Beating the Sunday Scaries

By Katie Yeagley

Sundays are supposed to be a day for rest, but in our world it is so often the day of 12 hour library cram sessions and fitting multiple meetings into the day before the beginning of the new week. Regardless of whether you have class, work, or other responsibilities, the start of a new week can be a bit anxiety-inducing. This is especially true if you’re like me and have put off most of what you need to get accomplished for the week. However, there are a few things that can make the start of the week more relaxing. Here are my favorite Sunday routines that may help you start off this week on the right foot.

1.Plan what you’re going to eat for the week. I know, I know this seems like a lot of work. However, if I make a rough schedule for what I want to do regarding meals I end up eating healthier and saving myself money throughout the week. I have been trying to eat out less and I find that sitting down and figuring out a meal plan makes this more feasible.

2.Clean your room and change your sheets. I’m not a neat freak but there is something so nice about climbing into a freshly made, clean bed. I always feel like I’m more organized and ready to take on the day when the things surrounding me are in order.

3.Paint your nails or do a face mask. No matter how busy or stressed you are, try to take some time to focus on yourself and how you are feeling. Whether that be a long, hot shower or picking out an outfit you are excited to put on come Monday morning: take time for self-care.

4.Create a list of goals for the week. I’ve been doing this recently and it’s one of my favorite Sunday rituals now. Before I go to bed I’ll make a short list of the important things I need to get done in the coming week, including personal goals. I’ll then try to make a to-do list for the day with specifics but I like to first look at the big picture for the week.

5.Meditate, Pray, or Journal. In tune with the other activities I have listed, I think it is so important to take a second to reflect on the events of the previous week and get in touch with how you are feeling and what is going on. Our world is in a difficult place right now and taking a moment to pray according to your belief system or write a poem to express how you are feeling can do wonderful things for your mental sanity.

6.Call or text a friend who you haven’t talked to recently. This is a new Sunday night routine I’m trying to implement. We are so incredibly busy in our day to day lives that we often find ourselves unable to connect with people that we truly want to. Whether this is your sister, high school friend, or someone that you feel could use a pick me up, let them know you’re thinking about them or that you want to catch up in the near future.

7.Decide that you won’t give into the anxiety that is known as “the Sunday Scaries”. I feel like so much of the anxiety we have before starting a new week could be avoided if we actively decide to focus on the excitement that a new week holds. I know stress and anxiety is unavoidable, but if you find yourself freaking out, take a second to recognize that you’ve done this before. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished and be confident in your ability to tackle whatever comes your way this next week. 

Good luck!