Can’t seem to shake that Sunday night feeling?
Whether it’s because you save all the worst tasks for the end of the weekend, or you’re just feeling anxious about work the next day, it’s pretty difficult to love Sundays.
However, by adopting a few small changes and learning how to simplify your schedule, you might just be able to turn things round. Or, at the very least, ensure you get a decent night’s sleep…
To improve your weekend-to-weekday transition, here are eight ways to get rid of that Sunday night feeling:
1. Prepare for Monday on Friday
OK, so Fridays often involve putting things off to get out the door as soon as possible – but this attitude might actually be the reason you dread Mondays.
It means you’ll have to start the new week with a full inbox, a workload that seems bigger than ever, and an unorganised pile of notes on your desk. And nobody looks forward to that.
To avoid this, use Friday afternoon to set some groundwork for Monday. You’ll feel better heading into the week, and you’ll also free up some valuable time worrying on a Sunday night.
2. Stop dwelling on last week
Everyone has bad weeks.
But that doesn’t mean you have to carry a giant workload, various deadlines, or workplace related conflicts over into your weekend.
Instead of using your time off to brainstorm potential comebacks (and/or suppress an unstoppable rage), try to let it go – or at least resolve any issues before the week is over.
3. Don’t leave chores till last
Aside from a break from work, your weekend may also be reserved for all those dull household duties and errands that you haven’t had time for all week.
And although starting your weekend with a not-so-glamourous task like hoovering the stairs might feel like an anti-climax – try and get the chores over and done with early.
After all, no one wants to spend their last moment of freedom with a sponge in their hand.
4. Do something fun
Sunday nights can often feel like the end of a (very short) holiday – minus the jet lag, touristy Instagram pictures, and awkward tan lines.
Unfortunately, this can often mean wallowing in self-pity. To shift your focus, actually make some fun plans to distract yourself – whether it’s a date night with your partner or a night in with Netflix.
They don’t call it ‘Sunday fun-day’ for nothing…
5. Achieve something
Whether it’s something as simple as rearranging your wardrobe, or a more full-on task like tackling your garage clutter – allocate a small amount of time to duties with positive outcomes.
And don’t panic if DIY isn’t your forte. Anything can be an achievement, from finishing a book to learning a new recipe – as long as you see it as one – and your weekend will have an instant sense of purpose.
6. Plan for the whole week
Early preparation is often the most proactive solution to the Sunday blues.
After all, early mornings are never an ideal time to be stumbling around a dark room trying to find matching socks and/or some sort of super strength coffee – whatever day of the week it is.
Instead, plan as early as possible. Because although simple things like making lunch, packing a bag, and choosing an outfit can take as little as 30 minutes – don’t leave it to the last minute.
7. Make Monday great
Sunday night sadness often comes down to a fear of Mondays.
And although some jobs may not offer full control over your work timetable, avoiding stressful meetings on a Monday morning will definitely help you ease into the week.
To make Monday better, plan some things that you’ll actually look forward to. Arranging a nice breakfast, going out for a fancy lunch, or even just wearing your best outfit can make all the difference when it comes to your mood.
Trust us, Mondays can be fun (insert compulsory brand slogan here).
How to make your Monday morning better
8. Find a job that makes you love Mondays
Still can’t beat that Sunday night feeling? It’s not you. It’s your position…
If your Sunday night anxiety is becoming too much to bear, not to mention spilling over into every other day – it’s probably time to find a position you can actually look forward to getting up for.
After all, a little end-of-the-weekend slump is normal. But it shouldn’t be bad enough to affect your overall happiness.
Still not convinced? Find a job worth waking up for now.
