In the Anticipation of a Pause: What Research Says About Holidays and Recovery
“Let’s reconnect after the holidays.”
“I’ll get back once I’m back and recharged.”
Haven’t we all read or written emails like these over the past few days? As the holidays approach, our minds fill with dreamy images of relaxed mornings, unhurried days, and the promise of returning refreshed and energized.
But is that really what happens?
Do long holidays truly leave us feeling restored—or is something else at play?
Let’s look at what the research says.
Productivity Before the Holidays: A Mixed Picture
Interestingly, not everyone slows down before a break.
A survey found that:
- 33% of employees reported being more productive as the holidays approached
- 22% intentionally slowed down, postponing tasks until after their vacation
- The remaining employees reported no noticeable change in productivity
This raises an important question:
Is the boost in energy and motivation really coming from the upcoming holiday or from the anticipation of mental relief?
Do Holidays Actually Help Us Recover?
A study conducted in the Netherlands found that employees who took four to five days of vacation experienced improvements in health and well-being but only under specific conditions. These benefits appeared when employees were psychologically detached from work and spent their time in restorative activities, such as meaningful conversations with their partners.
In contrast, participants who continued working during their vacation reported negative effects on health and well-being. Simply being “on vacation” wasn’t enough – mental distance from work mattered most.
Why Short and Frequent Breaks May Work Better
Another study suggests that frequent, shorter vacations contribute more effectively to ongoing recovery than a single long break. These short breaks are especially beneficial when paired with psychological detachment and restorative activities like physical exercise or cultural exploration.
Frequent vacations offer more consistent opportunities for recovery. The study also highlights an important factor: the environment employees return to after a vacation. When the workplace is highly stressful, the benefits of even a long vacation fade quickly.
This finding emphasizes that employee well-being isn’t just about encouraging time off – it’s also about creating workflows and conditions that support recovery, including psychological detachment on weekends and after work hours. Work-related interruptions during vacations, for example, significantly reduce recovery benefits.
The Real Key: Psychological Detachment
Psychological detachment is a crucial recovery experience that helps replenish our mental and emotional energy. While occasional work-related thoughts during leisure time are normal, being mentally “away” from work plays a significant role in improving both affective and cognitive well-being.
Another study found that frequent short breaks, taken in environments that are away from both home and work—yet still familiar and safe—lead to better well-being across multiple dimensions.
The research suggests that the most restorative breaks involve:
- Effortless, non-work-like activities
- Space for reflection
- Minimal cognitive demands
It also recommends structuring work in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming upon return, making it easier to sustain recovery gains.
Logging Off Is Just as Important as Logging Back In
So, are holidays the true source of renewed energy – or is it our ability to mentally disconnect?
The evidence points strongly toward psychological detachment as the real driver of recovery and sustained productivity.
As you return to work after the holidays, remember:
Detaching when you log off is just as important as showing up when you log back in. That mental distance is what allows you to come back fresh, focused, and truly productive.
References
- https://www.hrdive.com/news/one-third-of-employees-report-high-productivity-for-the-holidays/409566/?utm
- Effects of short vacations, vacation activities and experiences on employee health and well-being – PubMed
- Maximizing Recovery: The Superiority of Frequent Vacations for Well-Being and Performance – PMC
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-025-00883-7
- Taking a break: Exploring the restorative benefits of short breaks and vacations – ScienceDirect