The return to routine after summer holidays can trigger the so-called ‘post-vacation syndrome,’ an adaptive and temporary response characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, lack of motivation, irritability, and concentration difficulties. Professionals from the Psychiatry service at the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, a center affiliated with the Ministry of Health, indicate that these symptoms usually disappear within a few days or weeks.
Although not a clinical diagnosis, specialists consider this a natural response. The likelihood of experiencing it increases in individuals dissatisfied with their work or studies, subjected to high stress levels, with poor self-care routines, or facing an excessive workload. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks or significantly interfere with daily life, professional consultation is recommended.
To ease the return, it is advisable to avoid taking on too many obligations on the first day, set aside time for hobbies and social activities, and gradually introduce small changes into the routine. Maintaining adequate sleep schedules, a balanced diet, and engaging in physical exercise are also key. Common mistakes, such as trying to immediately resume the previous pace or taking on an excessive number of tasks, are cautioned against.
The medical staff emphasizes the importance of understanding adaptation to routine as a natural process, maintaining realistic expectations, and prioritizing self-care. Furthermore, the return to classes can generate resistance in young people, so families are advised to progressively re-establish usual sleep and meal schedules, validate their children's emotions, and convey enthusiasm for the new school year.
