If you’ve found this article, you probably already know what the Sunday night blues are.
We have all been there. The weekend is winding down and you realize that Monday – the first day of the workweek – is just around the corner. You might feel a little uneasy and apprehensive about this.
The Sunday night blues are real, and they are no joke. According to a study carried out in 2019, 81% of American workers suffer from the Sunday night blues, or the ‘Sunday scaries’.
What are the Sunday night blues?
The Sunday night blues are another term for anxiety or stress over returning to work or school after having time off.
Why do we get the Sunday night blues?
There are a number of reasons why you might feel like this on a Sunday. You might feel like there’s nothing to look forward to during the week. You might be dreading a return to your normal routine after a holiday. You might feel like your job is not fulfilling enough.
Luckily, there are ways you can beat the Sunday night blues and start your week on a high note!
How to defeat the Sunday night blues
Here are just a few useful ways in which you can deter those Sunday night blues and start your week with some momentum:
- Make a list of to-do’s and plan out your Monday. Allocate time to complete tasks and take breaks! Disorganisation can heighten those feelings of anxiety and dread on a Sunday evening.
- Do something exciting on Sunday night. Go out with friends or check out your local cinema to make sure your last hours of weekend freedom are well spent!
- Schedule exciting activities early in the week. If you find yourself lacking some early week motivation, plan some social events or fun activities for Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation. If you don’t do it already, practising mindfulness can be a great way of staying in tune with your mental health and lessening the effects of the Sunday night blues. Try out the Headspace or Calm apps for an introduction, or check out this YouTube video.
- Recognise that the weekend will come again. For the most part, the Sunday night blues are temporary. The weekend is certain – you just need to get there in one piece. Be proud of yourself for making it through another week and reward yourself!
- Seek help if you need it. If the Sunday night blues are becoming debilitating for you, it might be best to speak to a professional. Contact your local doctor, pharmacist or health professional and explain the situation to them. They will know what to do.
Final thoughts
Most of us – we see you – have been waiting for the weekend to come around since Monday rolled itself in.
And when it comes to the end of the weekend, something happens. Maybe it’s the anticipation of going back to work on Monday that has you feeling blue, or the harrowing thought of schoolwork.
It is possible to enjoy your Sundays – we promise. When you start giving yourself reasons to enjoy the week, or not fear it, it becomes a hell of a lot easier.
We hope that this blog helped you to discover more about the Sunday night blues and why a huge percentage of modern society populations experience it. Share your thoughts with us below!