The ‘43-day rule’ is experts recommending a break from work at least every six weeks

I bet you’ve experienced this: While you’re working, friends are posting vacation photos. Suddenly, you feel FOMO—not just because you’re missing out, but because you could really use a break from work yourself. Although you may brush this off as an intense yearning for that which you cannot have yet, business coach Hazel Anderson-Turner sees this as a potential warning sign: It may actually indicate that your body is crying out for rest.

A longer gap between two holidays could take a toll on your mental well-being. Find out here why experts recommend consciously scheduling a break at least every 43 days.

“43-Day Rule”: Here’s how it works

Anderson-Turner cites British research showing that the feeling of refreshment after a vacation lasts an average of about 43 days. This means we should plan a couple of days off from work roughly every six weeks—apart from weekends.

Many employees carry over unused vacation days from one calendar year to the next—and as a result, later find themselves under pressure to take those days off in a timely manner. It might be worth spreading out vacation time more consciously throughout the year instead of saving it for later as those who consistently forgo rest increase their risk of chronic stress and exhaustion. Regular breaks, on the other hand, can help strengthen mental resilience.

The “43-Day Rule”: This could be a sign you need a break urgently

The ‘Fear of Missing Out’ is often not just a brief flash of envy, but rather a signal from your body. What does it mean? Simply put, that it’s time for a break. And we’re talking about a conscious break from work that truly recharges your batteries.

5 questions about true breaks and relaxation

According to Anderson-Turner, it’s worth reflecting on the breaks that have left you feeling truly rested all around and identifying the key elements for long-lasting relaxation. She recommends asking yourself the following questions to identify your state of being:

• During which breaks do I feel particularly connected to my own values?
• Based on what I know about myself and my energy levels, how often do I need a break?
• Are regular long weekends, less frequent but longer breaks or a mix of both best for me?
• What balance of rest and activity works best for me?
• What do I need to do to plan my vacation for next year (or as much of it as possible) by the end of this week?

Here’s how you can easily put the “43-Day Rule” into practice

I didn’t have the best summer. While my friends were in Spain and Italy, driving through Sweden in a VW bus, or chilling out for three long weeks on the Croatian Adriatic coast, I was at home. That’s because my planned vacation—a hiking trip in the Alps—was completely rained out. I cancelled the mountain huts and my vacation days.

Unlike in previous years, though, I found myself spending more time on Instagram and other social media, following who was posting the most beautiful sunset or the most spectacular photo of an amazing vacation destination—and when and where. I’m not usually prone to FOMO, but this summer, I felt a slight “I want that too” urge. But what do you do when you don’t have any time off in the forseeable future? It’s simple: look for microadventures, not well-being getaways just for yourself.