For people who have enjoyed a summer holiday basking in the sun, it isn’t easy to get back into the routine of the rat-race.

It’s not only a psychological issue ― the body also finds it difficult to fit back into this strained life. Sunburn, extreme fatigue and dermatitis can also leave a “massive aftermath” of the summer holiday on the body.

Professor Kim Sun-mi of Korea University Hospital shares some information about how to regain your strength after the holiday is over. 

1. Good meals and good sleep will do: Holiday sometimes breaks the biorhythm, affecting the hormonal system.

Good sleep could help. But don’t take long naps, which could make your nighttime sleep fuzzy. Half an hour will do.

Taking a warm bath before going to bed could ease muscular tension. Cycling, jogging or taking a walk, or a lighter form of exercise, could also help induce sleep. However, if the humidity and temperature is too high, fatigue could worsen.

Eat lots of vegetables and fruit. Nutrition will help metabolism and regain stamina. Caffeinated drinks can make you feel more energetic but they are only stimulating the central nervous system and breaking biorhythm.

If you are still recovering from holiday hangovers, add some honey to drinking water and take it often as possible.

2. Let your skin rest: Blazing sunrays cannot be fully blocked even with the help of sun screens, no matter how much is used. Blisters, stings and other holiday-related attacks on the skin can result in inflammation, too.

Apply Vaseline to sunburned areas and cool the wound with water or ice.

After the sunburn the skin goes dry like bark. Don’t peel the skin off.

3. Beware of dehydration: Eating food contaminated with viruses or germs could cause diarrhea, enteritis, acute indigestion and others. If one, especially a younger or elderly person, is too tired and the immune system has been weakened, the stakes are higher.

Dehydration is the first thing to be worried about. Drink sports drinks and water as often as possible for an abundant intake of electrolytes. Don’t skip meals because it could weaken stamina. If you don’t feel like eating, try porridge or other liquid foods instead to add energy. Try to keep the abdomen warm by covering it with a blanket.

Do not take paregoric without your doctor’s instruction.

4. Be alert for infections: After visiting public swimming pools, the most common disease children get is epidemic conjunctivitis. It has an incubation period of about 2-7 days. The eyes become swollen and red and ooze gunk. In the worst case one could develop visibility disorders. Make sure children do not rub their eyes. Visit a doctor as soon as possible. If infection is suspected, the rest of the family and friends should use separate towels and belongings to prevent further contraction.

External otitis is also a commonly detected disease, where the outer part of the ears contract germs. Children usually develop the disease as they try to pick their ears to dry them. Do not put fingers or other materials in the ears. Use saline water to gently rinse and visit a doctor.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)