Life is busy. If you seem to spend most of the year moving from one task to the next, it can often be tricky to switch off.
So, when your holiday finally arrives, the pressure to make the most of it can be just as stressful. You might end up racing through your itinerary, barely registering the meals you eat and day trips you take.
When you only get a week or two to disconnect from the ‘on’ version of you, it might be time to try a ‘do nothing’ holiday. This type of break gives you permission to stop organising every hour and simply enjoy being away from your routine.
The problem with overplanned trips
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of treating holidays like project management tasks. You book the earliest flight to maximise your time and set a 6am alarm for a guided tour when you get there.
By day three, you can easily need a holiday from your holiday. Cramming every hour with excursions creates a low hum of stress that mimics the pressure of your usual working week.
Removing this rigid structure gives your mind the breathing room it craves. Dropping the itinerary allows you to wake up naturally and let your mood direct your day.
What doing nothing actually looks like
To embrace this relaxed type of holiday, shift your focus towards slower days where time loses its grip.
You might spend a gentle morning reading by the pool or wander down to a local beach. The secret lies in leaving massive, unstructured gaps in your daily schedule.
Refusing to plan your afternoon creates space for spontaneity, whether that means a long nap or a second cup of coffee while watching the waves.
How simplicity improves your holiday experience
Taking a break directly lowers your cortisol levels. When you remove the daily debate over where to eat and whether you’re sticking to your budget, your brain stops processing threats and begins to recuperate.
Booking an all-inclusive holiday where everything is taken care of can go a long way towards helping you switch off. Knowing that you’ve covered the basics like food and amenities means you don’t have to worry about unexpected costs. So, you’re entirely free to enjoy your environment.
How to plan a low-effort getaway
Prioritise simplicity. Start by selecting a single base location, preferably a self-contained resort or a quiet coastal village, to remove the stress of moving between hotels.
Pack only the essentials, like light clothing, a couple of good books and comfortable footwear. This helps with bypassing the baggage carousel and strolling straight to your transfer.
Prioritise properties that emphasise physical comfort, such as those offering direct beach access or excellent on-site dining, over destinations that boast a long list of nearby tourist attractions.
By deliberately slowing your pace and resisting the urge to explore every corner of a destination, you allow your body and mind to genuinely reset.
