Why not tackle the Sunday Blues with these five tips.
No matter how relaxed and chilled your Friday evening and Saturday goes, the Sunday blues tends to creep on in just as we’re trying to enjoy the last few hours of the weekend.
The Sunday Blue is a real phenomenon. So how do we tackle it once and for all?
This blog will explore what the Sunday blues really is and offer some tips that can help you nip it in the bud.
What are the Sunday blues?
“The Sunday blues is a feeling of intense anxiety and dread that routinely occurs every Sunday. They often start in the late afternoon and continue into the evening. However, depending on a person’s level of anxiety, these feelings can start as soon as they get out of bed,” according to Dr. Albers.
Whether you are the new intern or the company director, The Sunday blues is a feeling that can impact anyone. It can be caused by a number of factors such as worrying about job performance and the stress of an increase in workloads.
Here are tips that will help you beat that Sunday evening blues so you can truly enjoy your well-earned weekend off.
1. Get organized on Friday.
Before you leave the office on Friday, try and tie up any loose ends you may have. Create yourself a to-do list for that Monday and clear down your workspace, so when you return to the office you have a plan of acting in a clean environment.
2. Enjoy some work downtime.
As difficult as it is to switch off from work completely, it’s important to be able to rest and recharge. As tempting as it can be to check emails on your days off you need to create a boundary where you check your emails during your week and not on the weekends. When and if possible, leave your work laptop in the office and turn your work phone on silent, and keep it away.
3. Take time to relax
Taking time out to relax isn’t sitting on the couch with your head in your phone scrolling through TikTok for hours. Take time to wind down and clear your mind, to help you recharge and feel ready for the week ahead.
Try listening to music, read a good book or enjoy a relaxing bath. If you set appropriate boundaries and enjoy your downtime, you’re less like to stress about impending work.
4. Be proactive
On your days off try and avoid sitting in all weekend with nothing to do. Make the most of your time and plan some activities. It can be as simple as going for a walk, sitting in a park or going on a road trip. The more active you are on your days off the less time you have to sit and think about going back to work. Being proactive isn’t just good for your physical health but can be great for your mental health.
5. Consider a new career or job opportunity
However, if you suffer from an extreme case of Sunday night blues that happens every Sunday, it may be a sign that the job isn’t for you. Firstly, you should look at why you’re experiencing experience such feelings. Do you feel stuck in your job? Are you overwhelmed by your workload? Is your boss a nightmare to work for? Do you get along with your co-workers?
Make a list of the things that may be triggering your sadness or depression in relation to work. Once you get to the root of your distress, you can start to do something about it. It may even be time to consider starting a business so you can experience the freedom, flexibility and fulfillment of being your own boss.
Whether you change your mindset or your career, it is possible to look forward to Mondays. Don’t settle. Time is precious, and every day you wake up is a gift. Make it count!