Dutch university looks into how individuals should approach
time off and suggests the less planned the better
BREDA,
Netherlands, June 20,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Stress-related issues such
as depression, burnout, and loneliness are first, second, and third
in the European welfare disease rankings. As a result, much-needed
relaxation in the form of a vacation has shifted from a luxury
product to a basic need. However, the urge for an optimal vacation
experience combined with a large range of options creates choice
stress and a vacation that is often planned and organised to
perfection.
"Paradoxical," conclude researchers Marcel Bastiaansen and Ondrej Mitas of Breda University of
Applied Sciences. "To have an optimal vacation experience,
it is precisely essential to be open to the unexpected and
unplanned. That very experience makes for an optimal vacation
feeling and reduces stress."
Breda University of Applied Sciences conducted research
into experiencing leisure and vacations in the Experience Lab by
directly measuring emotions from the body and brain with the aid of
psychophysiological and neuroscientific techniques. They also used
questionnaires and interviews. Various research projects showed
that specifically non-scheduled experiences create the most
positive emotions and hence, the most memorable experiences.
"The funny thing is that we in Western societies are inclined to
organise our vacation in the same way as our work: carefully
planned and organised, selected, and prioritised. As a result, we
run the risk of no longer being open to spontaneous experiences,
such as making real contact with somebody in a destination or
unexpectedly exploring an authentic market or church that you come
across. That's a shame because we deprive ourselves from an optimal
experience and the relaxation we need so much." So, the advice
issued by the researchers as summer vacations approach: "Plan less
ahead for your holiday. Make only an overall travel plan and leave
room for the new and the unexpected. Get to know new people. This
will contribute significantly to improving your well-being!"
Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) is a
specialist and internationally oriented higher education institute
in the Netherlands, Breda, with study programmes in the field of
Tourism, Leisure & Events, Hotel & Facility Management,
Built Environment, Logistics Management, Game Design, Creative
Business, and Data Science & AI.
Photo:
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2440255/Breda_University_of_Applied_Sciences.jpg
Note for editors: For more information or requests for
interviews: press@buas.nl or call +31 (0)76-5332200.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/research-at-breda-university-of-applied-sciences-dont-fall-for-the-vacation-paradox-302174278.html
SOURCE Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas)