Overworked Victorians are leading the nation on the list of people who feel they can’t take an lengthy break from work for a holiday.,
Victorians have been labelled the nation’s most time-poor workers, with 91 per cent struggling to take long-term holidays.
The stat uncovered in a recent YouGov survey is believed to be behind data suggesting the state’s residents are increasingly likely to be taking micro-breaks, or weekend getaways, in a bid to recharge their batteries.
But it has sparked a warning from psychologists that workers feeling unable to take a break could also be fearing what would happen to their position or their business if they do.
RELATED: How Melbourne families use Airbnb to help pay their mortgage
Luxury homes earning $100k per week in summer rental boom
Victorian beach houses find new floor despite land tax forcing sales
The YouGov survey for Airbnb contacted more than 1000 Australians earlier this year and found that in addition to struggling to find the time for a holiday, 60 per cent of families saw the cost of taking a break as the main hurdle.
It found that 52 per cent of those taking a weekend getaway were doing so as a result of affordability, in addition to time poorness.
In addition to 91 per cent of Victorians finding it difficult to take a break, 76 per cent said they did not take regular holidays.
Airbnb’s own data shows that when they are taking a micro-break, many are opting for an active getaway that takes in golf, cooking or time poolside.
Warnambool and Inverloch were the most popular spots to escape to.
An Inverloch tiny home that costs $555 for a two-night getaway. Image: Supplied Airbnb
Airbnb country manager Susan Wheeldon says demand for micro-breaks is on the rise.
Airbnb country manager for Australia Susan Wheeldon said part of the attraction of smaller breaks was also less time spent on planning — and more making memories with family.
“Weekend travellers also bring new energy to local communities,” Ms Wheeldon said.
“Weekenders keep cafés busy and markets buzzing throughout the year. It’s great for locals, and it gives visitors a real feel for what makes an area special.”
Australian Psychological Society chief executive Dr Zena Burgess said people fearing they could not take a lengthier break might be worried about how secure their business or their hob was.
Dr Burgess said that when it came to decompressing, a weekend was no comparison to a week off — but there were things time-poor Victorians could do to make the most of a short burst of downtime, or even a weekend, that could make it more effective at lowering stress hormones like cortisol.
A Warrnambool Airbnb that will cost you $352 for two nights. Image: Supplied Airbnb.
Dr Zena Burgess, Australian Psychological Society chief executive, says longer breaks provide a better chance to set up patterns that will make you feel less stressed.
“What you have to do is replenish yourself and restock your mental and physical energy,” Dr Burgess said.
“Be in nature, make sure you get enough sleep, eat well and don’t do work in between.
“But the longer the break you take, the more likely you are to set up a pattern that supports you feeling less stressed.”
Time with family and friends, nature walks and even hobbies could also provide better resilience.
But the psychologist warned connecting with emails during breaks was effectively “contaminating” the time, and could risk building stress and the sense of burn out.
Ms Wheeldon added that for those looking to fund their own weekend escapes, making their home available to others to rent out for a short stay could help.
Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
MORE: Fast food giant reveals new Melbourne locations
Olympic champion Mack Horton sells South Melbourne apartment for $940k
English (US) · 