Post-vacation blues

Have you ever hear of “post-vacation blues”? Each of us, after a vocation, has to come back and resume with his/her duties, that could be a job or the school. However, is it not that simple.

It is certainly very tiring to have to abandon the relaxation and light-heartedness that (perhaps and finally) we had managed to achieve during our vacation. The discomfort that assails those who find difficult to resume with the ordinary rhythm is reflected not only on the emotional state, in some cases deeply depressed, but also on the physical one. On the other hand, it is easy to see how one reflects on the other, determining a disheartening vicious circle from which it is difficult to get out.

Here then some advice to use to reach your natural balance as soon as possible, and to be ready for the upcoming change of seasons, which partly contributes to our psycho-physical balance.

It is well known that the well-being of the soul is largely determined by the pleasure of tasting flavours. In other words, good cooking helps overcome a moment of small depression! But we have to make sure that "good food" also means "healthy cooking". Therefore, let see what foods can offer us some help to recover from the " post-vacation blues ".

Fruits and vegetables are our first allies. They increase the production of serotonin which stimulates relaxation. You can opt for peaches, melons, zucchini, tomatoes and peppers; Try to consume mostly vegetables and fruits of yellow, orange or red colour as these are rich in vitamins and properties that can facilitate the return to the daily routine.

For the lovers of grapes, there are good news; the melatonin contained in red grapes helps the regulation of the circadian rhythm (the regular sleep-wake cycle), a function generally regulated by the hormone produced by the pineal gland. We can not mention the old saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away". Always valid, in this period even more since the apple has significant beneficial properties for our body, including that of having a soothing effect like many medicines. However, we do not have to forget also the green vegetables, that help us to eliminate toxins.

All of these along with carbohydrates in the form of bread and pasta and a lower intake of fat (30% of total need), all to improve the mood and the line.

For those returning from a period of culinary delights, it is good to remember that there is no need to prevent the entry of any nutritious substance to find their ideal body weight, the secret is in little and constant measures, to drive your will in the right direction. Eating regularly (five times a day if you count the snacks) together with healthy physical activity will be the natural remedies to recover and get back on track, with the benefit of a good mood.

Summarizing, low-calorie foods will be preferred in the final phase of the day, but at lunch, it will be good to eat an adequate intake of carbohydrates, they also help to keep stress under control because they stimulate the brain to produce serotonin. While, in the afternoon is recommended to eat a snack based on crackers, biscuits, fruit or cereal. In short, the rules learned for a healthy and balanced diet throughout the year are also valid at this time of transition in which it is necessary to bring the body back into an ordinary dimension.

Enjoying the delicacies that the holiday destinations offer us as a break from the usual annual routine are undoubtedly good to disconnect from a period of stressful work. However, it is important to get back on track as soon as possible, so that we do not get couch into the " post-vacation blues ". All of course well matched with healthy physical activity!

Carla Basile BSc, MSc in Molecular Biology

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