You’ve booked the flights, counted down the days, and packed your bags with the hope of much-needed rest. But when you finally arrive, something strange happens: you don’t feel as relaxed as you expected.
Maybe your mind is still running with work worries, or perhaps you’re struggling to sleep in a new environment.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone, and new research explains why so many of us find it hard to truly switch off on holiday.
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The hidden stress we carry into holidays
A recent survey by Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) of 6,000 adults across the UK, US and Australia revealed some striking truths about rest.
- Women were more likely to feel emotionally drained (28% vs 19% of men).
- Younger travellers aged 25–44 reported significantly higher work pressures (54% vs 42% for 45–64 year-olds).
- 20% of younger adults admitted to feeling “very guilty” about resting, compared to 15% of older adults.
And here’s the surprising twist: despite having more time, older travellers didn’t necessarily feel better rested. In fact, 54% of 45–64 year-olds said they rested “not very much” on holiday, higher than younger travellers.
So, whether it’s emotional load, work guilt, or age-related fatigue, we seem to carry stress with us wherever we go.
Why switching off is harder than ever
Holidays are meant to be an antidote to busy lives. But in reality, they can amplify the very things we’re trying to escape.
- Work pressure follows us: Laptops, phones and constant connectivity blur the line between “away” and “available”.
- Family responsibilities weigh heavy: Women in the survey were more likely to prioritise family needs over their own rest (48% vs 40% of men).
- The guilt factor creeps in: We live in a productivity-driven culture where resting can feel like failing.
It’s no wonder many of us return from our breaks still feeling tired.
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The science of rest: why your mind matters as much as your body
True rest isn’t just about lying on a sun lounger. To feel deeply restored, we need our nervous system to switch out of “fight or flight” mode and into a calmer, more regenerative state. But if your mind is busy replaying work stress or family to-do lists, your body never gets the full chance to reset.
This is where Sophrology comes in.
Sophrology: a practical tool for switching off
Sophrology is often described as “meditation for people who can’t meditate.” It blends gentle movement, breathing, relaxation and visualisation into short, guided practices that help you reconnect with calm.
Unlike traditional meditation, you don’t need silence, stillness, or lots of time. A 10-minute Sophrology session can be done in your hotel room, on a balcony, or even while waiting for a flight. The focus is simple: shifting your nervous system from stress into balance, so your body and mind can truly rest.
Three simple Sophrology resets for your next trip
1. Release work worries before departure
Before you leave, take 5 minutes to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and picture yourself setting down your workload in a safe place. Visualise stepping into your holiday with lightness.
2. Body scan on your first night away
Struggle to sleep in a new bed? Try a guided body scan: bring attention slowly from your feet up to your head, releasing tension with each breath.
3. Guilt-free rest break
On holiday, give yourself permission to pause. Place your hands on your abdomen, inhale slowly through the nose, exhale gently through the mouth, and repeat for 2–3 minutes. Remind yourself that rest is productive.
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Your next step: Travel Reset with BeSophro
If you’re ready to travel well and rest deeply, the BeSophro app has a dedicated Travel
Reset programme designed for every stage of your journey.
- Pre-Travel Reset to release stress before you leave
- Switch Off and Let Go to ease into holiday mode
- Manage Travel Anxiety for calmer flights and journeys
- Anchor the Beauty of Now to stay present and soak up every moment
- Ease Back After Your Holiday to bring the calm home with you
Try The Introductory Travel practice – an 8-minute reset to help you swap pre-travel stress for a clear, focused mindset.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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