Leisure Sickness – A Workaholic Syndrome

Do you get #FOMO the moment you put “Out of Office” to official inbox and get to the much-awaited (long) pre-planned holiday? Might as well, its “Leisure Sickness”! Err, sorry what?!

Leisure Sickness!?

Proponents of leisure sickness view it as a psychological syndrome that affects people who don't take the time to unwind, even on weekends, despite the fact that it isn't generally acknowledged. It is thought to induce fatigue, headaches, and body aches that resemble the symptoms of the post-travel flu.

This condition is characterized as chronic and intermittent, likely linked to individuals' perceptions of their work and their feelings of responsibility towards it.

Leisure disease is a relatively common condition. Specific lifestyle or leisure factors appear to be less important in its development.

According to experts, the condition is more common in overachievers, people who typically have a heavy workload, and people who have an excessive sense of responsibility for their work. Your body is in a state of defense when you are at work because it requires your full attention. However, when you are on leave, your defense mechanism relaxes, making you more susceptible to illness.

In certain instances, the body may exhibit increased resistance to illness during periods of acute stress, suggesting that we may fall ill after the cessation of work-related stress. It is possible that we become aware of discomforts and pains that were less noticeable while we were engaged in work. Additionally, the stress associated with work may elevate adrenaline levels, which could disrupt the immune system or trigger symptoms commonly associated with leisure sickness.

Steer Clear:

ü  Establish boundaries by creating a list that distinguishes between priority and non-priority items. This approach enables the mind to concentrate on essential tasks when necessary and provides clarity of thought

ü  Assess the extent of your workload to determine if it is excessively burdensome. Should it regularly disrupt your relationships and personal or family time, consider making adjustments

ü  Watch out for poor work practices contribute to heightened levels of stress and the risk of burnout

ü  Imbibe healthy habits: get enough sleep, drink sufficient fluids to keep the body hydrated, exercise daily and most important, take up a hobby that keeps you happy! Till then, take it easy!