escape from reality
When does rushing from vacation to vacation become a problem?
What to do when all you’re longing for is your next vacation?
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For many people, holidays are not just a time for relaxation, but truly an escape from reality. When does wanderlust become a problem?
Sure, most people are looking forward to their next vacation, trip or weekend. But for some, in an increasingly hectic world, holidays have become the only place where they can get away from it all and de-stress. As soon as you get home, the next flight is booked. The anticipation serves as the only anchor or ray of light in everyday life, in reality you don’t feel comfortable anymore. After the holiday, a real low mood sets in. Why do we like to escape from everyday life so much? And can that also become a real addiction?
“The short answer is yes, it’s possible,” says social psychologist Dr. Michael Brein to Condé Nast Traveler. Finding out where a travel addiction comes from is complicated. psychologist dr Hanne Horvath sees one reason in the constant everyday stress that many people are exposed to. “Today’s working world is characterized by constant availability, high mobility requirements and constant comparison with others. In the long term, the associated stress can lead to exhaustion, sleep disorders and listlessness,” she explains in an interview with the news agency spot on news. “Holidays offer us the chance to consciously detach ourselves from everyday stress, to gain distance and new perspectives.”
When constant wanderlust becomes a problem
But when should you be seriously concerned? After all, living just for the holidays or the two weekend days and feeling miserable in between can’t be the meaning of life. “It’s normal for us to go through periods of stress and exhaustion from time to time,” says Dr. Horvath. “It is important that such phases pass and that the times when we like doing our job or feel good prevail.” According to the psychologist, if these phases last for a longer period of time, this could lead to exhaustion or burnout in the long term.
How to avoid the “holiday blues”.
But when you come home from a trip, it often takes a few days to get back to everyday life, and some fall into a real “holiday blues”. dr Horvath advises planning your return from vacation properly in advance: “It’s better not to come home on Sunday evening if you have to go back to work on Monday morning. One or two additional days between returning and starting work allow for a relaxed phase in which you can unpack , do laundry and get ready for work.” It is also helpful not to leave any big to-dos behind before you go on vacation. “In this way we avoid constant thoughts about the upcoming tasks during our time-out and can let go better.”
In general, according to Dr. But it is also important to Horvath to incorporate small rituals into everyday life that reduce stress – and thus allow oneself a bit of vacation or time out almost every day. About every four hours you should take a few minutes to switch off and relax. A simple breather is enough. “Those who consciously allow themselves these little breaks can reduce stress, relax and recharge their batteries,” says the psychologist.