Psychologist warns of anticipatory anxiety before returning to work

Psychologist María Calle, from Blua de Sanitas, has warned about anticipatory anxiety occurring before returning to work. This phenomenon happens when the body reacts to a future scenario as if it were already happening, often manifesting during the final days of a vacation.

Symptoms include repetitive thoughts about pending tasks, difficulty resting, physical tension, irritability, and a sense of urgency without immediate cause. Calle notes that hyperconnectivity, an accumulation of messages, and a lack of boundaries during holidays can exacerbate the issue.

Rather than solving problems, individuals often engage in mental rehearsals of meetings or emails, which Calle describes as ‘rehearsing a threat with unrealistic data.’ This rumination can prevent the emotional recovery and psychological rest that vacations are intended to provide.