This Working Life How to optimise your holiday and start 2026 refreshed
Dec 5, 2025
Join experts Stacey Parker, Associate Professor in Psychology, Ty Ferguson, Research Fellow in Exercise and Nutrition, and Greg Stark, Director of Better Being, as they explore how to maximize your holiday for lasting well-being. Discover the difference between active and passive recovery, and the importance of clearing your workspace before leaving. Learn how holiday goals can enhance relaxation and the surprising ways to extend the benefits of your break, including a practical points system for recovery activities that promote both mental and physical health.
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Recovery Is More Than Rest
- Recovery means mentally detaching from work to restore energy and normal functioning.
- Mastering activities outside work and connecting with others boosts meaning and reduces emotional exhaustion.
Clear The Decks Before You Leave
- Prepare before holiday by winding down work and clearing looming tasks so you can detach.
- Consider uninstalling work apps and setting boundaries to prevent interruptions while away.
The Vacation Fade-Out Effect
- The vacation 'glow' typically fades within about three to four weeks after return to work.
- Vacations improve wellbeing short-term but are not a standalone solution for burnout.