As summer is in full swing, a few days off may seem essential to regain energy. But should you take a week, fifteen days, or split your vacation? Research offers a more nuanced answer than the famous “eight-day rule.”
How many vacation days does it take to truly rest?
When it comes to vacations, are you the type who prefers a few days spread across the year or a long summer break? To determine which approach best recharges the batteries, several scientific teams have studied well-being over the course of vacations.
One of the most frequently cited studies was conducted by researcher Jessica de Bloom and published in 2013 in the Journal of Happiness Studies. Her team followed 54 employees before, during, and after their summer vacation.
The participants had taken relatively long vacations, averaging 23 days in length. Their health and well-being were assessed at several points, notably on days four, eight, twelve, and sixteen.
Results showed that well-being increased rapidly in the early days and seemed to peak around day eight. This interval would allow people to slow down, disconnect from work rhythm, and settle fully into the vacation.
Eight days, a landmark rather than an ideal duration
These results have sometimes been summarized by a catchy rule: the ideal vacation would last between eight and eleven days. Yet the study does not provide a precise optimal duration.
It also did not demonstrate that boredom or homesickness reliably appear by day eleven. It mainly indicates that, within this small group, the improvement in well-being was particularly pronounced up to the eighth day.
The eighth day should therefore be considered a landmark, not a deadline. Needs vary depending on accumulated fatigue, the work performed, family situation, and the conditions under which the vacation is taken.
Are longer vacations still more restful?
Scientific knowledge has advanced since that initial study. A meta-analysis published in 2025 in the Journal of Applied Psychology gathered 32 studies devoted to vacations and employee well-being.
Its conclusions nuance the idea that vacation benefits are weak or short-lived. Overall, vacations would produce a meaningful improvement in well-being, with effects that could last longer than earlier work suggested.
Longer breaks were associated with greater improvements. Yet the return could be followed by a faster drop in well-being. There is therefore no one-size-fits-all formula.
A long pause can be valuable after a particularly stressful period. Several shorter breaks spread throughout the year help prevent hitting burnout before it even begins.
What really matters to enjoy your vacation
Duration isn’t everything. Research also highlights how vacations are experienced matters.
Psychological detachment from work plays a significant role. Continuing to check emails or respond to work messages keeps mental load up, even when you’re far from the office.
Sleep also matters. In Jessica de Bloom’s study, participants slept more on vacation than before leaving. The quality and duration of sleep were linked to a stronger sense of well-being.
Autonomy is another important factor. Vacations packed with sightseeing, travel, and obligations can become a marathon. Being able to choose your pace, alternate activities with quiet time, or simply do nothing without guilt promotes recovery.
Finally, staying active remains beneficial. You don’t have to plan a strenuous hike every morning: walking, swimming, gardening, or cycling can provide enjoyable physical activity.
Extra tip
Avoid filling every day. Leave some blocks free for sleep, spontaneity, or simply slowing down. Rest also needs space on the calendar.
How to extend the effects of vacation after returning to work?
Back-to-work routines can quickly erode the lightness gained during time off. A few precautions can help prevent a too-brutal re-entry.
If possible, come back one or two days before resuming work. That buffer helps with organizing, returning to schedules, and preparing for the week ahead.
On the first day, avoid trying to tackle all the accumulated emails immediately. Start by identifying real urgent items, then plan the rest gradually.
Also maintain a pleasant habit you picked up on vacation: a post-dinner walk, eating lunch outdoors, more sleep, or screen-free evenings.
Should you split your vacation?
Taking regular short stretches of rest can help prevent fatigue from building up. A longer break, however, provides more time to shift rhythms and recover deeply.
The best compromise is often to keep a true period of disconnection while spreading a few breaks throughout the year. This choice naturally depends on the number of available days and personal constraints.
Finally, vacations alone do not always repair deep fatigue. If exhaustion, sleep problems, or anxiety persist after returning, it’s best to talk to a health professional.
Also read
Vacation: 10 tips to truly disconnect
Vacation blues: how to get past them
