5 Tips for Overcoming Sunday Night Anxiety

Photo by @priscilladupreez

If you've ever had the "Sunday scaries," you are familiar with the sense of foreboding and worry that descends as the weekend comes to an end and the upcoming workweek approaches. It's a typical occurrence that might harm our mental health and general wellness. In this piece, we'll look at why people dislike Mondays and what we can do to make Sunday less frightening.

Many dread Mondays because they feel overburdened by the workload ahead, says Michael D. Levitt, chief burnout officer of the Breakfast Leadership Network. Levitt continues, "It's easy to feel that the weekend just wasn't long enough to replenish your batteries if you're behind on your job or you know you have a particularly difficult week coming up."

The fact that many individuals are working longer hours and having to deal with higher job expectations only serves to exacerbate this discomfort. It might be challenging to unplug and relax on the weekends since people are working longer and harder than ever before, according to Levitt. "It's challenging to shut off and take pleasure in your downtime when you're continually connected to work."

Some may dislike their work or feel unsatisfied in their occupations, which is another factor contributing to their dread of Mondays. It might be difficult to face the next week if you don't love your job, as Levitt explains: "It's like running a marathon on Sunday night and knowing it's going to be a long, unpleasant trip."

The stress of having to be effective and successful might sometimes make Sundays scarier. We live in a world that values productivity and performance above all else, and it may be challenging to unwind and enjoy your downtime because of the poisonous belief that if you're not working constantly, you're slipping behind.

What therefore can we do to lessen the Sunday frights? Levitt offers various recommendations, such as:

Make self-care a priority

According to Levitt, "it's crucial to take care of yourself both physically and psychologically." Take time to do activities you like, whether that's reading, spending time with friends and family, or engaging in a pastime. "Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and exercising frequently."

Establish limits

If you're always linked to work, Levitt recommends, "it's crucial to create boundaries and carve out time for oneself." "When you're not working, turn off your phone and computer, and let your supervisor and coworkers know when you're available and when you're not."

Discover a purpose for your work

According to Levitt, "If you're dissatisfied in your career, it's crucial to discover ways to make it more satisfying." It might entail taking on new tasks, looking for mentoring or training opportunities, or figuring out how to meaningfully contribute to your business.

Change your perspective. Levitt advises, "Instead of hating Mondays, try to embrace them with a feeling of purpose and pleasure." "Reframing your mentality may make a major difference in how you approach the workweek. Think about the tasks you're looking forward to doing or the goals you want to attain for the week."

Don't be reluctant to ask for help

It’s a sign of strength to realize you need help from a mental health professional, a coach, a reliable friend, or a family member if you're experiencing Sunday scaries or burnout, Levitt advises. It's crucial to look after your mental health and wellness, and getting assistance when you need it is completely the right thing to do for you. When you’re physically ill, you seek medical help, right? You should do the same for your mental health. Mental health is health.

In conclusion, many people encounter the Sunday scaries often, and they can have a negative impact on our mental health and well-being. Nevertheless, by placing self-care first, establishing boundaries, and discovering purpose