The post-vacation syndrome causes a series of physical and psychological symptoms that usually last up to 21 days. Opting for a greener office or selecting natural species for their benefits are some keys to reversing this syndrome.

Although we may refuse to accept it, September, once again, is back, and with it, all that it implies: the end of summer, the return to work, adapting to that dreaded routine, etc. Even though the tan from vacation is still there, our mood is not the same, and we run the risk of suffering from the well-known post-vacation syndrome, which is nothing more than anxiety and emotional pressure to face the readjustment to work life.

This transitional process can affect some people more than others. But how can we fight it and cope with it better? The answer is simple: by turning to nature. Landscape architect Fernando Pozuelo wants to highlight the main keys and benefits of nature to face post-vacation syndrome:

1. Invest in a greener office: If we work in person, after summer, the office becomes the place where we spend most of our day. Therefore, it is essential to have a perfectly conditioned space. To achieve this, we must integrate nature into companies. This has a direct effect on workers, increasing their productivity. In fact, according to a study by the School of Psychology at Cardiff University, spaces with green areas made workers feel more focused, with a 15% improvement in productivity compared to offices that did not embrace this trend. How can we benefit from these positive aspects? This is achieved by integrating nature into the office itself, whether through plants, a vertical garden, or even an indoor water fountain. In addition, opting for natural light over artificial light enhances these positive effects. If installing natural plants is not possible, we can always evoke them through the use of natural materials or elements such as images, photographs, or paintings.

2. Choose plants that provide the most benefits: The benefits of plants in the home can be felt through the five senses. Some species such as pothos, snake plant, or snake plant have the ability to purify the air, undoubtedly helping to enhance our positive emotions. Smell is another of the most sensitive senses, and stimulating it will add to the quest for well-being. Species such as lavender, which releases an aroma with chemicals beneficial to the nervous system, mint, which is one of the most well-known aromatic plants, or hyssop, which can bring a great smell to our garden.

3. Connect with nature to combat Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD): It may seem obvious, but humans need nature for their well-being. Most of society lives in large urban centers, far from green spaces, so the well-known “Nature Deficit Disorder” can arise. Some of the effects associated with NDD are lack of concentration, anxiety, stress, and irritability. In children, who are currently not attending classes, the lack of contact with nature can have an even greater effect, as they are in full developmental stage. NDD can worsen post-vacation syndrome, but it can also help combat it, so engaging in outdoor activities in nature is essential in our daily lives.

Fernando Pozuelo comments, “Nature has the ability to offer multiple benefits to humans, and many times we forget that. The places where we spend the most time in our daily lives, such as the office or our home, must be perfectly conditioned to have natural elements that allow us to promote that much-needed connection.”