With daylight in short supply and winter officially creeping in, it’s no surprise many Canadians are feeling the seasonal slump. In fact, Google searches for Seasonal Affective Disorder have surged by 83% in the past month alone. But according to new travel data—and a psychologist-backed explanation—there’s a surprisingly simple way to lift your spirits right now: book a vacation.
New internal data from luxury villa specialists CV Villas reveals that Monday at 10 a.m. is the global sweet spot for booking a holiday, with one in five travelers making their escape plans right at the start of the week. And where are Monday dreamers escaping to? Sun-soaked Mediterranean favourites like Greece and Croatia top the list.
So why Monday? Chartered psychologist Dr. Audrey Tang explains that the very act of planning a getaway can boost your wellbeing long before you board a plane. “Our brain doesn’t necessarily know the difference between something right in front of us and a memory,” she says. “If you’re imagining yourself on the beach, your body is already starting to relax.” In other words, your mind checks out before your out-of-office even turns on.
Even better? That feel-good effect isn’t fleeting. Research shows the wellbeing boost from anticipating a holiday—and returning from one—can last up to 43 days, especially when you truly disconnect from work. Dr. Tang does offer one word of advice: keep expectations realistic. The real magic often lies in shared moments, not perfection.
So whether you’re scrolling through villas during your Monday morning coffee or daydreaming of a coastal escape mid-week, one thing’s clear: sometimes the best therapy is simply having something beautiful to look forward to. —Vita Daily
share:
Be the first to comment