Postvacational syndrome

The postvacational syndrome It cannot be considered as a disease but as an adaptive process to work life after the holidays which, for some people, can be difficult.

Is there really post-vacation syndrome?

There is no consensus in scientific society on the exact definition or the real existence of this “post-vacation syndrome”, but it is considered that it is the product of the fact that in a large part of our environment work is considered a negative, forced and sacrificed activity; In societies in which work is considered as something creative, meaningful in itself and worthy for the human being, the post-vacation stress practically does not exist.

What is and why does post-vacation syndrome occur?

The readjustment to work life after the holidays includes changes in schedules, obligations and lifestyle as a whole. All this forms a normal adaptation process, which in some cases becomes more intense and produces psychological and / or physical discomfort in those who suffer them.

In most people, the return to "normal work" does not imply any disorder, but rather the opposite, since they return with enthusiasm to productive activity, especially for those who and is made up of pleasant and creative activities with a development of satisfactory social relationships.

Symptoms and diagnosis of post-vacation depression

In some cases, the pressure of returning to work can cause true acute stress situations with all the emotional, behavioral and physical manifestations that characterize it: discomfort, anxiety, decreased performance, palpitations, sweating, increased frequencies. respiratory and cardiac, tremors, mood swings, etc. These signs and symptoms of stress are manifested more frequently by women, probably due to developing activities in a social-family environment with greater pressure.

If these adaptive changes are perpetuated beyond a few days, a true generalized syndrome or a so-called chronic stress may appear that will manifest a specific clinic and that may require specific treatment, if this situation occurs it is best to consult a specialist. He has a wide range of psychologists who can help him in these situations.

Criteria for post-vacation syndrome have been internationally agreed upon: presenting emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor within three months of its onset, prior to a depressive disorder or anxiety disorder.

Very few cases of post-vacation stress require a professional approach, be it medical or psychological. To overcome the discomfort derived from this poor adaptation to the change of life from vacations to working life, it is recommended to follow some guidelines, when possible:

• Start gradually with the intensity of work, from less to more intensity, always trying to start with the most pleasant tasks.
• Take advantage of breaks or meal times to return to some pleasant activity, for social or family relationships.
• , around eight o'clock.
• Maintain regular hours both during the day and at bedtime and getting up.
• Do not "take work home", leave work concerning it.
• Practice moderate physical exercise, if possible daily.
• Select those activities that we can carry out, and delegate those for which we are not so prepared.
• Maintain a realistic and proactive attitude, without weighing over and over again, repetitively and unproductively, all the alternatives to the issues raised.
• Raise work problems in the simplest and most essential way possible, ignoring details and weighing the essence to find solutions.
• Complimenting a job well done by those around us and correcting inappropriate or negative behaviors as they emerge in a subtle but firm way.
• Practice relaxation at regular intervals, eliminate wrong thoughts or irrational ideas that can give us anxiety.

So that the post-vacation stress does not appear, some behaviors may be carried out that tend to limit its appearance, such as:

• Schedule your homecoming in advance and relaxed.
• Do not return from vacation just the day before returning to work, but it is advisable to return a couple of days before, to prepare ourselves physically and mentally for the return to work.
• When arriving at work, do not start the activity abruptly and intensely, but it is beneficial to allow yourself time to share vacation experiences with colleagues and thus create a good work start environment;
• Hold relaxed meetings at the beginning of the cycle, to define and detail the objectives for the period that begins, the means and the expectations of the team.