Antelm Pujol, PhD: "In the first few days of vacation, we're still thinking about work and checking emails."
One of the main goals of vacation is to rest, to stop thinking about work and daily worries, and to recharge your batteries sufficiently for your return. However, according to a report called Digital Disconnection by the job search company Infojobs, 63% of people in Spain say they don't disconnect during their vacation period . There are tactics to make this possible, such as those recommended by psychologist and expert Mariola Fernández.
The data extracted from this report last year was lower than that of 2025. In fact, in 2024, the percentage was 59%, while in 2023, it was 62%. Regarding the "non" disconnection from work during vacations, Dr. Antelm Pujol spoke at the International Congress on Well-being and Mental Health, held in Barcelona, and his statements are reported in El Periódico .
He explained that stopping thinking about work is a gradual goal, which takes time and isn't achieved in the first few days off; our minds and bodies must adapt to the change in pace.
When do we really disconnect from work?
"The first few days of vacation are usually marked by a sense of inertia in the work routine , where we're still thinking about work and checking emails," explained the renowned expert, emphasizing that it's normal for humans to disconnect from work duties after "five or seven days," which is when "we really start to relax and enjoy the break ."
As for the most recommended number of days for any rest period, Pujol said between ten and fourteen , since this will help reduce stress levels and "allow the first few days to be a transitional period and the remaining days to be fully enjoyed with a more relaxed and receptive state of mind."
Antelm Pujol: "Disconnecting is a basic need"Some people choose to stay a week or a period no longer than the fourteen weeks recommended by the expert. Regarding this personal choice, the doctor also commented: "It's like turning off a computer for a second and then turning it back on immediately; we don't give it the time it needs to restart properly ," he noted.
He also shared some tips for making the most of the vacation period people typically take in the summer. He emphasized putting aside any electronic devices that incite or remind us of work and engaging in activities that don't cause any kind of stress and don't require a strict schedule. "Disconnecting isn't a luxury; it's a basic necessity for maintaining a healthy balance between personal and professional life," the expert reflected.
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