Have you ever taken a few days off work with big plans to relax to the max but then a day or two in, you start feeling under the weather? Well, you’re not alone! In fact, scientists have a term to refer to it: Leisure sickness (Vingerhoets et al., 2002). Let’s delve into this mysterious phenomena.
Full disclosure, this is still a relatively new theory with limited data. More studies are needed for more robust data and analysis.
Leisure sickness refers to the phenomena of individuals experiencing some form of sickness over the weekend or during a vacation.
While the term “leisure sickness” is not widely recognized by the medical community, there is some scientific evidence to support the existence of this phenomenon. A 2001 study by Dutch researchers Ad Vingerhoets and Maaike van Huijgevoort found that 3% of the population reported experiencing symptoms of leisure sickness.
Since the phenomena is not widely studied, there are a few theories as to why Leisure sickness happens. Let’s look at three of the most common theories:
When stress hits, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that initially helps your immunity by reducing inflammation in quick bursts. Yet, with prolonged stress, your system becomes accustomed to high cortisol levels, leading to increased inflammation and a weakened ability for your immune system to fend off intruders.
Therefore, once you step away from the hustle and bustle of a high-stress environment, your body starts feeling the effects of the increased inflammation.
When you’re constantly swamped with work, your body might start tuning out important signals. Racing through tasks leaves little room to notice the warning signs your body sends. In a more relaxed setting, it’s easier to catch those signals before they become a big issue.
Here’s an interesting idea: Some folks might somehow hold off getting sick to match their plans. Picture someone nearing the end of their life who manages to hang on until a significant event—like a wedding, the birth of a child, or a holiday gathering—before letting go. It’s a curious possibility!
Due to the lack of studies, there are no sure-fire ways to avoid this phenomena. However, there are some general guidelines you can implement to mitigate the risk, listed from most likely to help to least likely:
Remember, leisure sickness might not have one direct cause or solution, so finding what works best for you may involve a bit of trial and error.
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Disclaimer: All articles are reviewed and edited for quality control by a HPCSA Registered Counsellor. However, this content is intended to be used for educational and/or entertainment purposes and should not be taken as medical advice. Please reach out to a medical professional if you have concerns regarding your mental health.
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