Leisure Sickness: Why Stress Drops Trigger Illness at the Start of Vacations

The Biological Mechanism of the “Let-Down”

According to research theorized in the early 2000s by Ad Vingerhoets, a professor emeritus of clinical and health psychology at Tilburg University, this phenomenon affects approximately 4% of men and 3% of women. Experts suggest the primary driver is a sudden drop in stress levels.

Why Symptoms Surface During Rest

Beyond hormonal shifts, psychological factors play a significant role. As noted by Dr. Marc Schoen, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of California-Los Angeles, the body often ignores underlying physical complaints while under pressure. Once a person finally has time to focus on their own well-being, they become more attuned to bodily sensations that were previously suppressed, such as back pain or muscle tension.

Preventative Strategies and Professional Advice

Experts emphasize that this phenomenon is neither rare nor trivial. To mitigate the risk of falling ill at the start of a break, professionals suggest the following approaches:

* Gradual Decompression: Rather than moving from absolute stress to total relaxation, experts recommend a “slow-down” approach. Remaining active during the first few days of a vacation can help the body adjust to the change in pace. * Administrative Planning: To avoid a last-minute surge in workload, some suggest setting aside a dedicated day before departure to handle administrative tasks or prioritizing essential projects to reduce the intensity of the final days at work. * Environmental Awareness: Physical factors, such as extreme temperature differences caused by air conditioning in transport or accommodation, can also irritate mucous membranes and lead to summer colds.

While there is no solid scientific consensus on the condition, specialists agree that these symptoms are often signals of accumulated, long-term stress that requires attention.

Sources: Laprovence, Journaldesfemmes.