How to Cope with the Sunday Scaries

The Sunday Scaries are a familiar experience for many individuals as the work week approaches...

Anxiety
March 21, 2025

The Sunday Scaries are a familiar experience for many individuals as the work week approaches.

The anticipation of Monday morning often leads to Sunday afternoon and Sunday evening being filled with stress and intense anxiety.

If you're grappling with Sunday night anxiety, there are effective strategies to reduce Sunday anxiety and make the transition into the week ahead smoother.

This article offers practical tips for managing your Sunday night routine to alleviate Sunday night stress and learning how to overcome the Sunday Scaries and make tackling the work week less daunting.

Tips for Coping with the Sunday Scaries

Tip

Explanation and Example

Embrace Your Feelings

Recognize that it's normal to experience the Sunday Scaries and feel overwhelmed as the new week approaches. Accept these feelings as part of your routine, reminding yourself that many people go through the same emotions.

Focus on Self Care

Prioritize self care by treating yourself to a warm bath or a visit to your favorite coffee shop. Taking time for yourself can alleviate feelings of anxiety and help manage restlessness and irritability.

Plan Your Week

Create a simple plan for the days ahead, focusing on upcoming tasks. Knowing what to expect can reduce the feeling of impending doom and help you feel more in control of the upcoming workweek.

Practice Mindfulness

Engage in mindfulness activities like deep breathing or yoga to calm unwanted thoughts. Spend a few minutes being present, which can help soothe an upset stomach and ease feelings of anxiety.

Go for a Long Walk

Spend some time outdoors and take a long walk. Physical activity can boost your mood and distract you from the stress of the following day, promoting a sense of calm.

Journal Your Thoughts

Try writing down your thoughts and feelings to gain clarity. This exercise can help you process your emotions and prepare mentally for the next week, reducing the intensity of the anxiety you experience.

Connect with Loved Ones

Reach out to friends or family for support. Sharing your experience of the Sunday Scaries with others can provide comfort and remind you that you're not alone in facing the days ahead.

What Are the Sunday Scaries and Why Do They Occur?

As the weekend winds down, many people find Sunday evenings can bring a wave of Sunday stress. The upcoming week might cause feelings of Sunday anxiety, from the looming tasks on a to-do list to adjusting to a new routine.

Scary Sundays often arise when faced with the uncertainty of change, whether it's starting a new job or returning to school. A few reasons behind these feelings include oversleeping on Saturday morning or missing activities you enjoy.

While these Sunday blues are normal and commonly experienced, they don't define your capabilities or worth. Instead of resisting these emotions, it's beneficial to explore strategies to manage them. Engaging in a relaxing Sunday routine or keeping a journal to identify triggers can ease the stress.

Spending time on enjoyable weekend activities and ensuring a good night's sleep can also help alleviate anxiety as the week begins. Embrace the weekend fun, from Friday evening through Sunday nights, to better manage any overwhelming feelings as Monday approaches.

a pen glasses and calendar with a sunday on it

How to Identify if you Have the Sunday Scaries

When you are learning how to cope with your Sunday Scaries, it is important to first understand the signs that can indicate that you are experiencing this anxiety.

Some common symptoms to look out for include feelings of dread, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and restlessness.

Additionally, some people may experience physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches.

If you are experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis on Sundays, it is important to take steps to address them.

Behavioral Therapy

One effective strategy for coping with the Sunday Scaries is behavioral therapy, which involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that can often contribute to anxiety.

This type of therapy can involve working with a therapist or guided self-help exercises that you can complete on your own.

Whatever approach you choose, remember that with time and patience, it is possible to manage Sunday Scaries and create a more positive mindset each week.

a woman hiding under a blanket

Don't Be Afraid to Seek Professional Help if you Need It

If you are struggling to cope with Sunday Scaries and your anxiety is having a significant impact on your work or personal life, it may be helpful to seek professional help.

Therapists who specialize in anxiety disorders can provide guidance and support as you learn to better manage the feelings of dread that come with transition and change.

And whether you decide to work with a therapist on your own or as part of a group, remember that there is no shame in reaching out for help when you need it.

Learning how to cope with Sunday Scaries can take time and effort, but by focusing on the strategies we've outlined here and trusting in the process.

Disclaimer

The content in this blog post is meant to be used for informational purposes only.

This content should not be used as a substitute for official medical advice. If you need medical advice please contact a licensed professional who can help you.

Conclusion

If you are struggling with Sunday Scaries anxiety, there are a number of different coping strategies that you can try.

These may include behavioral therapy, grounding techniques like deep breathing, and mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation.

Additionally, don't be afraid to seek professional help if your anxiety is impacting your work or personal life.

With time and patience, you can learn to manage Sunday Scaries and create a more positive mindset each week.

When it comes to dealing with Sunday Scaries, the most important thing is not to be afraid to reach out for help if you need it.

With the right strategies and support, you can learn how to cope with these feelings of anxiety and find more peace each week.

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Anxiety

How do I know if my therapist is a good fit for me?

It's important that you feel comfortable discussing personal matters with your therapist in order to open up and get more out of therapy sessions; therefore finding someone who meets certain criteria like experience level, expertise areas, and personality is key when selecting a therapist who can give meaningful feedback about how best handle issues related to anxiety or other mental health concerns.

What can I do to reduce my anxiety?

To reduce your anxiety, you can practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness practices. Additionally, regular exercise has been found to be beneficial in managing stress and improving mental health.

What can happen if I don't seek help for my anxiety?

Ignoring anxiety can exacerbate symptoms and make it more challenging to manage over time. This can result in a negative impact on your personal, professional, and social life, leading to feelings of isolation and even depression.

What other activities are beneficial for reducing anxiety symptoms?

Other activities which have been found helpful in reducing both immediate feelings of anxiousness and long-term anxieties associated with chronic disorders include yoga, journaling, nature walks, art therapy, volunteering, and other low-stress activities. Additionally, developing a healthy lifestyle incorporating adequate sleep, physical activity, and nutritious meals can help reduce overall stress levels.

Are there specific therapy services for anxiety and depression covered by Medicaid?

Yes, Medicaid provides insurance coverage for therapy services specifically designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Access to licensed therapists who specialize in these areas is available within the Medicaid network.

Will medication help with my anxiety?

Medication is often prescribed for anxiety due to the fact that it works quickly to ease symptoms of distress or panic attacks in some cases. However, this should always be discussed with your doctor so they can provide guidance on what's right for you and the type of medication best suited for your needs.