Why we get sick during the vacations
Vacations at last - but as soon as you arrive at your vacation destination, your neck starts scratching and your head starts hurting. This is no coincidence - one in five people is affected by what is known as Leisure Sickness.
It doesn't just feel that way: in fact, many people get sick on the weekend or during the vacations, of all times. It happens so often that there is even a special term for it: The so-called Leisure Sickness. According to a survey, more than one in five new study of the International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef near Bonn the feeling of getting sick at the very moment when relaxation should actually come.
It may be, for example, that someone always suffers from headaches from Friday evening to Sunday morning, or that on the first day at the beach fever and cold appear. Often, those affected also suffer from sleep disorders; they do not even get a good night's rest.
Those affected can be found in all occupational groups, but not everyone is equally at risk: People who are particularly affected are those who are affected by stress in their everyday working lives and have to cope with a high workload. A clear risk factor is constant accessibility: people who have to be reachable at work even in their free time find it harder to switch off. Women are affected more often than men, as are people who have difficulty separating themselves from others.
Prevent Leisure Sickness
The authors of the study advise six measures to prevent the vacation illness: Those affected should lower their own demands on the vacation in order to be able to relax better - relaxing at home is also allowed. The smartphone should be switched off, and regular breaks should also be taken during vacations. It is equally important not to completely exhaust oneself before going on vacation - not all work has to be done before going on vacation. Finally, those affected should realize for themselves that they have accomplished a lot over the year - and have earned the break.
