So I just got back from three nights down the coast, where I (naturally) tried to optimise for wellbeing benefits. Morning beach walks for natural daylight exposure shortly after waking? Tick. Strategic coffee consumption timed perfectly between cortisol peaks? Obviously. Methodically alternating between fiction and non-fiction reading to balance my cognitive load? You betcha.

Then I stumbled across this new research and discovered I've been missing a trick. Turns out those coastal benefits have the potential to continue working their magic for up to six weeks (!!) after returning to work - which means there's a whole new dimension of post-holiday wellbeing I need to be paying attention to....

Let me share what I wish I'd known before planning my getaway - and how you can optimise your next break for the longest-lasting benefits possible...

The science of post-holiday glow

​New research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology analysed 32 different studies and found that while yes, our wellbeing does decline after returning to work, it actually stays higher than pre-holiday levels for quite some time.

How long? The researchers estimate the positive effects could last up to 43 days! That's nearly six weeks of residual holiday goodness.

But not all holidays are created equal...

What makes for the most beneficial break? The data revealed some interesting findings:

• Home + away combo wins: Holidays that mixed time at home with travel provided a greater wellbeing boost than trips spent entirely away.
• Longer holidays = bigger initial boost: But there's a trade-off - longer breaks showed a steeper wellbeing decline afterward (the holiday equivalent of sugar crash, perhaps?).
• Physical activity matters: Of all holiday activities, exercise delivered the strongest wellbeing benefits.
• Complete disconnection is crucial: Mental detachment from work was the #1 factor for maximising holiday benefits.
• Passive activities don't help much: Simply resting without engaging in active pursuits showed minimal impact. (Sorry, Netflix addicts – science has spoken.)

Perhaps most surprising? Learning new skills during holidays had virtually no effect on wellbeing. So maybe skip that intensive cooking class and just enjoy a beach walk instead.

How to make your next holiday count

Based on this research, here are three evidence-backed ways to maximise your next break:

1. Truly disconnect - Set that out-of-office and mean it
2. Get physical - Prioritise movement over passive relaxation
3. Mix home and away time - Consider a staycation for part of your leave

For those managing teams, the researchers emphasise creating "an environment where there are no perceived penalties for taking time off." Holiday benefits can only happen when people actually feel comfortable taking leave.

So next time you're planning even a short break (hello Easter holidays!), remember: it's not just about optimising those precious days away – it's about engineering a six-week wellbeing runway after you return. Think of your holiday as the gift that keeps on giving, long after you've unpacked your suitcase. The ultimate productivity investment isn't a new time management app – it might just be that holiday you've been putting off.

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And in other news...

• I spoke to KIC co-founder Laura Henshaw on How I Work about how she escaped the People-Pleasing Trap.
• We have just released new dates for our GenAI workshops in Melbourne and Sydney. But if you are looking to learn from the comfort of your own home office, then our online GenAI Productivity System program might be your cup of tea.
• Contribute to my hotel "hot or not" list please. And get some great recommendations from those who have already commented.

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