Sunday Scaries

Sunday evenings sometimes brings a sense of unease related to the start of a new week. This experience is sometimes called the Sunday Scaries. As the weekend fades, the thought of the upcoming week's responsibilities can create anxiety and stress. While it's tempting to distract yourself binge watching Netflix or doom scrolling on your phone, taking a few minutes to prep for the week ahead is a good way to alleviate this stress.

Rather than avoiding the impending week, face it head-on by creating a calming Sunday ritual focused on planning. Start with a brain dump. List out tasks, deadlines, and commitments swirling in your mind. Seeing them on paper often reduces their power, transforming abstract stressors into manageable steps.

Next, organize your week. Prioritize tasks and assign specific times to key tasks, leaving room for flexibility. This simple act gives you a sense of control and clarity, replacing the dread of the unknown with actionable intentions.

But preparation doesn’t have to feel like work. Add an element of self-care to your ritual. Light a candle, brew your favorite tea, or play relaxing music while you plan. Consider preparing meals or laying out clothes for Monday. Small acts that save future energy can bring a sense of readiness and create calm.

Lastly, incorporate something to look forward to in your week, such as a coffee date with a friend or a favorite activity. Anticipation of these moments can offset the heaviness of Monday morning.

Over time, this practice can make the transition into the week less stressful, leaving you feeling organized, grounded, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.