Brits need a break 29 days after their last holiday

The average Brit feels like they need a break just 29 days after they return from their last holiday, a study has found.

Just over four weeks after getting back from a break has been identified as the point where fatigue starts to set in, work performance starts to slide and we feel the need to get away from the daily grind. And those who don’t get regular breaks admit to feeling more stressed, being less productive and more likely to make mistakes at work.

But the study of 2,000 adults by Holiday Inn Express also found 60% of Brits are now ditching flip flops for trainers and embarking on micro-adventures instead of boozy weekends, as people look to make the most of their time off work.

Mike Greenup, Vice President of Brand Management at Holiday Inn Express said: “Everyone knows getting away can be restorative and help counterbalance our busy work lives. But it’s interesting to see just how often people feel they need to be having a break to remain happy, productive and stress-free.”

43% of people said not having regular breaks leaves them feeling more stressed, while four in 10 feel more tired than usual. Others say they make silly mistakes at work (13%), become less productive (31%), or feel less enthusiastic about their job (36%).

Eating more comfort food than usual was named the biggest sign you are in need of a break, along with being jealous at the sight of a friend’s holiday snaps, not being able to face your to-do list and finding it difficult to make small talk with colleagues.

Hiking is the most popular activity to do on a break, followed by cycling, water sports and sailing. One in 20 have even booked a break to coincide with an elite sporting event such as an iron man or triathlon.

It was also revealed that nearly one in three (28%) want to focus on improving their overall health and wellbeing during mini-breaks away, while less than 15% want a getaway indulging in food and booze.

Experiencing something new and feeling like they’ve accomplished something were ranked as the top two priorities when booking a trip away, while less than 5% view ‘relaxing with a good book’ as the best way to unwind when on holiday.

To launch its ‘We Know What Matters’ campaign, Holiday Inn Express challenged three well-known vloggers to go on their own micro-adventures across the UK and document their action-packed weekends away. Watch the video highlights HERE.