Conquering the Sunday Scaries
As the seasons shift and days grow shorter, a new challenge often creeps into our weekends: the Sunday Scaries. This pervasive feeling of anxiety and dread that emerges every Sunday afternoon can overshadow our weekends and make the transition to the workweek feel daunting. But fear not! This is the perfect time to address this issue and find peace in your Sundays.
Understanding the Sunday Scaries
The term "Sunday Scaries" describes the anxiety that builds as the weekend winds down and thoughts turn toward the responsibilities of the upcoming workweek. For many, this can manifest as restlessness, unease, or even panic about the tasks and challenges waiting on Monday morning. It's not uncommon to experience this, but recognizing it is the first step toward overcoming it.
Here's 7 ways to deal with the Sunday scaries:
Create a Relaxing Sunday Ritual: Lazy Sundays are key for recharging after a busy week. I like to take at least one day to rest and unwind and it can make a significant difference, much like how your phone needs to recharge. I make an effort to keep my Sundays low-key and avoid over-scheduling, allowing myself the space to truly relax. You can also make Sundays special by establishing a comforting routine. Whether it’s sipping on a coffee, watching the Buffalo Bills (not sure how relaxing that would be haha), taking a scenic walk through fallen leaves, or indulging in a movie marathon, incorporating rituals that bring you joy can shift your focus away from anxiety and towards relaxation.
Change your Mindset: Pay attention to your thoughts on Sunday. Instead of dwelling on the monsters of negative thoughts like “I don’t want to go to work tomorrow,” try substituting them with positive affirmations such as “I can handle this”, “I GET to go to work tomorrow!” or “This is familiar territory, and I’ll be just fine.”
Plan a Monday morning perk: Start your day with something to look forward to – grab your favorite coffee or snack to kick things off right. Wear a fun outfit and dress up!
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your Sunday routine. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even a relaxing bath with essential oils can help ground you. By focusing on the present moment, you can reduce anxiety and set a positive tone for the week ahead.
Limit Work-Related Activities: To combat the Sunday scaries, set boundaries around work-related tasks. Try to avoid checking emails or thinking about work issues until Monday. Instead, use the time to engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, which can help you reset and recharge. Stay in the present moment, it’s still a day off!
Connect with Loved Ones: Spending quality time with friends or family can provide comfort and distraction. Plan a Sunday brunch, go do some outdoor activity, play with your kids, or simply enjoy a good conversation. The support and connection from loved ones can ease the anxiety of the coming week.
Prepare for Monday Morning: Set yourself up for success by preparing for Monday on Sunday evening. Lay out your clothes (and for your kids), pack your lunch, or anything else that can make Monday morning a little smoother. This not only alleviates some of the stress of Monday morning but also helps you start the week on a more organized note.
By incorporating these strategies into your Sunday routine, you can transform weekends into a time of renewal rather than anxiety. With a bit of mindfulness, planning, and self-care, Sundays can become a day you look forward to instead of dread.
Until next time, take care of yourself
Massoma <3
