Listen on:

Combat the Sunday Scaries with These 7 Tips

cup of coffee on an open magazine

The “Sunday Scaries” are so real. I used to dread Sundays because it meant that Monday was just around the corner, which meant I usually ended up spending Sunday binging trashy TV shows. And that did not make Monday any better.

Being intentional about how I spend my Sundays has helped me almost look forward to Monday. I end the weekend feeling refreshed and restored, instead of worried about the week ahead. 

Keep reading to learn some of the things you can do to make your Sundays more intentional and your Mondays less scary.

1. Take some time for yourself

Having plenty of “me” time is so important. And there’s a good chance that much of your weekend is spent on social activities. Spend some time on Sunday to do something that helps you relax. That might mean taking a bubble bath or going for a walk. Personally, I try to do something creative (currently, that’s cross-stitching) and read some. Doing something that helps you feel more like you will clear your mind of any worries or anxieties.

Read also: 3 Reasons You Need to Take Time for Yourself

2. Clean up the house

Sure, cleaning isn’t a fun way to spend a Sunday, but it will help you feel better later in the week. You won’t have to worry about coming home from work to a messy house (especially if you don’t have time to clean throughout the week). Cleaning on Sunday allows you to come home every day and feel comfortable and relaxed in your house.

Read also: How to Create a Cleaning Schedule in 5 Easy Steps [Free Download]

3. Exercise

Your body can affect your state of mind. So exercising each Sunday will help improve your physical and mental health in preparation for the week ahead. Personally, if I’m not able to get out for a walk a few days in a row, then I tend to be in a bad mood.

4. Plan out your week

Spend a few minutes each Sunday arranging your schedule for the week to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines or overbook yourself. You’ll also be able to analyze your progress on any projects, both at home and at work. And finally, planning out your week each Sunday will help you be aware of any upcoming birthdays, doctor appointments, work commitments, after-school activities, etc. so you aren’t surprised by anything.

5. Clean out your fridge

In college, my roommate and I played a really gross game of “What was it and how long has it been in the fridge?” That’s because we’d only clean out our leftovers every few weeks. It’s a lot less gross if you spend a few minutes each Sunday throwing out any leftovers that have gone bad. When you clean out your fridge regularly, you’ll know that everything in your fridge can be used for lunches, snacks, and dinners throughout the week.

6. Spend time with your family

Things can get pretty busy during the week, and you might not be able to spend quality time with your family. So make it a point to spend some time together each Sunday, whether you go to church or for a walk. And if you don’t live near your family, then make a commitment to call them each week.

7. Do your laundry

If you do your laundry on Sunday, you’ll know you have enough clothes to get through the week. And you won’t have to try to get a load or two in after work.

cup of coffee on an open magazine