Post-vacation syndrome: what it is and tricks to return to routine
The article discusses post-vacation syndrome, a condition experienced when returning to work or school after a break, characterized by feelings of apathy, fatigue, or irritability.
The article details the phenomenon known as post-vacation syndrome, which affects many individuals returning to their routine after a period of rest. Although it is not classified as an official diagnosis in recognized medical manuals like the DSM-5 or ICD-10, experts assert that this adaptation process is quite common. Dr. Eduard Vieta, head of the Psychiatry and Psychology Department at Hospital Clรญnic Barcelona, notes that the return to work or school can lead to emotional discomfort due to pending tasks and responsibilities that one has to face after enjoying a break.
Symptoms of post-vacation syndrome include feelings of melancholy, irritability, and exhaustion, as individuals readjust to their work or academic obligations. For teachers and students alike, the return to classes necessitates a reorganization of schedules and responsibilities, which can be quite taxing. The article emphasizes that both educators and families may also experience this syndrome, highlighting the widespread nature of the adjustment issues associated with the end of vacation periods.
To help ease the transition back to routine, the article offers practical tips such as gradually reintroducing responsibilities before returning to work or school and finding ways to maintain some of the leisure activities enjoyed during the vacation. By applying these strategies, individuals may alleviate the negative feelings associated with post-vacation syndrome and facilitate a smoother transition into their daily lives.