Vacations and Quality of Life

Quality of life (QOL) is more than standard of living. While the standard is related primarily to income, QOL includes other things such as leisure activities and the environment. Several studies have confirmed that leisure activities contribute to people’s happiness in general (something that is not all that surprising).

While leisure activities refer to home-based activities, vacations are away from home, and infrequent, activities. Studies have found that vacations are important contributors to quality of life. Vacations are particularly helpful in relieving the stress of every day work life and allow vacationers to recharge themselves.

One question that inevitably comes up in this context is the definition of Quality of Life. In theory, few would disagree that QOL is closely related to happiness. In practice, however, happiness is a subjective phenomenon and difficult to measure. QOL is hence measured in terms of other, measurable, indicators.

In this article, however, we use the subjective happiness to talk about how vacations contribute to QOL.

It has been noticed that people begin to be happy in anticipation of a scheduled vacation. The impact of vacations thus begins to show much before the actual event. (This might be a good argument for scheduling your vacation much in advance!)

Actual and prospective vacations tend to generate positive feelings. This is in contrast to the boring humdrum of repeated daily routines, and the negative feelings caused by the stresses of work life. You think of being able to do as you please (such as being able to sleep as late as you want and doing things you like rather than things you have to) and the prospect generates feelings associated with happiness.

Stress relief can bring physical relief such as relief from odd pains and tensed muscles that cause discomfort. In addition, vacations in open spaces allow people to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, both of which can contribute to improvements in one’s physical condition.

If the vacation happens to be in places such as among the greenery of the countryside, you can get close to nature. The colour green is soothing to the mind as are the sounds of birds and flowing streams. And the sights of quietly grazing animals on the vast open grasslands can bring up images of the far more relaxed life in an earlier age. The overall effect is one of peace and happiness.

Studies have found that once people are back from the vacation, the effects tend to wear off in a few weeks. It has also been found that the more relaxing the vacation experience was, the more weeks the effect lasted. Again, this is not a surprising finding considering that people come back to the humdrum and tensions that they had left behind.

A Great Vacation Option at Paddock House Farm

Paddock House Farm Holiday Cottages offers Ashbourne Self Catering in a great vacation option that can provide a truly relaxing vacation experience. The cottages are located at Alstonefield, a “best kept” village that contributes to the quality of life attribute, among some of the most beautiful parts of the Peak District National Park. The stunning natural scenery all around will recharge your mind and body alike while the spacious grounds on which the six cottages (with varying accommodation) are located provide scope for leisure activities such as picnics and ball games.