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As the cold winter weather makes many of us dream of escaping to the sun, new research has revealed just what that longed-for break does to your body.

Many of us flee to foreign climes in search of a break from the stresses and strains of everyday life.

But the run up to a holiday can actually put us under more pressure as we scramble to get all our work done in time.

Research from Club Med shows that before a break, adds to your stress levels, which sends more adrenaline into your nervous system, increasing your heart rate and blood pressure.

(Image: Club Med)

This rush to cram in your workload before you leave can reduce the strength of your immune system, meaning you are more likely to catch colds from other passengers when you eventually board the plane for your journey.

For one in 30 holiday makers, the sudden transition from stress to relaxation causes 'leisure sickness', making them complain of colds, stomach aches and high blood pressure.

Upon arriving at your destination, almost half of the UK population feel relaxed, but it takes the other half a little longer to start to wind down.

By day three and with the help of more sunlight, your body will release serotonin, which helps to lower blood pressure.

With the extra rays of sunshine, your body also produces endorphins to lift your mood.

Read more : Why you always get ill on holiday and how to fight it when you do

(Image: Getty) (Image: REUTERS)

In addition, Brits will get an extra hour’s sleep compared to at home, so for most, feeling completely refreshed will happen by day four at the latest.

By the end of your trip you return happier, more refreshed and sleeping better, but the effects last only four days before you become your usual stressed self again.

Estelle Giraudeau, Managing Director at Club Med UK says: "By day four on holiday your body is completely relaxed, but to get to that point it seems we put our bodies through a lot of stress.

"Holidays are a great mood booster, especially the anticipation of booking.

"When you return from holiday, research shows we keep the feel-good notion for a few weeks, before finally relapsing into our pre-holiday state within four weeks of our return."