Some people are usually busy with work, full of energy and motivation, but as soon as they have leisure time during holidays or when traveling, their bodies start feeling unwell, as if they could get sick from being too idle. In response to this phenomenon, experts have shared their insights.
According to a report by The Huffington Post, a study conducted in 2002 by Dutch researchers Ad Vingerhoets and Maaike Van Huijgevoort termed this condition as “leisure sickness.”
Their research revealed that among the male and female participants they surveyed, 3.6% of men and 2.7% of women experienced “leisure sickness” during the weekend, while 3.2% of men and 3.2% of women suffered from it while on vacation.
These respondents mentioned that their “leisure sickness” was related to work stress, travel stress, or changes in work routine. Once they took a break from work or projects, and finally slowed down to rest, symptoms would start to arise.
In response to this, Christopher Sanford, Associate Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Washington, expressed that more extensive research in various environments is needed to confirm the concept of “leisure sickness” by comparing data from when people are traveling to when they are not.
Though you may not visit a doctor while on vacation and be diagnosed with “leisure sickness,” there are reasons why you might fall ill when traveling or feeling stressed, as outlined below:
David Spiegel, director of the Center on Stress and Health at Stanford University School of Medicine, pointed out that most workaholics find it hard to enjoy vacations because they spend most of their time working.
He explained that some people cope with anxiety by burying themselves in work, and for some, their work performance is linked to their deepest sources of stress, such as financial instability or unemployment.
This means that when you are not continuously sitting at your desk for hours checking every email and answering every call, you are prone to feeling anxious and even having negative thoughts.
Sanford mentioned that some people find it challenging to let go of everything and slow down during vacations, which can lead to symptoms like headaches and discomfort.
Spiegel added that anxiety is both a psychological and physiological phenomenon. When you start worrying about something, your body senses it. Your muscles tense up, you begin to sweat, your heart rate increases, and your breathing becomes shallow.
According to Spiegel, not everyone immediately feels happy and relaxed during vacations. Some psychological discomfort may manifest as fatigue or trouble sleeping. Coupled with the effects of jet lag, it becomes even easier for individuals to experience sleep disturbances.
He stated that lacking sleep can affect both mental and physical health. If you wake up feeling awful instead of rejuvenated, it’s likely due to insufficient sleep.
Sanford highlighted that long-term stress can lower your immunity to infectious diseases, making you more prone to catching a cold, COVID-19, or the flu. Considering the higher number of people while traveling, you are more likely to come into contact with viruses, creating a double effect.
While there isn’t a magical method to guarantee that you won’t fall ill during vacations, both experts emphasized taking small steps to maintain health and happiness.
Sanford first mentioned methods to boost the immune system, stating, “Your immune system is shaped over time through genetics and your lifestyle; for example, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a proper diet. Adopting such lifestyles for years or even decades can enhance your immune system.”
He also urged people to take precautions while traveling to reduce the risk of falling ill, such as wearing masks in crowded places and practicing frequent handwashing.
Spiegel suggested that emphasizing sleep and mental health before, during, and after travel is crucial. Seeking guidance from mental health professionals or trying practices like meditation and breathing exercises can help relieve stress.
He also recommended that when feeling stressed or anxious, visualizing oneself in a safe and comfortable space can help better confront the issues being tackled.
Additionally, Sanford advised that on the first or second day of a trip, try to relax as much as possible and avoid jam-packing the itinerary. Leave some time for a nap or visit a café to unwind.