After just three days, the dismantling begins

Even a short lazy vacation can lead to a significant decline in mental performance. "The number of connections between the nerve cells in the brain decreases; the normal 10,000 connections can shrink to just a few hundred. This process begins after just three days," reports Dr. Siegfried Lehrl. The IQ score drops by five points, reaching its lowest point after three to four weeks, at which point it has dropped by 20 points. However, it never falls below this level again, because the brain maintains itself at this lower level through its many daily activities. Musicians, in particular, quickly notice this: "If they don't practice for three days, they quickly realize that they no longer remember their repertoire," says Lehrl.

Back to normal level through training

But when we're under-stressed by lazing around or doing nothing, our brain cells don't die. Since they simply lose their connections, these can be rebuilt with consistent practice. "If we train the brain, we can restore 80 percent of its original capacity within two weeks," says Lehrl. After four to six weeks, we finally reach our peak performance again. And the younger we are, the better this happens.

Mentally challenge yourself even on vacation

Those who can afford it should therefore allow themselves a transition period after their vacation to "arrive." However, those who need to get back to full speed immediately should challenge themselves mentally while on vacation. This can be done through play and variety. Break out of your routine and challenge your brain with new things! This is especially easy on vacation. Improve your language skills on-site or explore the country and its people. Let the unfamiliar surroundings inspire you to try new activities. Play mentally stimulating games like skat, chess, or Nine Men's Morris. However, the psychologist does not approve of visiting sights and museums or reading a book. While these exercise perception, they do not train thinking.

It's important that you allow yourself enough relaxation despite the mental challenge. Because even those who are under constant stress impair their cognitive function. So, it's all about finding the right balance: relaxation and moderate mental challenge ensure that your vacation doesn't become an intellectual nightcap, but rather one that truly builds you up.

Dr. Siegfried Lehrl was the academic director of the Psychiatric and Psychotherapeutic Clinic at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg for many years. He has devoted his entire research career to the topics of intelligence and memory performance.

Sources:

http://www.drlehrl.de