Why do people fall ill at the beginning of their vacation?
The long-awaited and deserved vacation begins, but then someone gets sick on the second day. This phenomenon is not uncommon; it's called "Leisure Sickness," or vacation sickness. How does it happen, and can it be prevented?
"Leisure Sickness" is not a medical diagnosis, but a phenomenon that many people report. It means feeling sick as soon as the weekend starts or getting sick on the second day of vacation, despite the promise of rest and relaxation.
Before this, one had managed to cope with work and daily life. One might not have even felt particularly stressed. But as soon as relaxation is supposed to begin, it's already over. "Migraines or small infections are typical symptoms of 'Leisure Sickness,'" says Elisabeth Rauh. She is the chief doctor at the Psychosomatics Center of the Schön Klinik Bad Staffelstein.
Better body awareness with relaxation
How does this phenomenon occur? On the one hand, according to the expert, it can be quite simple: The brain, which had been suppressing warning signs in the hustle and bustle of daily life, suddenly becomes aware of the body when there is time and no distraction. In doing so, one may also become aware of fatigue that had been present for some time.
On the other hand, there is a interaction between two parts of the autonomic nervous system: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Only one of these two systems can be activated at a time.
There is the sympathetic system, which, simply put, is responsible for the body's tension. When it is activated, adrenaline is released, for example, to make the heart and lungs stronger. The stress hormone cortisol is also released in a time-delayed manner, allowing more energy to go into performance.
The parasympathetic system, on the other hand, dampens these reactions and prepares the body for relaxation and rest. Under its control, cortisol secretion decreases. However, the stress hormone has suppressed the immune system's work. As a result, hidden, "suppressed" infections can break out when the parasympathetic takes over. "The infectious risk after prolonged stress is increased," says psychosomatist Rauh.
If the interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems does not run smoothly, relaxation after work is less effective, and the risk of "Leisure Sickness" increases. "The body is a ship and not a car," says Elisabeth Rauh. "Sudden jolts and turns don't work."
Preventing Leisure Sickness with relaxation in everyday life
How can "Leisure Sickness" be prevented? The solution is actually quite simple: Even in challenging or stressful times, a balance between tension and relaxation is important. "The work makes you sick," says the doctor. "But that's not true. I need to let relaxation flow into my life during the week." She advises paying attention to a good pause and meal culture. How do I shape my pauses, what helps me? Do I eat regularly to replenish my energy? With these questions, one can reflect on one's own behavior.
People who are particularly ambitious and those who carry a lot of responsibility in their profession are advised by Rauh to pay attention to this balance in their daily life. Additionally, she warns of the following combination: "Someone who has a high expenditure capacity, combined with a tendency towards resignation and frustration, is more likely to neglect this important balance."
## Body Warnings Should Not Be Ignored
The psychiatrist and stress researcher Michael Stark advises for more mindfulness in daily life to prevent "Leisure Sickness." "Consider the body as an instrument at your disposal," he says. "Nobody would carelessly leave an expensive tool in the rain or neglect to take their car to the shop when the warning light comes on."
With the body, such warning signs can be sleep disturbances, digestive problems, intense hunger, loss of libido, and many others. "These stress symptoms want to draw your attention, not annoy you," Michael Stark explains. "My reaction is crucial: I should limit overload instead of suppressing symptoms with medication."
He also recommends incorporating regular recovery phases into your daily routine. For example, regular movement, turning off your phone for a day, being in nature, visiting a museum, or anything that pulls both body and soul out of the hamster wheel. "The body is not self-evident, it needs care," says the psychiatrist.
The Body Likes Equilibrium
"What our body, soul, and spirit like best is equilibrium," Elisabeth Rauh states. "If I take care of myself in my daily life, then the vacation can really unfold. But if I don't, then I have to do cleanup work during the vacation."
And what if the child falls into the pool and gets sick on the second vacation day with an infection? Then, relaxation is in order, advises the doctor: "It is what it is - I have to accept it and know: It will get better in two days. That's more sensible than possibly getting upset about wasted vacation days." Because if you do, the sympathetic nervous system takes over - and with it, stress.
Despite having managed to cope with work and daily life without feeling particularly stressed, the onset of vacation can trigger "Leisure Sickness," leading to symptoms like migraines or small infections. This phenomenon can be attributed to a shift in the autonomic nervous system, where the parasympathetic system, responsible for relaxation and rest, takes over after suppressing the immune system due to prolonged stress. To prevent "Leisure Sickness," it's crucial to maintain a balance between tension and relaxation in everyday life, paying attention to good pause and meal culture, and addressing potential ambitions and responsibilities.
