Happy National Relaxation Day!

We here at SpaFinder love to relax, but not just because it’s important to take some time away from the computers and the smartphones, but also because relaxation plays a crucial role in the state of mental and physical wellbeing.

In fact, as a result of a new national study that showed that 74 percent of Americans say that an inability to relax negatively impacts their health, National Relaxation Day, which is today, has been born.

The national study, which surveyed 1,005 people and was commissioned by Princess Cruises for its second annual “Relaxation Report,” also revealed that nearly a quarter (23 percent) of Americans have never had a relaxing vacation, and, for those who have, it has been an average of three years since they last took a break from the routine grind of daily life.

“Americans are busier than ever – be it for work or family,” says Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises’ executive vice president. “The overwhelming support for an official, nationally recognized day of relaxation demonstrates that we need reminders – and in some cases, permission – to simply relax and escape from our everyday routine.”

To celebrate this day, Princess Cruises will be providing its employees with complimentary yoga classes as well as shifting the dress code from “business-casual” to “summer-fun,” Swartz added.

In addition to making National Relaxation Day official, the Relaxation Report revealed a few other surprising revelations on Americans’ dreams of relaxation.

Relaxation is Difficult
Despite the current economic climate, two out of five (40 percent) Americans think finding time to wind down is even harder than living within their budget (60 percent). And while technology may be making things easier for some, half (50 percent) of those surveyed agreed that having a smartphone by their side actually makes it harder to check out.

Kid-Free Travel
American families are well aware of the stresses of everyday living, and while three out of four (76 percent) parents would feel guilty leaving their little ones behind, more than half (54 percent) of parents say their perfect vacation wouldn’t include their children.

Time is on Our Side
Most experts suggest creating minor moments of “me time” during the day, but Americans think that taking a week away delivers longer lasting results. Nearly half (45 percent) of Americans think a week-long vacation is more likely to reduce the stress in their lives than taking small moments each day to decompress.

Americans also agreed that it takes an average of two days to settle in and let the time off clear their busy minds – meaning a weekend trip just won’t cut it.

A Toast to Sleeping in
The 2011 Relaxation Report also shows a directional shift in favored methods of achieving relaxation. In the 2010 report, Americans opted for reading (25 percent) and getting up early (55 percent) while on vacation. This year, however, roles were reversed, with Americans enjoying a cocktail (24 percent) and sleeping in (65 percent) as the preferred ways to unwind.

So, take some time to relax, not just today, but every day! Tell us, will you be doing anything to celebrate National Relaxation Day?