Anticipating Monday
You are not alone in feeling the anticipatory dread or anxiety for the demands of the upcoming work week. Spending the entire day or even part of the day on Sunday worrying about Monday actually shortens your weekend believe it or not. It could stem from the slow realization that the freedom of the weekend is coming to a close, maybe there needs to be more of an emphasis on the idea of work-life balance, or maybe job dissatisfaction. Whatever it is, feeding those negative thoughts takes us out of the moment and possibly even leads us into catastrophizing our week that has not even started yet. Here are some ways to help combat the Sunday Scaries and set yourself up for a better night's rest to step into and celebrate your Monday morning.
Practice Mindfulness - when we begin to hyperfocus and worry about the future we are taking ourselves out of the moment we are in and are no longer present to what is. Schedule a Sunday afternoon activity that you really enjoy that takes your mind off of any stress and brings you joy. Example: mindful nature walk, evening yoga class, making dinner with family or friends
Boundaries - disconnect from checking work emails or engaging in work related tasks. Give yourself the space you deserve from work and allow yourself to properly rest
Set yourself up with positive intentions - Visualize yourself having a productive and impactful week. Combat negative thoughts with positive affirmations that are encouraging and boost your confidence.
Schedule self-care - set up a soothing routine or atmosphere for yourself Sunday evening. Maybe it's taking a bubble bath, watching a comforting show or movie, or doing something kind and loving for yourself as you begin to settle down and slow down.
Celebrate Monday - plan a small treat each Monday morning for yourself to not only create a positive association with the start of the week but because you deserve to start your week with a special celebration. Example: buy yourself a craft coffee on your way to work, listen to an uplifting podcast on your commute, stop on your way home from work and buy yourself flowers.
