Vacation is always expected for too long and passes too quickly. Warm summer evenings remain in the fond memory of summer, and work obligations are knocking on the door. Post-vacation syndrome is a fact and according to psychotherapist Detelina Stamenova, this is a condition that can last from one or two weeks to a whole month. Stress and depression decrease when we have a sense of control over the situation – for example, when planning activities independently, but when returning to the workplace and most obligations, dopamine and serotonin levels decrease, which leads to the experience of “post-vacation syndrome”.
What are the signs?
The most common signs are reduced motivation and a lack of desire to return to routine. A sudden return to the work rhythm can lead to more difficulty concentrating ans irritability. Some light activities may seem like greater challenges. Purely physical symptoms include headaches, fatigue and apathy, sleep disorders, and muscle weakness. Although it is expected that after a vacation a person will return to the workplace rested and with new strength, initially the opposite trend is more likely to be observed. Communication with colleagues is more difficult. Teamwork is a challenge, adaptation to the work regime is slower, productivity decreases, and the risk of errors increases.
How can we overcome post-vacation syndrome
According to various experts, it is important to ensure “rest after the rest”. I.e. to start getting into the work rhythm gradually. And in between the routine to set aside enough time for extracurricular activities – sports, time with friends, walks, and anything that could charge us with positive energy.
Healthy eating is also not to be underestimated. Under stress, the body needs the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals for its proper functioning. Some foods that are recommended are foods rich in protein such as chicken, fish and eggs. September is a month extremely rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, so all seasonal ones are recommended. Mint, chili, turmeric – all of them contribute to the production of serotonin and dopamine due to the presence of vitamin B 6 in them. Raw nuts and legumes are also recommended.
Some ideas from AMOSYS
Returning to the workplace can be really challenging, so our team offers solutions such as facilitating communication and diversifying everyday life. AMOSYS software helps reduce the workload by connecting dental technicians directly with dentists, shortens the time for creating and sending a dental technician order, helps organize the order and tasks in the laboratory. By joining our webinar or recording a demo meeting , you combine the useful with the pleasant – breaking up the working day, you can learn a lot of new useful information and get to know our team. So do not hesitate and fight the post-vacationsyndrome!
Sources:
- From the beach to the desk: how to easily overcome the post-workout syndrome. 10.09.2025; https://glasnews.bg/zhivot-lyubopitno/ot-plazha-kam-byuroto-kak-lekota-da-preodoleem2-578802/
- Stoyanov Yulian. Post-vacation syndrome: Every third Bulgarian experiences stress after the holiday ( 07.09.2025); https://shorturl.at/Trprp
- Kondeva Yulia. Stress after vacation – how to overcome it? (05.09.2014); https://www.puls.bg/khomeopatiia-c-18/strest-sled-otpuska-kak-da-go-preodoleem-n-17654