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Returning to work after a few weeks of well-deserved rest can be a problem for some. In addition to the usual hassle of going back to the schedules and obligations of the workplace, physical and psychological symptoms may arise. Together they are known as post-vacation syndrome.
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It is a negative emotional process involving apathy, sadness, depression, nervousness, anxiety, ill humor and insomnia. It tends to come with headaches, digestive disorders and muscular tension. Many people come down with the disorder long before returning to work. The feeling of being ill at ease, triggered by returning to work, begins while they are still on vacation and away from home.

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Psychologists say post-vacation syndrome cannot be considered a disease or mental disorder in the strict sense of the word, but is rather a temporary condition that normally goes away in a few days. Some experts even say there is no syndrome at all, just a period of adaptation like the one that arises when people move to a new house or city. Either way, it is estimated that a third of all Spaniards show signs of worry, pain and have trouble sleeping when their vacation ends.

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Specialists also say some people are more prone to suffer from the condition because they already have a psychological disorder of a different origin which may be hidden, or their personality is imbalanced, even though this does not mean they are mentally ill. The kind of work a person does and they conditions they do it in also matter. Key factors in the emergence of the syndrome are having to do tasks that don't satisfy you personally, having too many tasks or responsibilities, suffering from pressure, doing shift work or having an unstable job situation. There is even data on which professions involve the greatest risk: doctors, journalists and teachers top the list.

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Nor should we forget that 15% of workers suffer from harassment in the workplace and thus have plenty of reasons to dread going back to work after vacation. Even the mass traffic jams associated with operaci�n vuelta de vacaciones is a factor. It should come as no surprise that some people get sick anticipating the hours they will be trapped in their cars, just to return to the stress of work. In any case, if the disorder goes on for more than 15 days, consult a doctor to make sure it is not something else.�

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Oddly, there are people who love to go back to work. What they don't like is being on vacation, relaxing and having to decide what to do all day, for weeks, outside the workplace. These are the so-called workaholics, people who cannot enjoy personal relationships or interests, and have trouble knowing what to do without an agenda spelling out their daily obligations.�

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But post-vacation syndrome can be alleviated and controled. Experts recommend not taking long vacations so the return will not be too traumatic. They say that knowing you have no days off for the rest of the year cause anxiety. It is better to spread holidays out, if possible, in various periods so that the largest is 15 or 20 days. Nor is it a bad idea to write out a schedule of motivating activities. Make it so that summer is not the only time of year for enjoying and relaxing. You can use weekends, three-day weekends or holidays to turn them into days to disconnect and go out and do something fun. The new work year also means time to take a course, learn a language and plan new, stimulating challenges outside the workplace.

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Therefore, it not a good idea to come home, set down your suitcases and pick up your briefcase. The return will be easier if you spend a couple of days at home before going back to work. In the same way, things will go more smoothly if you approach tasks progressively and don't try to get all the accumulated work done at once. Relaxation techniques and moderate sports will help ease anxiety. Above all, you have to accept the idea that for most people working is the only way to pay bill and the best way to deal with it is philosophically and with peace. Once your vacation is over, the next ones are that much closer.