Many people come home from vacation feeling disappointed. Not because the trip was bad, but because they expected it to do more than any vacation possibly can.
In my previous episode on leisure, I discussed its importance to happiness and well-being. A vacation, done well, is really an opportunity to practice leisure more intentionally—whether that means a chance to reconnect with the people you love, lose yourself in nature or culture or read a book you've been meaning to for three years.
In this episode of Office Hours, I share nine research-backed protocols that can help you return from time away feeling happier, more fulfilled, and genuinely restored. We discuss why anticipation is one of the most enjoyable parts of any trip, why shorter vacations may be better than longer ones, and how taking too many photos or posting on social media can pull you out of the very experience you're trying to enjoy.
Brought to you by:
• Noble Mobile—With Noble, there is only one plan: The No-Bull Plan. It’s simple. It’s transparent. And if you use less data, you get cash back. Get an exclusive offer at: https://noblemobile.com/arthurbrooks
Referenced:
• The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness
• The Pursuit of Happiness with Arthur Brooks
• The Meaning of Your Life Retreats
• The Science Behind Being Good at Leisure
• 41% of American Workers Let Paid Vacation Days Go to Waste
• The Contribution of Vacations to Quality of Life
• Personality and Geography: Introverts Prefer Mountains
• Why You Literally Need to Touch Grass
• Pre-travel anticipation as a catalyst of happiness---do demographics matter?
• Vacationers Happier, but Most not Happier After a Holiday
• How and when taking pictures undermines the enjoyment of experiences
• How the Intention to Share Can Undermine Enjoyment: Photo-Taking Goals and Evaluation of Experiences
• Effects of short vacations, vacation activities, and experiences on employee health and well-being


