South Africans are taking less time off these holidays than previously, leading to mental overload, a survey released on Tuesday showed.

The survey found that 61 percent of those polled would be taking less time off than last year and 46 percent had only put in for five days leave, anti-depressants pharmaceutical company Pharma Dynamics said in a statement.

"By this time of the year most working South Africans suffer from a phenomenon known as ‘cerebral overload' -- it's when you simply can't meet the ongoing demands to process any further information," it said.

Almost half (49 percent) of those taking a break would still respond to work calls and e-mails during their holiday which could lead to burn-out.

"When you live in a chronic state of unresolved stress and anxiety your brain starts to mildly freeze and that's when indecisiveness or ‘analysis paralysis' starts to set in."

The brain required substantial downtime to remain industrious.

"Holidays help us to relax, recharge, reduce stress and enable us to build closer relationships with family and friends, which makes us happier."