Vacation anxiety: when holidays become a source of stress

Holidays are often presented as the most anticipated time of the year. Yet, for a growing number of French people, getting away no longer rhymes solely with relaxation. Behind the packed suitcases and perfect postcards lies a phenomenon increasingly discussed by psychologists: "vacation anxiety," this anxiety linked to holidays that sometimes transforms a period meant to be restful into a real mental ordeal.

Even before leaving, the pressures pile up. You have to book at the best price, choose a destination that suits the whole family, organize transportation, keep an eye on the weather, pack your bags, and make sure nothing has been forgotten before closing your front door. Added to this is a more insidious pressure: the pressure to have a successful vacation. Social media, filled with images of idyllic beaches, dream hotels, and perfectly photographed sunsets, reinforces the impression that you have to have an exceptional trip for it to be considered a success.

Regaining the right to slow down

This quest for the perfect vacation can paradoxically prevent us from fully enjoying the present moment. Some people rush from one activity to the next for fear of "wasting time," while others remain connected to their work emails or constantly check their phones. As a result, the brain never gets the true break it needs to recover. For some, returning to work even becomes a new source of anxiety, so incomplete was the disconnection.

Experts remind us, however, that vacations aren't meant to be a performance. Accepting the unexpected, lowering expectations, and allowing yourself moments without a plan often helps you rediscover the true purpose of this summer break: to slow down, rest, and spend time with loved ones. In a society where everything is accelerating, knowing how to do nothing for a few hours has perhaps become the greatest luxury of vacation.