Upon returning from vacation, unemployed people also suffer from post-holiday syndrome: the obligatory return to routine is compounded by feelings of uselessness and guilt from not working. Raquel Molero, a psychologist from the Master’s in Clinical and Health Psychology at the Higher Institute of Psychological Studies (ISEP), states that the syndrome is amplified when the return from vacation—a period where routine is broken with beach days, barbecues with friends, etc.—combines with feelings of uselessness and guilt upon becoming aware again of their situation.
Raquel Molero states that this syndrome lasts about two weeks. To overcome it, it is essential to accept the negative feeling generated by the loss of what was experienced during the holidays and the social comparison with those who do work. Good time management, combining job searching with moments for personal leisure (spending some time sunbathing, having a snack, or reading a book), is essential to regain the usual routine. Raquel also concludes that “maintaining a good diet and daily exercise are also good options to prevent this syndrome.”