I've had enough with this vacation.
In a press release, the German Health Insurance Fund (hkk) has reported on a phenomenon known as Leisure Sickness, or Leisure Disease, which affects approximately every fifth German within the first three days of vacation. This condition, first described by Dutch psychologist Ad Vingerhoets from Tilburg University in 2002, is a combination of stress phases and the body's physiological reaction to it.
Research suggests that high levels of stress just before the start of vacation lead to the release of stress hormones, which suppress illness symptoms. However, as stress levels drop, the immune system reacts with typical cold symptoms, such as headaches, sore throats, fatigue, runny nose, or muscle aches.
Workaholics and inactives are particularly susceptible to Leisure Sickness, as a study by the International University of Applied Sciences IUBH in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences UMIT has found. To combat this, experts recommend proactive measures to manage stress, allow time to relax, and take care of physical and mental well-being before and during the vacation period.
Dr. Wiebke Hübner, an hkk expert for prevention, advises that regular exercise can help prevent Leisure Sickness. Moderate exercise, such as Nordic walking, running, cycling, or swimming, is beneficial in reducing stress and strengthening the immune system. Regular walks after work are also good for preventing Leisure Sickness. Dr. Hübner suggests that these forms of exercise are beneficial for both the body and mind in preventing Leisure Sickness.
Key recommendations for preventing Leisure Sickness include managing stress leading up to the vacation, getting extra sleep, avoiding alcohol before and during the early days of vacation, taking at least a day or two at the start of the trip to relax, and packing essential medical supplies and over-the-counter remedies for common travel ailments.
If traveling to places with known infectious risks, consider appropriate vaccinations such as respiratory vaccines and hepatitis A, which protect against common travel-related illnesses.
By proactively managing stress, ensuring ample rest, avoiding substances like alcohol, and easing into vacation activities, travelers can significantly reduce their risk of becoming ill during their leisure time. Jenny Güler, a psychologist from the hkk health insurance company, has stated that this is the current understanding of the cause of Leisure Sickness.
Further research is needed to fully understand the prevalence, treatment, and long-term effects of Leisure Sickness. Nevertheless, with these preventive measures, vacationers can enjoy a stress-free and healthy holiday.
Science has identified a connection between work-related stress and the incidence of Leisure Sickness, a condition that affects many individuals during their vacation. By focusing on workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness strategies, such as stress management, regular exercise, and adequate rest, mental health can be improved, thereby reducing the risk of Leisure Sickness.
