Stressed out Brits seek a return to nature on holiday

Over two-thirds of Brits (68.6%) have admitted that a sense of freedom, increased personal space and well-being are now the most important considerations they look for in a holiday, a survey from Canvas Holidays has revealed.

Over a quarter of Brits (27%) said that proximity to nature and closeness to the coast/lake (25%) were the strongest influencing factors in achieving a greater sense of relaxation and well-being on holiday. With half the world’s population now expected to be living in cities by the end of 2008*, the need for nature and to escape the urban landscape is becoming increasingly integral to well-being.

The findings from the survey conducted by Canvas Holidays supported research by University College London, which studied the relationship between our proximity to natural versus urban environments, and the effect on well-being.

UCL psychologist, Itai Ivtzan who ran the research, said: “The more urban or dense the population, the less happy people are, and so the restful elements of nature can have an increasingly profound effect on people. Natural settings such as view of water, the smell of grass or the sound of birds singing, influence our psychological well-being positively by reconnecting with nature; therefore it is logical that more holidaymakers are choosing natural settings in order to achieve their top desire – to de-stress.”

Itai continued: “Examples of these effects include sunsets, flowers and lakes as they are aesthetically more pleasing than unnatural stimuli found in urban settings. Human beings also have a natural affinity towards nature and an evolutionary attraction stemming back to our hunter/gatherer days.”

With the British now enduring one of the longest working weeks in Europe**, it’s no surprise that the Canvas survey also revealed that nearly one-third of Brits (29%) admitted it now takes between three and four days of their holiday before they finally begin to feel relaxed. The findings, which further showed another 7% of holidaymakers need at least five days to de-stress, reflects the increasing work pressure many of us are now under.

Paul Carter, managing director of Canvas Holidays said: “Holiday time is valuable and people are taking more breaks away and our research reflects this - 33% had three plus short breaks in the last 12 months and 28% of respondents had two holidays of seven nights or more in the last 12 months. Being outdoors and connecting with nature shows that the simple things in life and those that are free for us all to enjoy give us greater happiness ultimately.”

Of those surveyed, 55% said France was their top European country of choice when considering a holiday to getaway from it all. Read the Canvas Holidays’ report to find out what makes outdoor living holidays better for your well-being and why reconnecting with nature benefits our state of mind.

For more information on Canvas Holidays see Canvasholidays.co.uk.

*According to a United Nations Population Fund report 2007

**From the national trade union centre in the UK (TUC) based on a study published January 2007