A study has found that having a break lined up that you can look forward to can help to improve your mental health – so what are you waiting for?
If you needed a sign to book your next holiday, let this be it. According to experts, planning a holiday can significantly enhance mental wellbeing.
A recent study discovered that eight in 10 Brits consider having holidays lined up as “stepping stones” as a crucial part in supporting their wellbeing. It showed that two-thirds of adults get a substantial mood boost from the thought of a holiday or quality family time.
To back up the research further, 75% admitted to experiencing excitement from merely booking a trip, with a quarter feeling joyful for a month or more afterwards. Some 58% even think the adrenaline of a holiday build up is almost as exciting as the real thing.
The research, commissioned by Walt Disney Travel Company International, empathises the positive impact of holiday planning has on happiness and mental health.
The company also collaborated with psychologist Honey Langcaster-James to explain more about the psychological benefits of anticipating a break.
“Numerous psychological studies have shown that when you anticipate a positive experience on the horizon, like a family holiday, there can be beneficial effects on your overall levels of wellbeing and happiness, and value is derived from the anticipation itself,” explained Langcaster-James.
“This is a psychological principle known as ‘anticipatory consumption.’ Research has also shown that there are greater benefits to looking forward to an experience rather than a material possession,” she added.
She pointed out that the study’s findings support this theory: “Many people said they get a thrill from simply booking a trip [as ] having a holiday in sight gives them something positive to concentrate on during challenging times.”
“Putting a planned trip or family experience into your calendar acts as a mental anchor and provides motivation and encouragement when it’s needed,” she elaborated.
The poll revealed that a quarter of those surveyed are keen to book their next getaway within a month of returning from one, to maintain that feel-good vibe.
But this excitement isn’t just limited to individuals: Langcaster-James pointed out that arranging a holiday can be particularly advantageous for families as a collective aim can help give a family a shared purpose.
“It can be especially empowering for parents, if they’ve had a dream destination in mind, or a particular type of holiday that they’ve always wanted to make happen for their family, to see that they are coming closer to making that dream into a reality,” she said.
She continued that the it is about much more than the trip itself, sharing new experiences and spending quality time planning can help strengthen family relationships.
“Ultimately, planning a holiday can provide wellbeing benefits long before you actually get to your destination.”
Walt Disney Company is offering a new 2025 combined hotel and ticket holiday offer for Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
