If you find yourself constantly saying, “I can’t wait for my next holiday,” it might be a sign of deeper issues beyond mere anticipation of a break.
According to Loo Wee Shyon, a senior clinical psychologist at National University Polyclinics, this mindset can reflect an imbalance in life, often stemming from feelings of dissatisfaction, stress, or a lack of purpose.
But isn’t it normal to want to escape daily fatigue every now and then? After all, everyone needs a chance to recharge, right?
John Shepherd Lim, Chief Wellbeing Officer at Singapore Counselling Centre, agrees that many people run on empty throughout the year, juggling work pressures, family responsibilities, and social demands. Holidays provide a vital pause — a chance to switch off, lower stress hormones, and reconnect with ourselves outside of our usual roles.
The Positive Impact of Holidays
New surroundings and novel experiences can boost mood and overall positivity, says Loo. Holidays allow for leisure, social connection, and reflection, helping us reset priorities and develop healthier coping strategies for future challenges.
When Does Holiday Anticipation Become Harmful?
Lim explains that if you spend most of your time just waiting for the next trip as a way to “survive” life’s routine, you might be caught in the so-called Dread Cycle. This means your daily life feels unacceptable, and you postpone happiness to the future instead of finding joy now. Holidays shift from being rejuvenating to a way of avoiding unpleasant emotions.
This signals that something in your everyday life doesn’t meet your expectations. The more elaborate your escapes become, the louder the warning that you dislike your normal routine. And after returning, the stress you tried to avoid hits back harder than ever.
Loo points out that ongoing stress, exhaustion, and overwhelm might not be properly managed, leading to mental and emotional depletion.
The Mental Health Consequences
An unhealthy obsession with holidays can contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Loo has observed people experiencing chronic stress symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, irritability, concentration problems, and workplace fatigue often linked to this pattern.
Breaking Free from the Cycle
To combat this, Loo recommends incorporating regular rituals of wellbeing and enjoyable activities into your daily and weekly life. Holidays should be bonuses or treats, not the only way to cope with stress.
Lim echoes this by encouraging people to “teach your mind that joy exists in everyday moments, not just while waiting at the airport.” For instance, if you seek calm, connection, or adventure on holiday, try dedicating time each evening to explore new local eateries or spend quality time with loved ones without screens.
Setting Boundaries and Managing Digital Overload
Lim also advises establishing clear boundaries — like turning off work notifications on weekends — so your brain can truly rest. Constant connectivity keeps you in “work standby mode,” which can be draining even outside working hours.
Handling Travel Envy
Feeling jealous of friends sharing glamorous travel posts is natural, says Loo. However, social media often shows only the highlights, not the full story. It’s important to take these portrayals with a grain of salt and recognize what works for others might not fit your own life.
Lim reminds us that “the grass always looks greener,” as social media typically features highlight reels rather than everyday reality.
How Long Should a Holiday Be?
Loo explains that short breaks provide immediate relief and improve focus, while medium-length vacations (4-7 days) offer deeper relaxation and immersive experiences. Longer holidays help you disconnect gradually from work and recharge cognitively.
However, beyond a certain point, the benefits may level off. What truly matters is genuine rest, not just a change of scenery.
What If You Can’t Travel?
Don’t underestimate the power of staycations. Although they may lack the novelty of foreign destinations, staycations provide a valuable break from routine and stress, allowing your mind and body to rest.
They also avoid travel hassles like airports and jet lag and can be tailored to your preferences to promote intentional rest and enjoyment.
The Key Takeaway
Lim emphasizes that restoration comes from presence and disconnection, not distance or duration. Consistent short breaks where you fully unplug can be more effective at preventing burnout than a single long vacation.
Ultimately, the healing power of a holiday lies in truly stepping away — even if just for a few days — allowing your mind and body to reset as if you were on a long trip.