As Sunday draws to a close, many are left feeling anxious about the week ahead and deflated at the thought of returning to work. It’s not uncommon to feel daunted by what the week might bring, especially if the last one was particularly challenging or if the next will bring a lot demanding tasks. Having relaxed at the weekend, the next five days can seem like a lot to deal with and the anxiety this causes is often underestimated.
There are lots of reasons why people feel anxious about Mondays, ranging from a dislike for the job role to personal problems affecting how they are able to deal the pressure to perform at work. However, there are a number of steps that you can take to make Sunday nights less unpleasant. By making even small changes, both mental and physical, positive Monday mornings are possible! After all, very few people want to wish their life away always waiting for Friday.
Ben Edwards, a self-confidence expert and relationship coach, has outlined five tips for dealing with Sunday night work anxiety.
Acknowledge what is making you anxious
One way to start dealing with anxiety is to address what you are feeling anxious about. It’s very easy to say to yourself that you really don’t want to go to work tomorrow, but it’s important to think about why so you can begin to handle it. For example, is the reason you’re anxious every Sunday because you know you have too much work to do or because you don’t feel supported by your boss, or maybe there is a problem in the team? Identifying what the issue is means you can either bring them up with a manager or talk them through with someone else.
Think positively
Quite often, people can spend their Sunday evening worrying about all the things that might go wrong during the next week, putting people in a negative mindset. If you can imagine everything that might go badly, then you have the ability to imagine all the good things that might happen too. This will not only help you feel more mentally prepared for the week but will decrease the anxiety that worry causes.
Try not to binge over the weekend
Of course it’s the weekend and you want to indulge a little, who doesn’t need a treat after a busy week? However, binging on alcohol and unhealthy foods increases anxiety towards the end of the weekend. If people feel sluggish before the week has even begun, then there’s no wonder people don’t look forward to having to start all over again Monday.
Take one day at a time
Sunday night work anxiety often arises when people think about the whole week ahead, which can seem like a lot to think about at once. Instead, try and focus on what you need to do the next day and what’s a priority, then decide what can wait for once Monday is out the way. Taking each day like this can make Sunday nights much less overwhelming, as you only have a few things to think about at once.
Rest and take time for yourself
On Sunday evenings when you are thinking about everything you need to do during the week ahead, factor in the things you do that are for yourself. For example, if you have plans with a friend one night in the week or a regular gym class that you attend, then remember that you have that to look forward to. Taking time out for things you enjoy over the weekend can also help anxiety when it draws to a close. Exercising, making time for your hobbies or seeing friends and family can help you to feel better when the weekend comes to an end and in a better position to face the coming week.
Should you need more lifestyle advice, visit www.benedwards.com
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