Holiday fatigue is a real issue and it could be due to having too much time with loved ones. Family jet lag could be the culprit behind this exhaustion.
People often feel extremely tired after the holidays. This feeling is not a new discovery but now, it has a term.
Holiday Fatigue
Holidays are often the time of the year where families catch up with each other's life. Most people often feel more tired than energized after they packed their bags to go home or their house guests decided to bid farewell.
This condition could be the result of cramming too many social engagements in a few days. This could also be due to the pressure of facing family members to discuss major issues.
Feeling extreme exhaustion is not just in a person's head and it is often the result of pent up emotions including anxiety. A psychologist refers to this as family jet lag.
This is the result of a disruption in a person's regular routine. The after effects of undergoing too much stress might appear days after the holidays.
Family Jet Lag
The exhaustion from spending time with family can be a milder form of an introvert hangover according to NY Mag. Too much stimulation may be the root cause of the feeling of lethargy following the holidays.
Emotional stress and physical fatigue are connected according to the clinical psychologist, Dr. Adam Fried, explains in the New York Times that this holiday fatigue could be the result of pressure "consciously or unconsciously" to create the "perfect holiday experience."
Aside from feeling worn to the bone, the holidays can also have a huge impact on a person's sleeping pattern. Individuals who suffer from lack of sleep could have difficulty concentrating. This also leads to irritability and to weight gain.
Experts advise individuals to say no to some social events since doing everything can harm one's health and lead to severe holiday fatigue.
