Post-vacation stress affects over 35% of Italians

The phenomenon known as “post-vacation blues” or return-to-work stress affects a significant portion of the population. In Italy, data from Istat indicates that over 35% of people, particularly those aged 25 to 45, experience symptoms such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and anxiety upon returning to work or school.

Psychological research suggests that while holidays improve mood and well-being, these benefits can diminish within one to two weeks of returning to a routine. This transition can trigger an overactivation of the amygdala due to the sudden increase in cognitive load and stimuli.

To manage this transition, psychologist Claudio Belardo recommends three practical strategies:

1. A “soft return”: Allowing 24 to 48 hours at home before resuming work to handle logistics and readjust to daily rhythms. 2. Micro-goals: Breaking down large workloads into small, manageable tasks to prevent feelings of being overwhelmed. 3. Physical activity: Using exercise as an anchor to help stabilize the body and mind during the transition period.