Unexpected magic and feel-good familiarity: Four ways to extend the benefits of a holiday

Shorter trips, awe, nostalgia and "satisficing" – these tricks will leave you feeling extra rested after a holiday.

With the arrival of August, many of us in the Northern Hemisphere are in the full swing of the summer holidays. These weeks may be our only chance this year to escape the daily grind, so what can we do to make the most of the experience?

As you might hope, psychology has some answers. From the activities that bring the greatest restoration to the benefits of "satisficing" your choices, read on to discover the four secrets of a successful break.

Create psychological distance

Let's first consider the length of our trips. It is natural to assume that the longer we stay away from the frustrations of everyday life, the greater the stress relief, but very short trips may be just as good at recharging our batteries as an odyssey. Analysing the results of 13 studies, Franziska Speth at Dresden University of Technology in Germany and colleagues concluded that the duration of our vacations makes very little difference to these restorative effects.

This comes with a proviso: whether you are embarking on a mini-break or epic voyage, you must ensure that you truly escape from your daily frustrations. The greater the detachment that people feel from their work, the greater their wellbeing during the trip and the after. "It's why checking your emails can undo some of the benefits," says Ethan Kross, a psychologist at the University of Michigan in the US and author of the book Shift: How To Manage Your Emotions So They Don't Manage You.

You may think that emptying your inbox will set you up for a softer landing once you arrive back in the office, but the research suggests you'd do much better to block your notifications. As you set your out-of-office, rest easy with the knowledge that you'll be in a much better place, mentally, to resolve any issues once you return.

Identify your 'place attachment'

Do you find that you naturally feel safe in certain spaces? 

It is now well-accepted that our "attachment" to people can shape how we act around them – whether we are trusting and open or raise our defences. Less well known, however, is the fact that particular locations can be imbued with powerful associations that instantly shift your mood. This is down to a phenomenon called "place attachment". As Kross explains in his book, it's not about space having a particular quality per se – it's about how it resonates with you emotionally. 

The upshot is that we shouldn't be embarrassed about returning to our favourite spots if they evoke peace and security. Instead, try to savour the memories that they evoke. Nostalgia is known........

© BBC