Sat, June 05, 2010 - 10:26:01

The Power of the Three-Day Weekend

It’s hard to believe, but summer is here and for some people that means family vacations, weekends at the beach, and fun in the sun with friends.  But if you’re like the 60 percent of Americans who can’t get away for a lengthy summer vacation, you can still experience the emotional benefit of a big trip even if you only have one Friday to spare. 

According to research published by Applied Research in Quality of Life earlier this year, the simple act of planning a vacation has a profound impact on personal happiness—and the best part is, the length of the vacation has no bearing on the positive effects planning and anticipation cause.  In the study conducted by scientists at Breda University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, planning a vacation was even more effective at boosting mood levels than going on a very relaxing extended holiday.  While a vacation described as “very relaxing” had positive effects lasting two weeks, those enjoyed by vacation planners lasted four times as long.

It’s just another unexpected way in which “thinking small” can help you navigate everyday challenges and change your personal and professional life for the better. Not everyone can afford the time or money needed for a lavish summer getaway, but as the research findings illustrate, you don’t need to “go big” to experience a big benefit. Whether you plan a three-day “staycation” full of fun local activities with your family, or orchestrate a small-scale trip somewhere nearby, a little break can work wonders on your mood, allowing you to spread positive energy to everyone around you, starting a chain reaction with its own powerful mood-boosting effects.

So, this summer, stop staring longingly at the crashing waves on your screensaver, get SMALL, and start planning! Just one long weekend can leave you feeling good all summer.

Posted by Linda and Robin