Worn-down Brits need more regular holidays to feel recharged, according to new research from Original Cottages.

Almost a third of us (30 per cent) took at least three or more short domestic breaks during the last year, with over three-quarters (78 per cent) seeing the positive benefits a short UK ‘microbreak’ can offer.

The public admits that levels of productivity and general mood are hampered when they don’t take a mini-holiday – with data revealing that the nation requires a break from the grind of daily life as regularly as every 46 days.

The new study from Original Cottages, the national holiday cottage company with the local touch, revealed the intriguing findings after surveying 2,000 UK adults across the country.

Just three days is all is takes for Brits to recharge their batteries and Dr Audrey Tang, Psychologist and Wellbeing expert, said: “While it has traditionally been assumed a week-long break is essential for unwinding, the ‘little and often’ approach is likely to be more effective in keeping your energy tank topped up, compared with few and far between holidays.

“A ‘microbreak’ doesn’t exert extra pressure or expectation compared to a longer holiday and it allows people to recharge more often.

“Every break from routine is likely to give our brains a positive boost of energy through stimulating curiosity.”

The survey also revealed that general mood (54 per cent), tiredness levels (50 per cent) and effectiveness at work (42 per cent) are firmly inhibited if Brits don’t take breaks frequently.

And over four-fifths (83 per cent) reckon they need at least a minimum of three days’ holidays to feel recharged, with the microbreak rapidly emerging as a popular choice for those seeking time to decompress and unwind.

It’s not all about weekend getaway either, with over half (51 per cent) opting to escape mid-week and citing better value for money (59 per cent), fewer crowds (54 per cent) and more choice (53 per cent) as some of the reasons for starting a microbreak that bit earlier.

Over three-quarters (78 per cent) agree that taking a break is an important boost to maintain positive wellbeing and Dr Tang added: “Taking a break elsewhere in the UK also presents separation and a buffer against the effects of stress, as people can engage in things that boost their wellbeing, lowering levels of cortisol that are produced under pressure.” 

Sonia Holman, Marketing Director at Original Cottages, said: “Shorter and more frequent breaks are essential to positive wellbeing, and as our research shows, the appeal of the microbreak is growing with over three-quarters (80%) of Brits planning to book more short breaks in the UK to recharge their batteries.”

With a great range of availability from now till Christmas and into the new year visit https://www.originalcottages.co.uk/to book your next microbreak in the UK.