Modern working Bulgarians are faced with a serious challenge - how to fully recover with limited annual leave. According to recent Eurostat data, nearly 25% of workers cannot afford even a week-long vacation, which raises serious questions about the nation's mental health.
Psychologist Irina Borikova, specialized in professional stress, emphatically emphasizes that a short weekly break not only does not help but can also deepen the negative effects of work stress. "It is not enough to simply go away for a week and then return directly to the work rhythm," warns the expert.
A key point in her analysis is the understanding that professional burnout is not necessarily related to excessive workload. Rather, it is the result of performing activities that we do not like and require too much emotional and psychological effort.
Borikova reveals that different types of fatigue require different recovery approaches. With physical fatigue, good sleep is often sufficient, while mental and emotional fatigue requires more complex strategies - including sports, walks, and contact with nature.
The psychologist makes an interesting observation regarding seasonal influences on mental state. Summer months are traditionally perceived as more optimistic due to the longer daylight period and opportunities for outdoor activities. However, some people experience anxiety precisely in August, anticipating the end of the warm season.
The expert recommends an individual approach to vacation. For some, true relaxation means extreme experiences like bungee jumping, while for others it is calm beach reading or mountain walks. The key is to understand what recharges and restores us most fully.
A significant conclusion from the study is that the educational system does not provide enough knowledge for dealing with stress. "School does not teach us how to rest," emphasizes Borikova, which raises serious questions about the preparation of the modern working person.
Summer months provoke in people a desire for more freedom, which can sometimes lead to radical decisions such as quitting work. This further underscores the need to understand one's own emotional and professional boundaries.
In conclusion, a fulfilling vacation requires not just physical withdrawal from work, but a comprehensive rethinking of personal and professional balance.