The Science-Backed Guide to Making Your Vacation a Mental Health Booster

Vacations are more than just a break from work—they’re essential for your mental well-being. But are you making the most of your time off? A recent meta-analysis published in Applied Psychology reveals that certain activities can significantly enhance the mental health benefits of a vacation. Instead of returning home feeling like you need another break, you can extend the relaxation and happiness long after your trip ends.

With busy schedules, endless notifications, and daily responsibilities, many people struggle to fully unwind while on vacation. You might find yourself checking emails, worrying about work, or feeling guilty for taking time off. The good news? Science shows that making small adjustments to how you spend your vacation can drastically improve its long-term benefits.

What Science Says About the Best Ways to Relax on Vacation

Researchers analyzed 32 studies from nine countries to understand how vacations impact mental health. Their findings revealed that while taking time off is important, the activities you engage in during your vacation play a bigger role in determining how refreshed you feel afterward.

Here are the top three activities that have the most positive impact on mental well-being:

1. Unplugging from work – Employees who fully detached from work stress during vacations reported lower levels of burnout and higher job satisfaction upon returning. This means resisting the urge to check work emails or take business calls.
2. Engaging in physical activities – Whether it’s hiking, swimming, or even walking through a new city, moving your body increases endorphins and reduces stress. Participants who stayed active during their vacations reported a longer-lasting sense of well-being than those who remained sedentary.
3. Spending time with positive people – Quality social interactions significantly improve mood and emotional resilience. Studies show that people who spent their vacations connecting with loved ones and engaging in meaningful conversations experienced greater happiness and life satisfaction post-vacation.

The Study’s Methodology

This research, conducted as a meta-analysis, reviewed decades of data on vacation-related well-being. Scientists examined mental health markers such as stress reduction, happiness levels, and job engagement before, during, and after vacations.

The results suggest that vacations are most effective when they include:

• A clear break from work-related tasks (no checking emails or responding to work calls).
• Engaging activities that promote relaxation, creativity, or movement.
• Social interactions that provide emotional support and joy.

One key takeaway from this research is that passive relaxation alone isn’t enough. While lounging by the beach can feel great in the moment, adding mindful activities and social connections creates deeper, longer-lasting mental health benefits.

How to Use Acupressure to Enhance Your Vacation’s Mental Health Benefits

Vacations offer a great opportunity to reset your body and mind, and acupressure can play a big role in that. This ancient technique, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), helps relieve stress, improve sleep, and boost energy levels—perfect for ensuring you return home feeling truly refreshed.

Acupressure Points to Try While Traveling

If you want to maximize relaxation and energy during your vacation, try incorporating these powerful acupressure points:

1. Qihai (Ren 6) – The Sea of Energy

1. • Location: Two finger-widths below your belly button.
   • Benefits: Applying gentle pressure here can boost energy, reduce fatigue, and improve digestion—making it an excellent point to stimulate when adjusting to a new time zone or recovering from travel exhaustion.
   • When to use it: In the morning to jumpstart your energy or after meals to aid digestion.

2. Zusanli (ST 36) – The Stomach’s Energy Booster

1. • Location: Four finger-widths below the kneecap, slightly off to the outside of the shinbone.
   • Benefits: Stimulating this point can help improve digestion, increase stamina, and support the immune system—ideal for keeping you energized during long sightseeing days.
   • When to use it: Before heading out for the day to boost endurance or before meals to support digestion, especially when trying new foods.

2. Yongquan (KI 1) – The Bubbling Spring

• • Location: On the sole of the foot, in the depression just below the ball of the foot.
  • Benefits: Massaging this point helps relieve stress, improve sleep, and combat jet lag, ensuring you wake up refreshed each morning.
  • When to use it: Before bedtime to promote relaxation and help adjust to a new time zone.

For a deeper dive into how acupressure can enhance your energy levels, check out our guide on acupressure points for energy boost.

How to Integrate Acupressure Into Your Vacation

To get the most out of these acupressure techniques, try incorporating them into your daily vacation routine:

• Morning routine: Start your day by pressing Qihai to activate your energy levels and set a positive tone.
• Before meals: Stimulate Zusanli to support digestion and boost stamina before a full day of activities.
• Before bedtime: Massage Yongquan to relax your mind and body, ensuring deep, restorative sleep.

By using acupressure daily, you can enhance relaxation, prevent travel fatigue, and keep your energy levels high, allowing you to fully enjoy your vacation without feeling drained.

Final Thoughts

Your vacation should leave you feeling rejuvenated, not exhausted. Science confirms that unplugging from work, staying active, and surrounding yourself with positive people can amplify the mental health benefits of time off. Adding acupressure to your routine is a simple yet powerful way to make sure your relaxation lasts long after your trip ends.

Next time you travel, be intentional about how you unwind. A vacation isn’t just about escaping your daily routine—it’s an opportunity to reset, refresh, and return home feeling happier, healthier, and truly recharged.

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