Why Holidays are Important & We Need Them More than We Know 5m Lovat Jonathan 17/01/25 We often treat holidays as something we earn rather than something we genuinely need. But holidays aren’t luxuries; they’re essential in a world that rarely slows down for us. A 2025 study confirmed what many of us feel instinctively: taking a holiday delivers a boost to mental health and overall wellbeing, especially when we step away from work properly. Add to that the growing body of research showing why people take time away – to rest, to reset, to reconnect – and it’s clear that going on holiday is important. And because every getaway brings something different, from family escapes to long summer days away from routine, we’ll also explore the types of holidays that are especially beneficial and why each one matters. Why do we need holidays? Because constantly ‘powering through’ comes at a cost. Because a rested mind behaves differently to a pressured one. Because we’re not built to run on low battery for months at a time. We need holidays to: 1. Reset our mental wellbeing A 2025 meta-analysis of the well-being benefits of going on holiday found that the biggest lift comes from total detachment: not checking emails, not thinking about work and, not being at work in your head while you’re meant to be resting. That mental distance is what makes you calmer, happier, clearer. 56% of UK adults agree (Mintel): They choose short breaks to relax – to recharge, breathe and reset. The focus is on a detox and time for improving health and wellbeing. 2. Support physical health Research has long linked holidays to better heart health, improved sleep and reduced stress-related symptoms. When your mind slows down, your body follows. Among all motivations for a health/wellness holiday, 42.7% cite ‘improving sleep quality’ as a reason to take a break (Mintel). 3. Break routine Whether it’s a new view, a new walk or a new rhythm to your day, novelty helps your brain reset and re-energise. We want experiences, not just ‘time off’. 42% of travellers choose short breaks to explore: new beaches, new food, new walks, new views (Mintel). We crave inspiration as much as anything. 4. Reconnect with ourselves and others Holidays remind us who we are outside of the rush – a version of ourselves we too often ignore. It’s also a chance to improve relationships with friends or loved ones – and strong connections are increasingly valued as part of overall wellbeing. These are just a few of the reasons why holidays are important, but the message is the same: we need them far more than we admit. Why you feel happier on holiday You know that version of yourself who sleeps better, smiles more and feels… lighter? There’s science behind that. Holidays interrupt stress patterns, offer more time in nature, improve sleep and create space for laughter, exploration and rest – a blend that benefits almost everyone. Many people describe feeling ‘more themselves’ when they go away because they finally have room to breathe. That’s why people love holidays so much – not because they’re escapes, but because they reconnect us with a healthier, calmer, more grounded version of ourselves. Why family holidays are so important Family life can be full, fast and (these days) fragmented. Holidays bring everyone back to the same pace. They create: Uninterrupted time together Shared moments and memories Space for proper conversations Laughter without the clock ticking A feeling of being connected, not just in the same immediate space Whether you’re splashing in the sea, wandering through woodland or simply cooking together in a cosy lodge, you’re strengthening the fabric of family life – in ways that last far beyond the holiday itself. Why summer holidays are important There’s a reason summer holidays feel different. More daylight Warmer weather More time outdoors A natural lift in mood A break that arrives just as many of us are beginning to run out of steam Summer gives us permission to slow down. Holidays amplify that feeling. In fact, all seasons bring their own unique benefits when you step away and switch off. Think of crunching autumn leaves in oranges and yellows or a hot coffee on a cool winter stroll. Seasonal holiday offer with Lovat Parks Where you stay matters A holiday only restores you if the place you stay helps you slow down. It’s something we think about a lot. At Lovat Parks, our locations are designed around space, nature, comfort and calm. Morning birdsong instead of traffic. Stargazing instead of screen glare. Coastal walks, forest air, good food, quiet moments – the kinds of simple things that make holidays feel meaningful. Whether it’s a family escape, a long summer break or a well-earned weekend away, you’ll find the kind of place where switching off feels easy. And feeling like yourself again feels natural. Ready for a well-deserved reset? Explore our weekend breaks You might also like… Why UK Caravan Parks Are Perfect For Half Term Family Fun How to Maximise Your Annual Leave in 2026 (and Make the Most of Every Moment) 20 Reasons to Holiday in the UK Link copied
