--- title: "Why do holidays make us so happy? | Hotel Lemongarden - Brač Kroatien" url: "https://www.lemongardenhotel.com/en/message-in-a-bottle/why-do-holidays-make-us-so-happy/" description: "If asked, “Do holidays make you happy?”, most people would probably answer “yes!” without a second thought. But have you ever wondered why that is?" date: 2026-03-16 modified: 2026-03-16 categories: - Genuss type: website site: Hotel Lemongarden - Brač Kroatien --- # Why do holidays make us so happy? | Hotel Lemongarden - Brač Kroatien Why do holidays make us so happy? ================================= If asked, “Do holidays make you happy?”, most people would probably answer “yes!” without a second thought. But have you ever wondered why that is? 14 July 2025 ![© Unsplash](https://www.lemongardenhotel.com/fileadmin/_processed_/5/4/csm_anete-lusina-GOZxrAlNIt4-unsplash__1__39ede91918.avif "© Unsplash") The Psychology of Holidays -------------------------- When you’re on holiday, you don’t have to work and can do whatever takes your fancy. That much is clear. But that is by no means the only reason why holidays make us happy. Another reason lies within our psyche. Even as we **think about all the things** we’ll experience on holiday, and dwell on lovely hotels and good food, the **reward centre in the** brain becomes active. The result? A surge of dopamine! In fact, studies show that people are often happiest **just before going on holiday**, because the reward centre is already extremely active in anticipation of a positive experience. An increase in dopamine boosts motivation; we feel more alert, focused and **full of energy**. This may also be why, before going on holiday, we even get round to dealing with those emails that have actually been waiting for attention in our inbox for weeks. Plus: finally getting round to tasks that have been long overdue triggers the **release of serotonin**. And that, in turn, makes us feel content. ![Gedeckter Frühstückstisch direkt am Meer mit Booten](https://www.lemongardenhotel.com/fileadmin/_processed_/7/5/csm_004_HUS_5756_13db5ade0d.avif "Frühstücken direkt am Meer © Hotel Lemongarden") Unlike everyday life -------------------- On holiday, we break free from our **daily routines**. Instead of a quick coffee on the go, we enjoy a leisurely [breakfast by the sea](https://www.lemongardenhotel.com/en/message-in-a-bottle/breakfast-at-the-lemongarden-hotel/) in the morning. Instead of a marathon of meetings, we go for [a bike ride](https://www.lemongardenhotel.com/en/message-in-a-bottle/active-holidays-in-croatia/) along the Croatian coast. And in the evening, the **stunning play of colours** at sunset in the harbour of Sutivan beats even the best streaming series. So the brain receives completely new stimuli. This reduces stress and lifts our spirits. ![Marina bei Abendstimmung](https://www.lemongardenhotel.com/fileadmin/_processed_/7/c/csm_DSC_0742_d439cec553.avif "Marina Hafen bei Abendstimmung © Hotel Lemongarden") Speaking of stress: it raises cortisol levels in the blood – and with them the risk of certain health conditions. It is therefore desirable to keep cortisol levels as low as possible. The fact is that even **a few days’ break** can lower cortisol levels, partly because we sleep more and better. Does a holiday make you happy? Yes! But it’s also good for your health! ![Ein Tisch Erwachsener Menschen isst bei Sonnenuntergang auf einer Dachterrasse](https://www.lemongardenhotel.com/fileadmin/_processed_/d/2/csm_DSC_3347_8aff41b712.avif "Fine Dining bei Abendstimmung © Hotel Lemongarden") Time for what really matters ---------------------------- Without the pressure of time and deadlines, a holiday offers plenty of scope for the things that often get neglected in everyday life. For example, hobbies, **getting enough sleep**, simply enjoying yourself and gaining new experiences. When you spend your holiday with your loved ones, you create new experiences that strengthen your social bonds. Studies on human longevity have shown that **strong social bonds** are a key factor in life expectancy. Those who use their holiday to consciously put their mobile phone away and **practise** a bit **of digital detox** are more mindful and experience **even more moments of happiness**. Instead, you should set off on long walks along the beach, extensive hikes and sightseeing on foot. Because spending time in the fresh air, in the sun and in daylight helps **your body absorb vitamin D**. And we need that for a balanced mood, bone health and a strong immune system. ![Drohnenaufnahme Areal Hotel Lemongarden mit kleinem Hafen](https://www.lemongardenhotel.com/fileadmin/_processed_/3/6/csm_LG-9_c756b88b8b.avif "Lemongarden Areal von oben © Hotel Lemongarden") Even once you’re back home, holidays make you happy. Because when you reminisce or look at photos, you relive those positive moments and feelings. What’s more, **getting to know other ways of life** helps us broaden our horizons – and makes our own everyday lives seem in a new light. Tip! ---- Book your unforgettable holiday in Croatia now! At Hotel Lemongarden, you’ll find a seaside hideaway perfect for life’s special moments. ![Lila Blumenpracht am Fenster](https://www.lemongardenhotel.com/fileadmin/_processed_/1/5/csm_039_HUS_4885_abcc140834.avif "Wunderschöne Blumen © Hotel Lemongarden") ![Pool zwischen uralten Palmen und blühenden Sträuchern ](https://www.lemongardenhotel.com/fileadmin/_processed_/f/9/csm_003__MG_9842_a0f04b471c.avif "Idyllische Poollandschaft © Hotel Lemongarden") ![Große Liege zwischen Zitronenbäumen und Pool](https://www.lemongardenhotel.com/fileadmin/_processed_/f/d/csm_009__20A6805_813e4f8389.avif "Relaxen am Pool © Hotel Lemongarden")