Post-vacation syndrome is one of those forms of discomfort that many people come to assume as something normal, by experiencing it again and again upon returning from vacation.
But the truth is that there are several things we can do to prevent or mitigate this psychological alteration; Both workers and companies have room for maneuver to apply strategies that help achieve this. Let’s see a summary of this type of measures against post-vacation syndrome and everything that entails.
What is currently known as post-vacation syndrome is actually an anxious-depressive condition that occurs in some people in the first days after returning from vacation , especially if these have been long and have involved a radical change in routine (for example, when going on a trip to another country). It is not described in the most used diagnostic manuals in the field of mental health, and is not considered a psychopathology in itself; It can be either a form of discomfort of less intensity than officially recognized mental disorders, or a variant of one of these within the categories of anxiety disorders or mood disorders.
Now, one of the characteristics of post-vacation syndrome is that lasts relatively short and in most cases it disappears in a matter of a couple of weeks or less.
The main symptoms linked to post-vacation syndrome are:
On the other hand, post-vacation syndrome should not be confused with seasonal affective disorder The latter is triggered by the transition from one season to another (with the consequent changes in temperature and other environmental aspects), while the former is caused by the contrast between the stimuli and routines to which we are exposed on vacation. , on the one hand, and in the professional context on the other.
How to overcome post-vacation syndrome?
These are the keys to dealing with post-vacation syndrome and preventing it from being a problem.
1. Encourage a period of readjustment to routine
It is recommended that workers do not start working a few hours after returning from a trip ; It is best to use the last couple of days off to get used to the elements of everyday life again, making them serve as a “cushion” between one way of living the days and another.
2. Do not completely interrupt the pursuit of hobbies during the holidays
Returning to work should allow you to have moments of the week to continue dedicating minutes or hours to those hobbies that we associate with vacations: going for a walk in nature, writing, playing an instrument, etc. Thus, There is not much contrast between the vacation period and the work performance period
3. Apply sleep hygiene strategies
Sleeping well or not being able to sleep well usually makes the difference; If we do not dedicate all the hours to sleep that our body needs due to jet lag or schedule mismatch with returning to work, we will not only feel bad; In addition, we will have more problems coping with our tasks due to a decreased ability to concentrate and remember things. Thus, You have to have a very clear and consistent sleep schedule during all days of the week.
Especially after the holidays, it is easy for us to feel that work is overwhelming us. Given this, it is best to take short but frequent breaks, to recharge our batteries and restore our attention span If you don’t do it this way and decide to dedicate several hours in a row to working without interruption, in practice you will take breaks spontaneously and almost without realizing it, but in a less efficient and organized way.
5. Set very short-term goals
To counteract the lack of energy, we must adopt self-motivation strategies such as breaking down the day’s objectives into several very short-term sub-objectives. In this way it is easier for us to feel attracted by the possibility of “close” bond packages in a matter of minutes
Related article: “Time management: 13 tips to take advantage of the hours of the day”
Are you interested in having Psychology services for Businesses?
PYM Business offers a psychology and well-being service for companies and employees who may present any type of psychological alteration or problem of any other nature.
PYM Business’ team of professionals is made up of health psychologists, organizational psychologists, coaches, experts in Mindfulness and also in Team Building.
With this team you will receive completely individualized psychological advice and treatment specialized in dealing with cases of post-vacation syndrome, anxiety, stress, lack of leadership at work and all types of other psychological disorders.
On this page you will find more information about PYM Business.
