If You Feel Sleepy and Your Back Hurts After a Trip... How to Overcome Post-Vacation Syndrome

[Financial News] Among office workers who have returned from summer vacations, there is an increasing number of cases complaining of 'post-vacation syndrome'. Due to long hours of travel by plane or vehicle and excessive activities, many people experience fatigue, drowsiness, and even back and shoulder pain. Experts advise that it is necessary to gradually recover the body through regular sleep, stretching, and light exercise. The most common post-vacation syndrome is the imbalance of biological rhythm caused by irregular lifestyle habits. Sleeping for long hours just because you are tired can actually disrupt the hormone system and sleep cycle, leading to greater fatigue. Experts emphasize that maintaining regular sleep of 7-8 hours a day is most important.
If you use a plane or car in the same position for a long time, fatigue can accumulate in the back, shoulders, and neck, leading to 'spinal fatigue syndrome'. Park Dong-woo, an orthopedic specialist at Mirae Bon Hospital, explained, "The muscles around the spine, which become stiff from driving or flying, should be relieved with stretching from time to time, and a warm towel massage or bath is effective for recovery."


Excessive use of muscles during swimming or leisure sports during vacation can be helped by alternating cold and hot baths 13 times for 2415 minutes. Also, a brisk walk for about 30 minutes is effective for relaxing spinal muscles, promoting blood circulation, and refreshing the mood.
Stretching is the basic recovery method after vacation fatigue. It is good to perform it several times within a non-strenuous range, and if fatigue or dizziness occurs, it should be stopped immediately. In particular, to prevent back pain when standing up from a sitting position, it is recommended to lean back against the chair, pause for 3-5 seconds, and then stand up.
If you sprain your wrist or ankle while jet skiing or playing in the water at a vacation spot, excessive massage or kneading is prohibited. There is a possibility of fracture, which can worsen the symptoms. If the pain is severe, it is safe to first apply a cold compress, then immobilize with a cloth or bandage, and get a diagnosis at a hospital.
△Chest Opening Stretch: Pull both arms down as if pulling, gather the shoulder blades, and tilt the head back. Repeating 5 times for 10 seconds each is effective for relaxing neck, chest, and back muscles.
△Hip Stretch: Grab the right knee and pull it towards the left shoulder, then repeat in the opposite direction. Performing 5 times for 15 seconds each helps with pelvic misalignment and relieving tension in the back muscles.
To overcome post-vacation syndrome, it is important to move the body appropriately rather than just resting, and to recover lifestyle habits for sound sleep. Stretching and walking within a non-strenuous range, and proper sleep management help smooth return to daily life.

vrdw88@fnnews.com Kang Jung-mo Reporter