On the whole, Brits are hard, determined workers, and a remarkable one-third of all British employees fail to utilise their full holiday entitlement. If you are one of these ambitious but overworked employees, consider the effect that your dedication to your office life is having on your romantic life. When was the last time you and your partner went on holiday? When was the last time you had a stress-free, uninterrupted day to enjoy together? As clinical psychologist Lisa Blum points out, the most enduring and strongest relationships take hard work. It's important to make the time for romantic getaways with your spouse. They don’t have to be expensive, but every relationship requires time and commitment to thrive.
Can your relationship survive a holiday?
Beautiful Norfolk
Before we over-romanticise holidays and their benefits, it is important to remember that holidays can often be the cause of break-ups. In fact, according to The Telegraph, a remarkable 22% of couples dread spending time with their partner during the summer holidays. Psychologist Ann Thomas, a specialist in relationship issues, claims that this is often down to unhealthy pressures and expectations. We tend to invest a lot of money in our holidays as a means of treating ourselves, but along with this exchange of money comes an innate expectation that we will have a great time. When troubles present themselves and we realise that a perfect holiday isn’t possible, the stress amplifies and it takes its psychological toll.
Though you should certainly look forward to your romantic holiday, try your best to temper your expectations. If you are a new couple, rather than escaping on a two-week getaway, it might be wiser to pick a weekend cottage break. This will provide the perfect intimate setting, and the limited time means that the pressures and expectations are less likely to boil over and cause anxiety.
How a holiday can bring you together
- Norfolk Image Copyright: Helen Hotson Shutterstock
In fact, research has shown that new shared experiences can increase the flow of endorphins to the brain, which can help to bring two people together and reduce stress. Remember to leave the work pressures at the office where they belong; turn on your out-of-office reply and leave your work phone at home. Devote all your time and attention to your partner and show how much you really care about nurturing the relationship. This will help to boost intimacy and authentic communication.
Why Norfolk is a perfect romantic getaway
Norfolk cottages
Once you decide to press ahead with a holiday, you are faced with the decision of where to go and what to do. Try to jolt yourself out of your regular holiday rut. Go somewhere new and try something completely out of the ordinary. Remember that this doesn’t necessarily come with a hefty price tag. Take your holiday into your own hands and personalise it to suit you.
More and more people are seeing the value of a home-based UK staycation, which also boosts our economy and causes us to explore all our national treasures. Interest in Norfolk is up by 25%, and it is clear to see why. Norfolk offers beautiful stately homes, gorgeous views and incredible beaches. On top of this, there are a number of remarkable last minute Norfolk cottages to book. Remember to keep your money in mind; you want to be happy with the price you pay, so negotiate and never go over what you want to pay.
Your limited time away from your demanding job should be as relaxing and pressure-free as possible. If you’ve got a furry friend you’d like to take along for the trip, there are a number of pet friendly holiday cottages in Norfolk. Leave your passport at home, forget about organising visas and dealing with vaccinations. Surprise your partner with an impromptu last-minute holiday and remember to enjoy every single second.
* Guest post by Bimblebox
ive never been to norfolk before but it is absolutely stunning. beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteNorfolk is so beautiful Nicol.
DeleteWhat gorgeous pictures! We have saved for a 'big' holiday this year in the states but are hoping for a few UK breaks next year, always great fun!
ReplyDeleteThe UK is so beautiful. We love the states too Claire especially California, Florida and the 'deep south'. Check out our posts, in the search bar.
DeleteLooks gorgeous, think it's always nice to go away with a partner if possible. Experiencing something and somewhere different together.
ReplyDeleteI love Norfolk. Me and my Husband have been there many times. It's so important to have a break away together x
ReplyDeleteOoo I'm going to bookmark this!! We have been dhing for a romantic weekend away either norfolk or cornwall this is perfect and great tips included!
ReplyDeleteLet me know how you get on Francesca!
DeleteI have never been to Norfolk before but would love to visit one of the holiday cottages! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://lilinhaangel.com/
Wow those views look amazing, I'm not sure I've been to Norfolk before but it looks great x
ReplyDeleteIt has beautiful countryside Rhian.
DeleteI think a nice little weekend getaway would be perfect. Not having to spend as much on travel and still having a refreshing vacation nearby sounds great.
ReplyDeleteYes Liz I totally agree.
DeleteHubby and I could defo do with a break together, alone! These cottages look lovely x
ReplyDeleteThe mister and I do need a break together away from London and city life, this sounds amazing x
ReplyDeleteHope you get the chance to go.
DeleteMy husband works away during the week so I absolutely crave time together and holidays for us are the cherry on the cake. With small kids, we always stay in England but usually go to the south coast. We've done that to death so perhaps time to look at Norfolk!
ReplyDeleteCertainly worth checking out this area and I think a cottage gives you more space than a hotel and is perfect to relax in.
DeleteSome really good tips and I think especially in new relationships long haul flights and holidays can be quiet stressful - starting out with a romantic staycation is the way to go
ReplyDeleteLaura x
You are right there Laura. I do find flying stressful at the best of times even though I love travelling.
DeleteNorfolk isn't too far from me but I've hardly ever visited!
ReplyDeleteWe'd love to visit Norfolk, looks blissful! My folks need to chill out a bit more and a break would do them good xx
ReplyDeleteHope they get the chance to take a break in Norfolk.
DeleteIt really does look beautiful there. I'd love to take my girls for a holiday in Norfolk so they can get closer to nature.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love staycations - especially for romantic getaways! No travel stress, just ultimate relaxation! Norfolk is very beautiful too. Lauren - www.theyoproedit.com
ReplyDelete