Anticipatory anxiety disrupts summer vacations before work return

Psychologists are observing a shift in post-vacation syndrome, noting that 'anticipatory anxiety' is now affecting individuals weeks before they actually return to work. Rather than the distress appearing on the first day back in the office, the psychological impact is beginning during the summer holidays.

Joaquín Mateu, a professor at the Universidad Internacional de Valencia, describes this phenomenon as a 'hijacking of the present.' He explains that the brain struggles to simultaneously process the pleasure of leisure and the perceived threat of returning to work under unfavorable conditions. This leads to a state of 'silent hypervigilance,' where even informal work notifications can trigger a stress response.

This condition is particularly prevalent among individuals who dedicate excessive time to work and lack alternative sources of life satisfaction. The inability to mentally disconnect often results in feelings of guilt for not enjoying the vacation, as the mind remains stuck in a cycle of catastrophic thinking regarding the upcoming work month.