Most of us look forward to the weekend as a time to relax. But as the weekend comes to an end, many of us are experiencing a sense of anxiety and even fear. Experts have named this worry the "Sunday scaries." But even though the Sunday scaries are common, they are manageable.
Identify your anxiety sources.
Anxiety is a normal human experience, and one of the main ways to manage it is to figure out what's really causing you to fear the week. Is it a deadline, meeting or presentation? Even if there's not a single reason behind it, organizing the stress from the week ahead can help. One list for tasks that need to be completed immediately, another for tasks that are less urgent, and a final list for tasks that you'd like to complete at some point. This can help reduce the stress and fear of the week.
Create some excitement for the week ahead.
Getting rid of the Sunday scaries isn't just about reducing fear of the week ahead, either. Instead of focusing on the terrible things from the week, build excitement over a coffee or lunch date with a friend. This gives you the opportunity to shift your thoughts to something fun and will help improve your mood.
Instead of sitting on the couch and watching the clock, go do something that you enjoy. Such as planning some favorite foods to enjoy while watching football. Do your best to honor this time and make Sunday night all about you—leave the work emails for Monday morning.
A. Arrange your Sunday.
B. Try to create to-do lists.
C. Don't forget to check your emails.
D. So it can be experienced in both body and mind.
E. Here's how experts say you can ease your end-of-weekend anxiety.
F. Seeing these can help learn what's important and what you can let go of for now.
G. Having something to look forward to gives you something to think about that's exciting.
