We’ve all been there after a busy period: feeling lethargic, sleepless nights, emotionally empty. There’s nothing left in the tank. And yet if we carry on regardless, a burnout is almost inevitable. Naturally, this is something we want to avoid. Which is why a burnout recovery holiday, anti-stress holiday or stress management holiday makes total sense. These are wellness packages to resorts and luxury health destinations designed to breathe new life into you; for you to rest and recharge.
These wellness holidays are perfect if you are under stress and wish to avoid a burnout. But these holidays will also aid your recovery if you are already facing the first signs of burnout. They have been devised in close collaboration with doctors, psychologists and natural therapists. As well as facilitating recovery and renewal, these trips uncover the causes of stress and burnout, so that repeat episodes can be avoided in future. Many Puurenkuur guests, including Hans Zuidwijk, say they feel ‘reborn’ after a burnout recovery or stress management holiday. Read his story and experience.
What does a stress management holiday involve?
An anti-stress holiday is designed to re-establish balance and help you get your energy back. There are a number of health and wellness resorts that offer special programs around burnout holidays, de-stress programs or emotional healing packages. They have devised dedicated programmes, often with their own, unique twist, but the core ingredients remain the same.
Such as healthy eating, for example. In times of stress, we often turn to coffee alcohol, fatty snacks, sugar and nicotine. Which is understandable. But not desirable. These substances in fact increase the levels of adrenalin in the body, creating even more turmoil. Healthy food, on the other hand, helps combat stress. Which is why, during an anti-stress holiday, you will learn all about a proper, healthy diet.
Of course, relaxing treatments and holistic activities are part of a stress management holiday. Yoga, tai chi, Pilates and qi gong, mindfulness, meditation, acupuncture and Ayurveda all help re-establish the balance between body and mind, promoting a more relaxed way of life. What’s more, this also keeps your wellness holiday a little active – which is a good thing for people who are stressed and very much ‘in their head’. The physical exercise brings you more into being in your body.
Research has indeed shown that wellness holidays can reduce burnout-induced sick leave and increase employees’ productivity. For this reason, some employers are willing to contribute to the costs of the holiday. The costs for coaching are classed as business expenses and thus tax-deductible for entrepreneurs and the self-employed.
How do you prevent stress?
Coaching sessions are another aspect of anti-stress holidays. Karina Stewart is the founder of Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, a unique resort that offers excellent burnout recovery programmes. In a detailed interview, she explains: “If you aren’t taking good care of yourself, you need to consider why. You need to find out what motivates you. Once you know that, you can make changes towards getting your body in a healthy state again.” The coaching sessions during a wellness stress package are designed to help you discover where your boundaries lie. They offer you insight into recurring patterns, and uncover the underlying reasons behind stress or burnout. Becoming aware of this enables you to manage it much better. Want some tips to help you start feeling more relaxed in advance of your burnout recovery holiday? Read Karina's top 10 best de-stress tips here.
Get also inspired by our Stress Management sub categories
Below is an overview of wellness resorts and Destination Spa's that are particularly suitable for anti-stress holidays, burnout recovery holidays or stress management holidays. Want to know more? Don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d be delighted to inform you of the options.
Recharging your battery in nature?In depth one-to-one coaching sessions regarding burnout and prevention?
Feel energized by the power of (thermal) water