The last word: The (scientifically) perfect vacation

The following is an excerpt from an article I read in "The Week" about vacation.  It was interesting enough that I wanted to share:

The last word: The (scientifically) perfect vacation


How behavioral psychologists and economists can help you make the most of your precious time off
By Drake Bennett. Originally published in The Boston Globe. ©2010 by The New York Times Co.

"The finding is a testament to the human tendency to procrastinate, in pleasure as in work. Seen this way, part of why we enjoy ourselves on a vacation stems from the fact that it gives us a deadline: an often sharply limited time window during which we have to go out and enjoy ourselves.

If you realize this, suggests Shu, you can give yourself some of the benefits of a vacation without going anywhere, simply by cordoning off a day or two and strictly scheduling it for leisure. That way you’ll actually go out and see the play or concert you would otherwise have skipped, or take the time to dig the tent and camp stove out of the basement." (to read the entire article click here)