A psychologist and endocrinologist named Anton Polyakov suggests that a truly restorative vacation should span 28 calendar days. He explains that the body starts building up energy reserves only during the third week of rest. This perspective has been reported by URA.RU.
Polyakov notes that the Soviet Union historically favored a 28-day vacation for reasons tied to how people adjusted to time off. In the first week, individuals often feel stress about taking a break and must adapt to the resting state. During the second week, relaxation takes hold, and the most challenging aspects of the psyche begin to recover. By the third week, a noticeable margin of safety accumulates, providing a buffer for future stressors.
According to his reasoning, the body effectively stitches itself back together during this period, enabling a person to handle later life pressures more resiliently. The fourth week represents a phase of gradual reentry into normal daily routines, allowing mood and energy to settle as the individual resumes regular activities. If a person follows this rhythm, the overall impact can sustain wellbeing for an extended period—potentially a full year—while keeping the spirit balanced and steady.
Polyakov further argues that shorter breaks do not provide sufficient time for genuine rest and resource restoration. This viewpoint highlights the need for enough duration to reset both body and mind.
Recent research from AZIMUT Hotels, conducted in collaboration with Yandex, offers insights into 2022 holiday preferences among Russians. The study sheds light on how people balance vacation length with personal expectations, travel choices, and rest needs in a modern context. [CITATION: AZIMUT Hotels and Yandex partnership study, 2022]