5 Ways to Make Sundays Less Stressful
Some people call it the “Sunday Scaries.” Others just think of it as anxiety at the end of a weekend.
As the weekend comes to a close, you start thinking about the work waiting for you on the other side. Your kids and teens might be feeling the stress, too, as they think about upcoming exams, homework assignments, and sports practices.
While we can’t get rid of Mondays for you, we can help you identify some ways to make Sundays less stressful and more relaxing.
5 Moves to Gently Start Your Week
Worrying about the future isn’t going to stop Monday from arriving. Instead of stressing, try these five tactics to ease into your week.
1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
A lot of us look at the weekends as a chance to stay up late and sleep in. But throwing your sleep schedule out of whack can make Sunday a lot more stressful. When you don’t get enough sleep on Saturday night, you can feel more anxious and tired on Sunday. This makes you feel more stressed, especially late in the day. Try to shift your bedtime and wake-up time by no more than 30 minutes on weekends to see if it makes a difference.
2. Practice gentle stretches
Resist the urge to take Sunday off entirely by bingeing your favorite TV show on the couch for 10 hours straight. Instead, make sure you’re getting at least some movement in. Stretching is an excellent way to increase blood flow and relax your mind without doing an intense workout. Stretch before bed on Sunday to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night.
3. Plan ahead
If you get anxious on Sunday because you don’t know what’s in store for you Monday morning, you could benefit from planning. Spending just 30 minutes on Sunday preparing for the week could help you feel calmer about what’s in store. Even better? Plan your week on Friday before logging off for the weekend so you can enjoy your Sunday without worrying.
4. Schedule something fun on Monday
If you dread Mondays, schedule something fun and inviting during it. For example, go out to lunch with friends on Monday, or treat yourself to take out after work. Giving yourself something to look forward to can change your outlook when your alarm goes off Monday morning.
5. See what you can offload
Taking control of your schedule can help you and your family get more enjoyment out of your precious weekends. For example, if you get stressed because your Sundays are taken up with grocery shopping and cleaning, maybe it’s worth paying for grocery delivery or a cleaning service. Likewise, if the idea of running the kids all over town has you in a cold sweat, talk to other parents to see if you can arrange a carpool.
We’re Here for You!
Moving regularly can help you feel better inside and out. Whether you’re an athlete, a nine-to-fiver, or a weekend warrior, stretching services from StretchSPOT can help you move freely as you transition from the weekend to the workweek. Book an appointment to get started!