Happiness is made from experiences, not things…
If you ask Turks & Caicos Experiences founder, Toby Fletcher, about his happiest memories, he’ll tell you about idyllic sailing holidays in crystal clear Caribbean waters and sharing delicious seafood meals with loved ones.
Our memories of amazing experiences often seem more vivid and technicolour than other recollections. That high-spec TV we bought a decade ago will quickly seem unimportant, but an incredible vacation spent with family or friends has the power to nourish our souls forever.
Those special shared moments take on a golden hue and can act as a lifelong source of joy and comfort. Or what Mithu Storoni, a neuroscience researcher and the author of Stress-Proof, calls a pleasure “piggy-bank”.
A University of Texas research paper published in 2020 called ‘Spending on Doing Promotes More Moment-to-Moment Happiness than Spending on Having’ revealed that people derive much greater long-term satisfaction from spending money on experiences rather than material purchases. So, if you’re deciding whether to spend your hard-earned salary on the latest gadget or on a vacation, science is advising you to opt for the vacation!
The power of taking time off
A 2019 study by the U.S. Travel Association found that a record 768 million vacation days went unused in the previous year, with more than half (55%) of workers reporting that they didn’t take all of their allotted time off.
Our never-switched-off modern culture can cause stress and damage to our physical and mental health. This is the message from a new book From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life, by Harvard professor Arthur C Brooks. He cautions against excessive workaholism in midlife which paradoxically often leads to disappointment instead of the fulfilment that can be found by nourishing important relationships and looking after our health.
According to the American Psychological Association, vacations are linked to lower rates of heart disease; reduced stress, depression, and anxiety; improved productivity; and overall higher life satisfaction. Dr Christine Carter from the Greater Good Science Center at The University of California says “if you take a truly restful vacation, the benefits can last not just weeks but months”
Switching off, relaxing and reconnecting with loved ones feels natural and effortless in the idyllic surroundings of the Turks & Caicos Islands, which are home to some of the best upscale wellness and yoga retreats in the world. It’s the perfect destination if you want to find perspective and restore balance to mind, body and soul. To enjoy the simple things in life, in a luxurious setting.
Find inspiration in nature
Experiencing awe in nature has an incredible power to boost feelings of wellbeing. One study even showed that awe can alter our perceptions of time, making us feel as though we have more of it and increasing our levels of patience.
In a recent article in The Times, Mithu Storoni, says “The more awe experiences you have, the more likely you are to have a better state of mind”.
Stopping to marvel at the wild, expansive beauty of nature can leave us feeling humble, grounded and connected. Awe-inspiring moments are aplenty in the Turks & Caicos Islands which are abundant in spectacular scenery, including vast national parks, stunning white sand beaches and incredible coral reefs. The islands are commonly referred to as #BeautifulByNature on social media.
Experience the Turks & Caicos Islands
There is a wealth of magical experiences to discover on the Turks & Caicos Islands. From scuba diving; kayaking; and snorkelling, to sailing; fine dining; spa treatments and horseback riding – find out more here
Your luxury vacation is a chance to switch off, wonder at the majesty of nature and cherish some truly once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Discover more about our founder Toby Fletcher’s story and his passion for these magical islands