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If you spend the workweek looking forward to Friday, you’re not the only one. It’s no wonder that Thank God It’s Friday or TGIF has become a global expression.
Recent research reveals what many of us have suspected all along — that long weekends and holidays aren’t just enjoyable — they bring with them many health and wellness benefits. Here’s what science has to say about taking time off from work.
Taking time off is healthy
The study from the University of South Australia that followed 308 adults with fitness trackers 24 hours a day for over a year, reported Science Daily, and revealed that when these participants were on vacation from work they spent 13 percent more time engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Participants on vacation also slept four percent more than they did during the routine workweek, and spent 29 minutes less time being sedentary (a five percent decrease from the workweek).
Researcher, Dr. Ty Ferguson told Science Daily, “In this study, we found that movement patterns changed for the better when on holiday, with increased physical activity and decreased sedentary behavior observed across the board.
“We also found that people gained an extra 21 minutes of sleep each day they were on holiday, which can have a range of positive effects on our physical and mental health. For example, getting enough sleep can help improve our mood, cognitive function, and productivity.”
A long weekend goes a long way
Researchers at the University of South Australia also weighed in on the concept of a long weekend. Professor Carol Maher, a researcher who contributed to the study said that the study demonstrates the benefits of not just an extended vacation, but also a long weekend.
“A shorter working week is being trialed by companies all over the world,” she explained. “Not surprisingly, employees reported less stress, burnout, fatigue, as well as better mental health and improved work-life balance.”
This study provides empirical evidence that people have healthier lifestyle patterns when they have a short break, such as a three-day weekend,” Maher said. “This increase in physical activity and sleep is expected to have positive effects on both mental and physical health, contributing to the benefits observed with a four-day work week.”
Maher suggests that as the world changes,it may be time to embrace the long weekend as a way to boost people's physical and mental wellbeing.
How to spend your long weekend
According to Health Shots, a long weekend offers physical, mental, and emotional benefits. A few days off of work allows people to break their routine and spend time with loved ones and chasing their passions.
People who spend their long weekend freeing themselves from the monotony of the workweek are actually doing things that improve their mental and physical health. These activities can include things like exploring a hobby, spending time with friends and family, catching up on sleep, or doing something exciting and spontaneous. Everyone needs a little adventure in their lives.
As the world adapts to new ways of working, perhaps it’s time to explore adjusting to a four-day work week and normalizing long weekends. This allows workers to catch up on relationships, physical activity, mental health, and sleep; making people even more productive when they return to work on Tuesday morning.
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