We’ve all been there: you book your getaway, arrive at your destination, and somehow still feel… tense. You’re physically away but mentally still running through to-do lists. Sound familiar?
“True relaxation isn’t just about getting away,” says Samantha Pillay, Director at ekko, a lifestyle brand for millennials. “It’s about actually switching off when you do – and that’s the hard part for many of us.”
This quick, fun quiz, designed by ekko, reveals whether you’re genuinely able to unwind or just moving your stress to a more picturesque location. Let’s find out:
Questions
1. When you book a holiday, your first thought is:
A. “Can’t wait to just chill and do nothing”
B. “I’d better do some research so I can make the most of my time there”
C. “I’ll just check emails once… maybe twice…”
D. “Great – I need this”
2. Your idea of relaxation usually involves:
A. Peace and quiet
B. An activity of some sort
C. Scrolling until your eyes glaze over
D. Whatever you feel like doing in the moment
3. When you get home from a “relaxing” break, you feel:
A, Completely recharged
B. Exhausted – you packed too much in
C. Exactly the same as before
D. Like you could’ve stayed longer, but you’re good
4. The thing that stresses you most during downtime is:
A. Noise, crowds, or too much stimulation
B. Guilt about not being productive
C. Not being able to fully disconnect from work
D. Nothing – love ‘me time’
5. Your phone during “me time” is:
A. Generally on silent
B. Used to Google things to do or places to visit
C. Within arm’s reach to check “just in case”
D. Put away intentionally – you decide when to check it
6. Your idea of “to treat yourself” is usually:
A. Something calm and restorative (spa day, cosy coffee shop, nature walk )
B. Starting a new project or hobby you’ve been wanting to do
C. Getting takeout and Netflix – low effort comfort
D. Could be anything – you’re not picky, just intentional
7. When stress builds up, your warning sign is:
A. Snapping at people or feeling overwhelmed by everything
B. You can’t sleep or sleep too much
C. Headaches, tension, or stomach issues
D. You notice it quickly and do something about it before it escalates
8. The last time you did something purely for joy (no guilt):
A. Recently – non-negotiable for you
B. Last weekend, though you scheduled it in advance
C. Was that holiday three months ago
D. Yesterday – everyone needs some joy in their life
9. Your ideal holiday accommodation includes:
A. Comfort over everything – if you’re not comfortable, you can’t relax
B. Good amenities and facilities so you can maximise your time
C. Decent Wi-Fi – you need to stay connected (even though you know you shouldn’t)
D. Whatever feels right – location matters more than luxury
10. When you tell people about your holiday, you focus on:
A. How peaceful and restorative it was
B. Whether it was good value and well-organised
C. What you did and where you went
D. The moments that stood out or felt meaningful
Your Results
Tally up your answers and see which letter appears most. If it’s close, read both – you might be juggling multiple relaxation struggles!
Mostly A’s: The Peace Seeker
You need silence, space, and stillness to truly recharge. Noise, crowds, and chaos drain you fast. You’re not antisocial – you’re just protective of your energy. And when you don’t get that peace? You feel it everywhere.
Your fix: Don’t apologise for needing quiet time for yourself. So, book accommodation away from it all or in tranquil surroundings. Request a room away from the pool. Order room service. Take nature walks. Your version of relaxation is valid – own it.
Mostly B’s: The Productive “Relaxer”
You’ve turned rest into another task. Even your downtime has goals, schedules, and optimisation. Here’s the truth: rest IS the achievement. Your body needs downtime like your phone needs charging – no productivity required.
Your fix: Book a getaway and do NOTHING productive for 48 hours. No bucket lists. No self-improvement. Just ‘be’. Watch a movie that is entertaining but mindless, have a massage or treat yourself to a fancy meal. It may feel strange at first. That’s the point.
Mostly C’s: The Connected Stressor
You physically left but mentally stayed behind. You’re “just quickly checking” work, and somehow your holiday feels like… work. You’ve convinced yourself it doesn’t count as working if you’re doing it from a beach. It absolutely does.
Your fix: Select a resort or hotel away from the hustle and bustle, where internet access can be sketchy. Force yourself offline for 48 hours. Read a book at the pool or book a spa treatment – you can’t check emails with hot stones on your back. Your company will survive, and you might actually go home rejuvenated.
Mostly D’s: The Intuitive Relaxer
You’ve cracked the code. You listen to your body, honour your needs, and adapt in the moment. Some days that means adventure; other days it’s doing absolutely nothing. You’ve figured out that rest isn’t selfish, it’s essential. You don’t force it, and you don’t feel guilty about it. Keep doing exactly what you’re doing.
PS: Maybe share your secret with the rest of us who are still learning.
Quick Hybrids
A + B: You need peace but feel guilty about resting. Let it go.
A + C: You crave quiet, but your mind won’t stop. That’s the real problem.
B + C: You’re trying to be productive AND stay connected. You’re exhausting yourself.
B + D: You plan well but stay flexible. Nice balance.
C + D: You’re self-aware enough to know you need to disconnect, but you’re struggling to actually do it. Start small.
The Bottom Line
If you’re not actually relaxing, no amount of holidays will fix it. But here’s the good news: relaxation is a skill you can learn.
That’s where ekko comes in. With an ekko portfolio, turn your shares into stays at 50 luxury local resorts or enjoy up to 50% off at over 500,000 hotels worldwide, plus savings on flights, car hire, and tours. Add perks like 20% off unlimited spa treatments at La Vita Spas, buy-one-get-one movie tickets with popcorn and soda at leading cinemas, and cashback at 2,000+ everyday restaurants across the country. We make switching off ridiculously accessible.
Ready to actually relax? Visit ekko.co.za today.