relaxing on a sun-soaked beach or breathing in fresh mountain air at the top of a ski slope, there’s no doubt that holidays are great for our overall wellbeing. But what are the top benefits of taking a well-deserved break?

To find out, PayingTooMuch, a travel insurance price comparison site, has spoken with Wellbeing Coach, Lorna Wilkins, and Holistic Nutritionist, Simone Venner, to understand how going on holiday can really boost your mental and physical health.

According to Lorna, the stress-relieving effects of a holiday can have a very positive impact on your overall health. “One of the key health benefits of going on holiday is that it reduces stress,” she says. “Having a break from your daily routine can make you feel more relaxed and therefore improve your mental wellbeing.”

Laura continues, “A change of environment and getting away from the pressures of day-to-day life not only helps you to clear your mind, but can also help to improve your sleep quality as you’ll be feeling a lot calmer.”

Alongside the mental health benefits, taking a break from daily life can also give your physical health a boost. Simone explains, “Considering that approximately 70 per cent of our immune system is located in the gut, these relaxing moments may impact our immune health, amplifying the body's defences against illnesses. So, that leisurely time spent on the beach isn't just a break—it's an investment in your wellbeing.”

On why going on holiday can give your mental health a boost, Lorna says, “Taking a holiday helps to prevent burnout by enabling you to switch off and take a break from the pressures of everyday life. Disconnecting helps you to be present in the moment. You’ll even find that taking a break can benefit your work as time away from your usual environment encourages creativity, so when you return to work you feel more motivated and inspired.

“A holiday also provides a chance to spend quality time with your loved ones by creating new memories, which helps to strengthen relationships.”

Simone adds, “Did you know that up to 95 per cent of the body's serotonin, a key neurotransmitter influencing mood, is produced in the gut? This adds another layer to the importance of taking a holiday. The relaxation experienced during time away significantly impacts the gut environment, potentially enhancing serotonin production and subsequently affecting mental wellbeing.”

As the nights draw in and the days turn a little gloomy, the winter months can often have an impact on our mental and physical health. With that in mind, a trip to sunnier climates might be exactly what you need to give your wellbeing a boost.

Lorna says, “Going away to sunny and warm climates during the winter can boost your levels of vitamin D, which is important for bone health, immunity and mood regulation. And if you experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), this can make a huge difference as exposure to sunlight can help with symptoms of depression that are associated with the dark winter months.”

Simone adds, “Engaging in activities like skiing or snowboarding isn't just about adrenaline rushes—it's also a fantastic source of physical exercise. The combination of vigorous movement and the refreshing mountain air works wonders for your body and mind.

“Additionally, exposure to natural light during these activities contributes to better sleep. A small 2014 study of office workers revealed that the more natural light exposure they received, the better sleep they experienced.”

As a Holistic Nutritionist, Simone recommends tailoring your diet to the nature of your holiday to maximise the health benefits of your trip. 

“For a winter sports holiday, prioritise foods that provide sustained energy, as physical activities like skiing and snowboarding demand extra fuel. Complex carbohydrates, small amounts of healthy fats, and proteins should take centre stage to support your body's endurance and recovery.

“On the other hand, during a more relaxed break, aim for a balanced diet that maintains portion control. This approach allows you to enjoy the pleasures of local cuisine while keeping your overall health in mind.”

A work-life balance can sometimes be difficult to manage, but figuring out what the ideal holiday duration is for you can make a world of difference.

Simone suggests, “If you’re looking to fully unwind, a longer break would be recommended. The health benefits extend to physical health, mood and overall satisfaction.

“While longer breaks offer more extensive health benefits, even a single day off can provide respite from stress, if it allows for a complete break from work-related responsibilities.”

Simone recommends, “Opting for a Monday or a Friday off to create an extended weekend and maximise the time you spend away from your desk! Striking a balance between more extended holidays and periodic shorter breaks is crucial to recharge and avoid burnout.”

So, now you know exactly why holidays are so important, where will you be heading on your next adventure?