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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
Getting sick on the eve of your vacation, or at the very beginning, is not just bad luck. It is a syndrome that has a name, “leisure sickness”, and it can happen to you for several reasons.
Finally, the holidays! But while you had planned terraces, swimming pool and beach, your first day turns into tissues, headaches and aches. Does this sound familiar? You may be affected by the so-called “leisure disease”.
A “disease” discovered in 2002
It was when he noticed that many people around him were complaining of falling ill at the start of their holidays that the Dutch psychologist Ad Vingerhoets became interested in what seemed to be a common phenomenon.
His study on the subject, conducted in 2002, was not mistaken: 2 to 3% of those surveyed in fact regularly suffered from leisure sickness, the symptoms of which can be varied, but simply resemble a flu-like condition:
When the body releases too much pressure at once
These symptoms, more annoying than serious, occur for a good reason. “This phenomenon is mainly explained by a hormonal imbalance and a sudden drop in stress.” reacts Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo.
“During periods of intense work, the body produces large amounts of norepinephrine, the stress hormone, which keeps the immune system on alert. When we go on vacation, the production of this hormone drops sharply, temporarily weakening the immune defenses.”
When the body decompresses, therefore, it finds itself a little more vulnerable.
Of course, this reaction should not prevent you from taking time off, which is necessary for your well-being. But for a smooth transition, there is a procedure to follow:
“So gradually reduce stress before the holidays, with regular breaks at work, and a balanced lifestyle throughout the year (diet, sport, etc.)” advises our expert.
A warning that particularly concerns perfectionists with a high workload and a strong sense of responsibility.The transition from work to rest is difficult!” he concedes. It is, however, indispensable.
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