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Modern-day life can be extremely stressful and often leaves us feeling exhausted and totally drained of all energy. That’s why it’s essential that we take regular breaks to focus on ourselves, de-stress and make time to enjoy activities that make us feel healthier and happier. Happiness goes hand in hand with motivation because when we’re happy our motivation increases, enabling us to be more productive and fire on all cylinders again when we do get back to the office.
The Tourism Analysis journal published a study that revealed that people who travel frequently for pleasure are more satisfied with their lives than non-travellers are. The study also showed that those who regularly share and discuss travel ideas and plans with family and friends are more likely to have their holidays materialise. Some evidence then, that ditching your normal routine and experiencing new things is beneficial to your overall well-being.
Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts says that the health benefits of happiness are proven, and this concept is further supported by the fact that in 2012, the United Nations declared the 20th of March annually as International Day of Happiness. “There is no doubt that taking a break and getting away from it all on a holiday is a great way to rejuvenate and de-stress, helping to release endorphins that can aid in boosting your immune system and add to your sense of overall happiness,” Lamont states.
Three reasons why holidays can make you happier:
1. Pre-trip excitement: Holidays are exciting! Deciding on a destination, planning an itinerary and booking your getaway is fun and gives you something to look forward to. The thought of being able to spend meaningful R&R time with family or friends and the prospect of sharing new and memorable experiences also creates a sense of anticipation. Certainly, the very idea of being able to spend one’s leisure time without being concerned about work and home will promote pre-trip happiness.
2. Greater life satisfaction: Spending money on experiences rather than things gives one a greater sense of satisfaction because experiences last, the excitement of material things doesn’t. Hospitalitynet reports that according to a third-party research study, 74% of consumers now value experiences over products or things. In particular, going to a destination you’ve never been to before and the sense of awe and wonder felt as you discover new and diverse things, will add to your overall life satisfaction, not to mention the associated benefits of improved moods and physical wellness.
3. Strengthens family ties: Our daily lives are so busy as we focus on work and the usual activities of running a household that it often leaves us with little time to really connect with our partner or children. Holidays offer the perfect opportunity to rekindle relationships away from distractions and spend time together, creating magical, lasting memories. Sharing fun activities, engaging with each other, and having the time to listen rather than just hear will bring the family closer again and add to the happiness of a holiday.
“Whilst very few people need much persuasion, the benefits of going on holiday and its correlation with happiness are clear, particularly if you want to perform at your peak and cope with the demands of daily life. That’s why you owe it to yourself to plan time away so that you can rejuvenate physically and emotionally and rekindle your zest for life,” concludes Lamont.
Visit www.firstgroup-sa.co.za for a range of happiness-inducing destinations.
