The great British summer getaway may be underway — but new research suggests many of us are struggling to truly switch off once we arrive at our holiday destinations.
According to a study by smart security brand Ring, three quarters of Londoners (75%) admit they find it hard to relax on holiday, with nearly two-thirds (64%) worrying about what’s happening back home.
More than half (54%) of those surveyed said home security was their biggest concern while away, followed by parcel deliveries (34%) and car security (31%). Beyond home-related issues, 41% of respondents worried about their pets, 20% about their gardens and 19% said work was still on their mind.
For one in five, the stress starts the moment they leave their home. And that anxiety appears well-founded: over a third (35%) said they’ve experienced issues while away, from break-ins and car damage to missed deliveries, turning dream holidays into logistical nightmares.
To ease their concerns, many are turning to others for help. Over half (53%) ask a friend, neighbour or family member to check in on their property while they’re away, while 35% take precautionary steps like closing curtains or blinds. A quarter (25%) leave lights on to make their home appear occupied.
Technology is also playing a key role in providing peace of mind. Over a third (35%) of Londoners now rely on smart home devices or security cameras while away, and 32% check in on their homes remotely. More than two-thirds (68%) said being able to monitor their property virtually would make it easier to relax on holiday.
“Our research shows that home security is the number one worry stopping Brits from truly unwinding on holiday,” said Dave Ward, Managing Director EU and International at Ring. “With a quick tap on your phone, you can literally see that everything's fine back home. It's like having eyes on your property while you're soaking up the sun — giving you one less thing to stress about on your well-deserved break.”
To help reduce stress, Ring has launched its new “Ring & Relax” (R&R) Guide — a collection of psychology-backed tips to help holidaymakers make the most of their break. The guide, developed in partnership with award-winning psychologist and author Dr Lalitaa, includes expert techniques such as digital detoxing, grounding exercises and affirmations to help Brits let go of worry while away.
