You may be familiar with that dreaded feeling when Saturday night turns into Sunday morning and a nervous, scared rush comes into one’s brain. All of sudden, the pressure and anxiety of the upcoming week are on your shoulders and everything feels overwhelming and difficult. This emotion is also known as the “Sunday scaries,” a term you might have heard or used before. It’s something my friends and I face every weekend and have always looked for a way to make Sundays feel less frightening. One of my best friends, Delaney, sees Sundays differently than many. She encourages my friend group and I to view the last day of the week as a Selfish Sunday, or a day dedicated to you. In honor of Delaney and this genius mindset change, let’s talk a little bit about how we can make the transition from scary to selfish, and why it may benefit your week as a whole.
a recovery Day
For me, the ideal weekend includes doing something fun with friends, getting a lot of homework and tasks done, and being a little lazy to rest my body for the upcoming week. Sunday is the perfect day to “recover” from whatever exciting or time-consuming activities you did on Friday and Saturday. Whether you were partying, perusing a new city, studying for an exam, working at your job, or anything under the sun, using Sunday to recharge will set you up for success during the week. “Recovery” can include sleeping in, drinking a lot of water and rehydrating, watching your favorite TV show, grabbing a comfort meal, reading, catching up on homework, spending time with your favorite people, or exercising. The important thing to note is that recovery is whatever you want it to be, as long as it makes you feel calm and slows your brain down a little. Throughout the week, we are constantly busy with classes, clubs, sports, and homework with our brains crammed with to-do’s. It is vital to take it slow at least one day of the week, and Sunday can be a great opportunity to do that.
Set Up Your Week successfully
Sunday can also be used to arrange your week so you feel less stressed about what is coming. Looking at your calendar and seeing all your upcoming assignments and events may be daunting, but it also may inform you of what is due when, and how you can get it all done within the next five-day period. You can also set some intentions for the week: your goals, affirmations, and to-dos to organize your mind. Oftentimes we feel unprepared for the week which is why Monday hits you like a ton of bricks and throws off everything. With a little bit of previewing and arranging, you can diminish the maniac Monday feeling ahead of time.
LET’S Talk about iT!
Talking out the stresses of the past or upcoming week on Sunday can also be therapeutic and help you understand that you are not alone. Sundays are usually my day to call my parents and sister and tell them about my week and hear about theirs, as well as rant to them about what is stressing me about the week ahead. Verbalizing your concerns gets them out of your brain to free up some space in your mind which can reduce stress. Try calling or talking to a friend, partner, or family member, or even writing in a journal to help ease those Sunday Scaries.
Something small & Sweet
If any of the options listed before seem like too much for you, that is totally okay. Maybe Sunday for you is a busy work day or you have tons of homework and little chores to do โ I know the routine all too well. The idea of a “Selfish Sunday” is not in the routine of it all, but in your intention. Incorporating at least one thing that slows down your brain and makes you feel good is the only thing you need to do to have a Selfish Sunday. Only YOU know what that is. Cater to your own interests, wants, and needs. If you are having trouble thinking, though, here’s a list of small things you can do selfishly:
-Grab your favorite coffee or drink
-Listen to a playlist or podcast you love
-Put on a comfy outfit
-Spend time with your favorite people
-Do yoga to stretch and unwind
-Take a nap
-Eat one of your favorite foods
-Knit, crochet, paint, or draw something new
Being Selfish is important!
With all these tips, I hope you can create a more positive and powerful Sunday for yourself. The word “selfish” has a generally negative connotation, and for a valid reason. However, I use this word with purpose. As college students, our minds are constantly focusing on something other than ourselves. We give away a substantial our most important resource throughout the week: our time. We often forget that time should be set apart to do something that makes you truly happy, and you shouldn’t do it for anyone except for yourself. Why? Because you’ve earned it. All of the hard work you endure mentally and physically throughout the work and school week should be rewarded in the way that you choose. So go! During this upcoming Sunday, make sure you do something selfish and encourage the people around you to do the same. Now you can ask your friends โ just as my friend group does every week โ the exciting question: what did you do selfishly this Sunday?