Stress of work ruins holidays
Thursday 13 August 2009
Ah – the thought of a summer holiday right now sends us into a wonderful daydream of all things sun, sea and sand related….
And it’s very true, us sun-deprived Brits spend most of our year looking forward to our summer holidays – a week or two off work and a good old relax. Right?
Wrong! A new study has found that a quarter of holidaymakers have their much-anticipated hols ruined by stress.
It all sounds very depressing, but it’s estimated that Britons waste a total of 70 million days of precious holiday time every year worrying instead of relaxing. Oh dear…
Concerns about work, the cost of the holiday and looking after the family mean the average holidaymaker spends roughly two days of their break unable to chill out.
And for a growing number of holidaymakers the fault may be because they insist on keeping in touch with home – 16% use their mobile phones and Blackberries every day!
Londoners and Scots are the worst offenders – more than one in five regularly sends email while on holiday, while nearly seven in 10 of us follow press and news bulletins to check on the outside world.
The result – a fifth of holidaymakers find that by the time they have unwound it is time to head home, according to research led by Gatwick airport. Doh!
Mike Luddy, the airport’s commercial director, said: “For close to a third of holidaymakers, everyday worries start creeping back before they even leave the resort.
“Holidays are all too precious. It’s crucial we make the most of our down time while we can.”
Well said Mr Luddy, well said…
And according to experts there are also physical and mental benefits to be gained from making the most of your trip.
Psychologist Dr. Aric Sigman said: "With longer working hours and less disposable income, our holidays have become even more sacred and having a complete break has become a health requirement.
"There are detrimental consequences of not disconnecting, escaping and relaxing in the way a holiday is meant to be defined.
"Fatigue, anxiety and stress are classic symptoms of an individual who hasn't called a proper time out for themselves."
So, what on earth are you playing at guys!? Have a holiday planned? Then bloody well enjoy it!
Do you suffer from stress while you’re on holiday? Just CAN’T get worries from back home out of your head? Share your stories here…
By Tasha Usefnia