Why a True Holiday Brings More Joy Than a Vacation Ever Could

In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, deep relaxation is no longer a luxury—it’s a vital necessity. It nourishes your mind, restores your body, and replenishes your spirit. Yet, in many places—especially in the United States—many of us have lost the true art of “holiday,” mistaking a packed vacation itinerary for genuine rest and retreat.

Holiday vs. Vacation: A Tale of Two Cultures

Ask an American what they’re doing for vacation, and you might hear about a week-long whirlwind tour—Disney parks, city sightseeing, a jam-packed schedule with barely a moment to pause. Ask a European what they’re doing for holiday, and you’re more likely to hear about two weeks unplugged in a quiet coastal village, long lunches, afternoon naps, and leisurely walks.

The words say it all: “Holiday” in Europe implies time off in the truest sense—a holy day, a sacred pause from daily life to rest and reconnect. “Vacation” in the US often means vacating your house, but not necessarily your worries or to-do lists.

This difference in mindset is reinforced by the stark contrast in time off. In the US, the average private-sector worker receives about 10 days of paid vacation per year, often taken begrudgingly and sometimes with the expectation of checking in by email. Meanwhile, in Europe, 4-6 weeks of paid holiday is common—and culturally expected. In some countries, it’s not unusual to find entire towns quiet in August as people take extended holidays to truly reset.”

The Mindset and Activities That Matter

The European holiday mindset centers around slowing down. Instead of “doing” more, the emphasis is on being—being with loved ones, being present in nature, being still long enough for the mind to unclench and creativity to reawaken. Meals are longer, mornings are slower, and screens are often put away.

In contrast, many Americans use vacation time to see and do as much as possible in a short window. The result? People often come back needing another break to recover from their “break.”

The Benefits of Deep Relaxation

When you truly rest—body, mind, and spirit—your nervous system resets. Stress hormones drop. Sleep deepens. Digestion improves. The brain’s default mode network activates, supporting daydreaming, problem-solving, and a fresh perspective. Deep relaxation helps you gain distance from your daily grind. Problems shrink. Priorities clarify—inspiration returns.

And the ripple effects go further. When you return from a proper holiday, you’re more present with family and friends. You listen more deeply. You have more patience. Your relationships thrive. When more people build rest and connection into their lives, entire communities benefit—local businesses, social circles, neighborhoods—all strengthened by people who are healthier, kinder, and more whole.

Do You Need a True Holiday? Take This Quiz

Answer honestly—yes or no:

1. Do you check work emails or messages daily, even when you’re “off”?

2. Do you come back from vacation feeling more tired than when you left?

3. Do you struggle to remember the last time you spent two days in a row doing absolutely nothing “productive”?

4. Do you feel guilty when you rest?

5. Do you find your relationships sometimes strained by your stress or distraction?

6. Do you have less than three weeks of vacation per year—and rarely use all of it?

   
   

If you answered “yes” to three or more, it’s time for an honest-to-goodness holiday.

What Might a True Holiday Look Like for You?

A true holiday doesn’t have to mean a plane ticket to the Mediterranean (though that’s nice, too, come visit me!). It could be as simple as a long weekend at home with your phone turned off, or a week in a cabin by a quiet lake—somewhere you can sleep in, move slowly, savor your meals, and reconnect with what really matters.

But a true holiday begins before you ever pack your bag. It starts in your mind—giving yourself full permission to step away. Clear your calendar without guilt. Let colleagues and loved ones know you’ll be genuinely offline. Begin to relish the delicious anticipation: picture yourself waking naturally without an alarm, wandering through nature, lingering over a cup of coffee with nowhere else you need to be. This gentle mental shift creates space for your body and spirit to follow.

The more you allow yourself to look forward to doing less, the deeper your holiday will go. So block the time, daydream about it often, and protect it fiercely. Rest is not wasted time—it’s sacred time. And you are worthy of rest.

Are you ready to plan your real holiday?

Start by blocking the time, sharing your intention with your family, and guarding it fiercely. You are worthy of rest and relaxation that supports you being your best self.