Everyone looks forward to holidays as a chance to relax after weeks of exhausting work, yet some people suddenly find themselves facing unexpected health symptoms, as if their bodies choose that very moment to give in to illness.
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These symptoms typically include headaches, fatigue, sore throat, and flu-like signs. Researchers refer to this phenomenon as “leisure sickness,” or scientifically as the Let-Down Effect, a condition that has been attracting growing scientific interest.
This pattern appears when the body shifts from a state of active stress during work to sudden relaxation, leading to changes in the immune and hormonal systems. During intense psychological stress, the body releases the hormone cortisol, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and pain suppressant. When rest begins, cortisol levels drop rapidly, reducing this protective effect and making the body more susceptible to the previously mentioned symptoms or to new infections.
In addition to this physiological cause, holiday-related habits themselves may increase the risk of illness, such as exhausting travel, changes in diet, lack of sleep, and increased contact with new people—all factors that can weaken the immune system at a time when it needs to remain strong to cope with surrounding changes.
The cumulative effect of these negative factors becomes more apparent once work stops, as the body is released from a constant state of alert and begins to reveal signs of fatigue and weakness that it had previously suppressed.
To protect yourself from this phenomenon, experts advise paying attention to your health during the work period—not only once the holiday begins. Recommendations include maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and taking short breaks throughout the day. When the holiday arrives, try to transition gradually from an intense work routine to rest, rather than stopping abruptly. Light exercise and staying well hydrated can also help strengthen the immune system.
Source: ScienceAlert
