Need a holiday? Science says you should pack your bags every two months

If you’re feeling completely frazzled, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for. A research paper published in 2025 by researcher Selvaraj Giridharan suggests that we really need a proper getaway every couple of months to shake off the stress and stop ourselves from completely burning out.

The paper, which was put together by researchers based at Tawam Hospital in Abu Dhabi and the NHS Trust in Hereford, looks at how we bounce back from work pressure. It turns out that taking short, regular breaks is actually way better for you than saving up all your annual leave for one big trip.

Basically, having these frequent mini-breaks gives you a chance to properly switch off your brain, recharge your batteries much quicker, and keep yourself feeling happy and balanced. Plus, let’s be honest, that post-holiday glow usually fades after just a few weeks back at work. That’s why booking things more often is the real secret to staying productive and keeping your mental health on track.

So, how do we actually make these regular escapes happen without using up all your annual leave in one go? The secret is getting clever with long weekends. You don’t have to jet across the world to get that full reset. A UK staycation at a cosy countryside cottage or a relaxing spa weekend can work wonders for clearing your head. If you fancy going a bit further afield, hopping on the overnight ferry over to Holland is a brilliant, stress free option where the holiday starts the minute you board. Alternatively, a quick beach break in Majorca, Corfu or Malta; or locking in a cheeky three or four night city break abroad, perhaps wandering around Rome, exploring Berlin, or chilling by the coast in Barcelona, gives you that brilliant holiday buzz without breaking the bank or taking massive chunks of time off work. It is all about planning those little chunks of joy throughout the year so you always have something to look forward to.

Here’s a few short break options:

Romantic Rome: https://expedia.com/affiliate/p4uUlX4

Beautiful Berlin: https://expedia.com/affiliate/yelJCLJ