The end of year holidays have passed and many are preparing for the long-awaited holidays. But where does the word vacation come from? It comes from the Latin word “vacatio” which is used to refer to the period of time that an individual uses to rest.
Insomnia, depression, anxiety and burn out are some of the consequences that not taking vacations regularly can bring. Therefore, it is very important to experience several periods of absolute disconnection throughout the year.
When consulted about this, psychologist Solange Anuch advises taking vacations in 2 phases so as not to concentrate everything in a single period. In this sense, it is important to choose a mini vacation and a longer central season. The latter should be at least 2 weeks, so that the mind disconnects from “performance mode” and can completely distance itself from the routine and rest.
What are vacations for?
The psychologist points out that vacations are essential for mental, physical, family and social health. “In addition to being a time of recreation to be with family or loved ones. It is also an opportunity to refresh the mind with new topics and activities. Which serves to resume or correct the route we are on. It creates the space to take stock of what we are doing, correct or change and thus be able to project ourselves with more enthusiasm ,” she says.
Taking vacations also helps:
- Improve your overall health: especially if you are exposed to high levels of stress at work or school.
- Increase your creativity: the best ideas usually arise outside of work, when the mind is rested.
- Live new experiences: being on vacation allows you to discover new places, discover new habits, lead a calmer pace of life and experiment.
- Catch up on sports: physical activity that you haven’t done in the year wears out your nervous system. It is proven that sport is an activity that regenerates our neurons and allows the release of neurotransmitters that are essential for emotional balance and balance . Getting your body moving will result in much better replenishment for the return
- Learn to delegate: vacations are an excellent excuse to start leaving responsibilities that absorb you in your daily life to others.
What is the key to resting, disconnecting and avoiding post-vacation stress?
The ideal is to try to complete pending tasks before going on vacation, applying a practical and realistic organization. This reduces pressure and anxiety, encouraging the desire to return and restart tasks.
“Post-vacation syndrome decreases when the workspace is clean of slopes and the vacation has managed to replenish energy and vitality .” It is advisable to make a visualization of how you want to return to work days before starting. It is also important to accept that the pace of work tasks will progressively improve as the days go by,” she emphasizes.
Solange Anuch also maintains that to rest on vacation it is essential to surround ourselves with the people we love and with whom during the year we have lacked time to exchange affection and experiences that nourish the heart.
On the other hand, it is convenient to take advantage of spaces of silence, in which technology is turned off, to connect with one’s own needs, listening to the body and mind, looking for spaces of freedom and removing rigid attitudes that impose schedules and overcontrol for oneself and others.
What happens if you don’t take the vacation?
Not taking vacations can be very harmful and exhausting for the body and mind. Some of the consequences may be fatigue, stress, boredom, loneliness, apathy, automatism, and even suffering from some physical and psychological illness.
If you suffer from any of these disorders, you can consult with our specialists at Clínica Alemana through our telemedicine service.