Is it normal to feel sick after coming back from vacation?
From flu-like symptoms to digestive tract upsets, feeling ill post-vacation affects up to 80 percent of returning travelers, says Dr. Ashima Oza, a primary care physician and an instructor in the Division of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine.
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The survey results show that it takes three days to fall back into a regular routine after a week abroad and four days for two weeks off. Jet-lag can cause several restless nights when returning from vacation, and it can take up to two nights to recover a regular sleep schedule.
Although being on vacation may help to relieve stress and improve mood, the positive effects may not always last on returning home. People may experience emotional discomfort, nostalgia, or an increase in stress when returning to their regular routine, work, or studies.
Studies have shown that taking time away from the job can have physical and mental health benefits. People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals.
Another potential source of illness includes some types of cyanobacteria that form algal “blooms” (discolored water) and the toxins they produce. When people are exposed to cyanotoxins, they may have hay fever-like symptoms, skin rashes, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or even kidney or liver damage.
Jet lag symptoms usually occur within a day or two after traveling across at least two time zones. Symptoms are likely to be worse or last longer the farther you travel. This is especially true if you fly east. It usually takes about a day to recover for each time zone crossed.
Post-vacation syndrome is not an official disorder, but someone can experience depressed mood, distress, insomnia, irritability, and fatigue after a vacation. Basically, the return to the home environment and/or the re-direction of life after periods of leisure (time off work, holidays, traveling etc.)
It is just as important to reset your mind after your vacation as it is to reset your body. Take time to unwind and process all the unique experiences you had. Unpack and unclutter your house, but don't make your to-do list the first week back home too long.
After returning from a trip, it's important to reset your digestive system. If you're feeling bloated, a post-vacation detox eliminates the sugar and salt cravings you may have developed while away. Hit up the grocery store for whole and nutrient-rich foods, including fresh produce and lean proteins.