ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS...WITHOUT GETTING SICK!

Don't let nasty travel bugs wreck the summer fun

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Have you ever come down with a cold or stomach bug at the start of a much needed break? Chances are you’ve got something called “leisure sickness” – a condition associated with downtime and that is surprisingly common, according to researchers.

“Many people experience an uptick in health complaints during weekends and holidays,” says Professor Ad Vingerhoets, a clinical psychologist who focuses on stress and emotion, and who led a study on this strange phenomenon.

“Headaches, fatigue, muscle aches or pain and nausea were most common, and rates of cold and flu surge during the first days of a holiday,” he says.

So why do some of us end up in bed and not on the beach?

PRE-HOLIDAY STRESS

Having a hectic time organising and feeling frazzled means an increase in stress levels, which can play havoc with hormones.

“Stress-related hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, can mess with our immune system and make us more vulnerable to infectious diseases,” says Professor Vingerhoets.

TOO MUCH REST 

It is possible to get sick from boredom – it’s called underload syndrome.

“Lack of stimulation is a stressor in itself,” explains Professor Vingerhoets.

This also applies to people who thrive under pressure, but are forced to unwind when on holiday.

LIVING IT UP!

People may drink more, stay up later or engage in other unhealthy behaviours during their time off. Too many cocktails and a lack of sleep will weaken your immune system, so you’re more likely to get sick.

BEING AWARE OF YOUR BODY

Pain and fatigue need attention, but we often ignore health niggles when we’re busy.