Americans could use a better approach to downtime. A Wakefield Research survey commissioned by Princess Cruises finds that more than half of Americans (54 percent) spend their vacation days handling personal obligations and family responsibilities instead of truly relaxing. Surprisingly, nearly a quarter (22 percent) of U.S. workers say the idea of requesting a few extra days off is more stressful than asking for a pay raise.
The findings are particularly relevant ahead of National Relaxation Day on Aug. 15. The survey highlights a pronounced relaxation deficit: one-third of respondents say the mere thought of relaxing causes them stress, and 42 percent often feel guilty about taking time to unwind.
“In the six years that Princess Cruises has commissioned this survey, we’ve continued to see stress levels rise year after year,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “We aren’t giving ourselves permission to truly let go and relax, and whether that’s because of the demands of our intense lives or our own guilt, this is an unsustainable trend that can have a genuinely adverse impact on our society as a whole.”
There is a silver lining: the majority of Americans haven’t abandoned the idea of finding relaxation altogether. Many still seek time away to recharge, and awareness of the problem appears to be growing. Addressing barriers such as guilt, workplace pressures, and packed schedules could help more people use vacation time for recovery rather than chores and obligations.
Practical steps to improve how Americans take time off include setting clearer boundaries before trips, communicating expectations to family and coworkers, and planning activities that prioritize rest. Employers can help by normalizing time off, creating cultures that encourage disconnecting, and offering flexible scheduling so employees can take meaningful breaks without added stress.
At the individual level, reframing relaxation as a productive health investment can reduce guilt and anxiety. Simple techniques—like scheduling short, restorative activities during the day, practicing mindfulness, or committing to tech-free periods—make it easier to let go. Over time, small changes can build confidence in the value of downtime and reduce the mental barriers that make relaxing feel difficult.
As awareness of the relaxation gap grows, both organizations and individuals have opportunities to make lasting improvements. Encouraging realistic expectations, supporting mental health, and promoting policies that protect leisure time will help more people enjoy vacations the way they were intended: as a chance to recharge, reconnect, and return refreshed.