Why we don’t need a big vacation to recharge
My husband and I just got back from a weekend in Stratford, a small town in Ontario we’ve returned to every summer for the past three years. Unless you're into theatre, most people question: Why Stratford?
Because it’s where we slow down. It’s where we run by the river, sit in the gardens, wander the shops, and enjoy local food, wine, and art.
But this isn’t a blog about why you should go to Stratford or whatever your version of Stratford is. And it’s not about why rest matters. I’m going to assume you’re already on board with the benefits of time off.
This is about challenging a common belief: The bigger the vacation, the better the benefits.
We often stockpile PTO, plan the big trip, and expect that two weeks away will reset our stress and restore our energy. But research tells us a different story.
The well-being boost from even the most amazing vacation tends to fade within two to four weeks. Often sooner.
So what’s more effective? Not necessarily going bigger, but going more often.
Shorter, more frequent breaks can have equal or greater impact on your well-being than one long annual getaway.
Why? Because they create more moments of mental recovery, give us more to look forward to (which in itself is a powerful source of joy), and they come with less of a crushing workload waiting for us when we return.
I fully recognize that time off is a privilege, and not everyone has the same access to it. That’s why making the most of the time we can take matters, whether it’s a weekend, a day, or even a few hours.
How? Here are a few research-backed strategies from positive psychology:
Focus on quality, not just length. Even a short break is more restorative when it includes:
Physical movement (walks, hikes, yoga)
Novelty or play (try something new or fun)
True detachment (turn off work notifications, mentally unplug)
Prioritize frequency over rarity. A series of smaller, spaced-out breaks creates more sustainable well-being than one big trip. Even planning a quarterly long weekend can go a long way.
Savor the before, during, and after. The joy of time off isn’t just in the moment. It’s also in the anticipation and the reflection.
Build excitement beforehand: count down, imagine, plan
Reflect afterward: talk about it, journal it, look at photos
Ease your reentry. The transition back to work doesn’t have to feel so rough. To make it a little easier, try:
Return mid-week so your first week back is shorter
Block your first morning for email catch-up – no meetings
Start small: Tackle one task early to build momentum
Schedule something enjoyable post-vacation, so you don’t feel like the fun is over forever (dinner with a friend or a slow weekend)
I'm definitely not saying skip the dream trip—those big adventures matter! But don't underestimate the power of the smaller ones: a long weekend, a Friday afternoon off, or a quiet evening unplugged.
We come back to Stratford not because it’s grand but because it’s grounding. It reminds us that rest doesn’t have to be rare or far away. It can also be simple, local, and regular. And that’s the point.
