A one-week vacation may offer a short break, but it's insufficient for full recovery from severe burnout.
Doctor of Psychology Dmitry Yagudin reports that burnout syndrome keeps the nervous system under chronic stress. Cortisol levels rise, dopamine secretion weakens, and mental agility declines.
"Such people cannot enjoy themselves. The first week of vacation is not perceived as rest. The brain needs time to disconnect," the psychologist emphasized.
During the first 3-5 days, many still check email and think about work tasks. The nervous system needs to recognize that work is over.
Noticeable stress reduction and cognitive recovery begin around the second week. After 10-14 days, sleep quality improves, emotional tension decreases, and concentration returns.
"A one-week vacation is a temporary pause, not full recovery," Yagudin added. The optimal duration is 2-3 consecutive weeks.
