Are You A Victim Of Leisure Sickness?

Yes, leisure sickness is a real issue for a large number of adults. Most consider being sick on vacation or during a long weekend just bad luck.

For those of you who get sick on every vacation or every weekend, it's not a coincidence. You too probably suffer from leisure sickness. According to The Guardian:

Leisure sickness, like paradise syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, seasonal affective disorder and sick building syndrome, is one of those modern conditions that sounds bogus, the pointless invention of some under-employed researcher, unless you happen to suffer from it, that is.

One theory holds that when you take a break, your immune system does too. During the work week, our immune system is in overdrive. This modern phenomenon is common in workaholics. Some experts say to avoid the stuffy nose, headaches and nausea, be sure to eat right, get enough sleep and get your flu shot.

The Guardian reports the condition has been identified by Dutch psychologist Professor Ad Vingerhoets, of Tilburg University, he started researching the subject after he became curious about his pattern of illness.

Vingerhoets, who surveyed 1,128 men and 765 women across Holland between the ages of 16 and 87, estimates that around 3% of the population may suffer from weekend or vacation sickness. In a further in-depth study of 114 Dutch sufferers, he found that the most frequently reported symptoms included headaches, migraine, fatigue, muscular pains, nausea and, particularly in relation to vacation, viral infections causing flu-like symptoms and colds.

The Professor bring up the possibility that we are capable of postponing an illness so it won't interfere with our work or commitments.

If you suffer from leisure sickness, you probably find it difficult to switch from work to relaxing activities. Experts say exercising on a Friday night might help with the transition.