Why vacations can also be another way of exhaustion

In theory, holidays are that parenthesis in which one leaves behind the work routine, turns off the alarms and is delivered to the break. However, more and more people return from their days off feeling so – or even more – tired than before leaving. This paradox, which may sound absurd at first glance, has a name and is the call burnout of leisure. And no, it is not that the beach or mountain has become hostile, but that The way of conceiving and living free time He has infected the same dynamics that exhaust us at work.

The term burnout The leisure describes a growing phenomenon in which the activities that are supposed to be pleasant, relaxing or recreational end generating stress, pressure and emotional tiredness. Like the burnout Labor, this type of exhaustion does not arise overnight, but from an accumulation of expectations and self -demand.

When resting becomes another pending task

Whoever suffers it is not necessarily trapped in an office or checks emails outside their work schedule, but may be “on vacation” in an idyllic destination, but feeling that you must take advantage of every minute, document each moment and fulfill a list of plans that, instead of releasing, overwhelm.

This phenomenon is related to an intensification of the leisure where Free time is no longer a space to rest and transforms into a scenario where to measure personal productivity, no longer in terms of work, but accumulated experiences.

In this scenario, hyperconnection plays an important role. A De-Cix report shows that Internet access during holidays has become almost automatic: 88% of Spaniards admit staying connected during their rest days, and among those who travel in summer, this percentage amounts to 93%. This level of digital dependence interferes with the ability to really be present at the time and raises the risk of experiencing exhaustion even during getaways.

The tyranny of the agenda also on vacation

The era of social networks has turned leisure into a showcase. What was previously a private moment now is planned almost as a personal marketing campaign in which to choose the “perfect” place, look for the “correct” angle for the photo and make sure the experience seems enviable.

That pressure to live moments to photograph and share later feeds a syndrome of “I can’t miss anything” (fear of missing out o Fomo, for its acronym in English), which leads many to overload their days free with plans and excursions, instead of leaving room for improvisation or genuine rest. In this way, what was supposed to disconnect can end up being a marathon of movements, queues, reserves and chained activities.

Of leisure as pleasure to leisure as performance

He burnout The leisure not only occurs on long trips or vacations. It can also appear on weekends, cultural outings or even hobbies. A clear example is the ones who transform a hobby Relaxing – like photography, sport or kitchen – in an activity with goals, metrics and expectations that make it almost as demanding as a job.

As explained Psychologist Ainhoa to Eldiario.esbehind hyperproductivity, there are often reasons such as ambition and the search for social validation, or even a combination of both, when all we really want is to be recognized by others. According to the psychologist, “this occurs because we have ‘malleseed’ to believe that success is only achieved through sacrifice and effort, leaving aside the importance of maintaining good mental health and living in balance.” He also pointed out that, although “being productive is great,” the problem arises when this attitude prevents us from granting us permission to rest or enjoy without feeling guilt.

In this context, leisure ceases to be an end in itself to become a source of self -imposed pressure. It is measured by its emotional “profitability”, by the anecdotes it generates, by the photos it produces or by the number of accumulated experiences.

Signs that you are suffering burnout of leisure

Detect the burnout The leisure is not always easy, since culturally activities and vacations are usually linked to fun and rest. However, there are some signs that can alert us about the presence of this phenomenon.

For example, returning from vacations with the feeling of needing “a vacation vacation” is a clear indication. It is also common to experience anxiety or guilt when you spend free time without doing something considered “productive.”

Another symptom is to plan the rest days with an agenda as rigorous as that of a work day, or feel that recreational activities have ceased to be an enjoyment to become obligations. It may even be the case that the preparation and realization of leisure generates more stress than the work itself.

How to break the exhausting leisure cycle

Fight the burnout The leisure does not imply giving up traveling, exploring or enjoying hobbies. It is, rather, to redefine the relationship with free time. Some useful steps include: