NEW SURVEY SHOWS WHY PEOPLE NEED TO SCHEDULE STRESS-FREE TRAVEL HAPPINESS

Lisa:                                       Welcome back to Good Day Kentucky.

One of the top secrets for a happy holiday is reducing stress, according to our next guest. Now she is an expert in positive psychology, Amy Blankson. And she is also the author of the bestselling book, “The Future of Happiness,” and has new survey called “The Power of Space to Understand Positive Benefits: Having More Space in Your Mood and Mindset.” So Amy is here to share some timely tips and give individuals better insight into their own behavior, and encourage them to take the space that they need to be their best selves. A graduate of Harvard and Yale, she is also a member of the United Nations Global Happiness Council.

Welcome to the show, Amy.

Amy Blankson:                  Thanks, Lisa. Thanks for having me.

Lisa:                                       Now let’s get right to it. How did you become such an expert on happiness?

Amy Blankson:                  Well I’m an expert in positive psychology. And though I study happiness, my passion is really helping to take the research and put it into practical application in our lives. That’s why I was so excited to partner with Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites, and Home2 Suites by Hilton, on a new research survey called “The Power of Space,” which proves the need and desire for Americans to truly have more space – whether that be mental, emotional, or physical space – in order to boost mood and overall mindset.

Lisa:                                       Interesting. Now what are some of the highlights from “The Power of Space” survey that you’re talking about?

Amy Blankson:                  “The Power of Space” survey revealed that 87% of Americans actually feel like they’re better people when they get a little bit of time to themselves, some me-time to recharge. Specifically, 55 minutes is the optimal amount of time need to recharge each day. And when individuals got this time 53% of them said they felt friendlier, and 20% said they felt funnier and smarter.

Lisa:                                       Now how does having more space benefit families then?

Amy Blankson:                  Space is so crucial for families and parents maintaining balance and routine in their lives. In fact it’s so important that 71% of parents admitted to doing whatever it takes in order to get a little bit of alone time from their children, including running a faux errand, feigning sickness, taking an important work call, or even doing more work. But when parents took this time, 69% of them actually felt renewed and not guilty, and they felt like space was good for their kids too. 59% of Americans felt like it was more important for their children to have more space than it was to have a ton of toys.

Lisa:                                       And what are some must-have amenities that parents should look for when they go to a hotel. Because I love these little getaway trips, for sure.

Amy Blankson:                  Absolutely. When I’m traveling for work or with my family, there’s a couple of things I’m always looking for – lots of space, separate rooms for my children and myself, and a ton of value-added amenities. It’s part of why I love the Hilton three-suites brands by Hilton, because there’s literally an accommodation option that would match for everyone. For instance, Embassy Suites has two-room suites with evening reception, light bites, and drinks. Homewood Suites is really wonderful for business travelers like myself. And Home2 Suites is wonderful for the budget-conscious traveler. Families can save big with value-added amenities like free WiFi, fully equipped kitchens, free evening receptions, pools, workout facilities, and so much more.

Lisa:                                       Now do you have any suggestions for reducing stress for the business travelers out there?

Amy Blankson:                  Well 70% of business travelers feel like they’re stressed when they can’t keep up with their routine. So what I suggest is that you look for lodging options to actually match form and function with the needs in your life, to maximize your overall mood and happiness when you’re traveling.

Lisa:                                       And how can busy people incorporate more space into their lives? I know we all want it, but sometimes it’s just so impossible to make that happen.

Amy Blankson:                  Busy people can incorporate a little more space by doing something as simple as taking a staycation. Even within your hometown there are some great options for taking time for a little bit of me-time, and some time to recharge as well.

Lisa:                                       Awesome. Where can we go for more information, Amy?

Amy Blankson:                  Check out Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites, and Home2 Suites by Hilton, for some amazing options for lodging and accommodation. And to learn more about “The Power of Space” survey, visit hiltonbringit.com.

Lisa:                                       Amy, thank you so much for being with us. We really appreciate the tips. And, everyone, you are watching Good Day Kentucky. We’ll be right back, right after this.