Brits still monitor work emails, check their doorbell cameras and worrying about money days into their holidays in far-flung destinations, fresh research would suggest
Stressed-out Brits don’t genuinely unwind on holiday until they’ve been away for six days.
A fresh study discovered it takes this long to stop checking work emails, monitoring doorbell cameras and worrying about money. The research also uncovered our top holiday moments, with stepping off the aircraft and feeling the warmth leading the rankings.
This was followed by taking an evening walk and enjoying the first sip of a cocktail after a day spent sunbathing. The survey, conducted by budget airline Vueling, revealed that holidaymakers finally achieve true relaxation at precisely 10am on their sixth day away, reports the Daily Star.
Expert Dr Sophie Mort, a clinical psychologist, explained: “It’s no surprise it takes a few days for the ‘holiday high’ to set in. The run-up to a trip is often frantic – finishing work, packing late, juggling responsibilities.
“By the time we sit down on the plane, we’re only just catching our breath and realising: it’s finally happening. But our brains don’t switch off instantly. We carry habits and responsibilities with us – checking emails, worrying about home, running through mental to-do lists.
“Stress takes time to leave the body, and our nervous system needs proof there’s nothing urgent left to do. By day six, the body finally lets go, and that’s when the ‘holiday high’ hits.”
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Other moments of joy include the captain’s announcement “cabin crew, prepare for landing”, lounging on the beach as the sun sets and feeling the sea breeze in your hair. Two thirds of respondents said they need regular holidays to maintain a positive outlook, with nearly six in 10 (57%) declaring holidays as the highlight of their year.
Dr Mort commented: “That high feels so good because it’s built on simple but powerful pleasures. Stepping into the heat as you disembark the plane, savouring the first sip of a cocktail, and feeling the sea breeze through your hair – these moments are sensory, grounding, and ensure that you are deeply present.
“Travel makes mindfulness effortless: new sights, smells, and tastes draw us into the present moment without effort. No wonder nearly half of the people surveyed say the release is so powerful it brings them to tears.”
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BRITS’ TOP 10 HOLIDAY HIGHS
1. Stepping off the plane and feeling the heat hit you – 45%.
2. Going for evening strolls – 38%.
3. The first sip of a cocktail after a day of sunbathing – 31%.
4. Sitting on the beach watching the sun go down – 31%.
5. Getting dressed up for dinner – 27%.
6. Feeling the first blast of air con after a day at the beach – 27%.
7. The taste of a new local dish you’ve never tried before – 25%.
8. Feeling the sea breeze through your hair – 25%.
9. People watching while drinking a coffee in a café – 23%.
10. The wave of happiness watching your kids playing in the pool, away from their screens – 21%.