Do you dread Sunday evenings? These weekday habits will help you stay productive and calm, and outsmart the Sunday Scaries for good.
A feeling of anxiety about the upcoming work week, the Sunday Scaries are a common phenomenon. For many people on a typical weekday schedule, Sunday afternoons become the time to dread the week ahead.
Here’s how to tweak your schedule and habits a bit to make your weekends as restful and stress-free as possible.
1. Make a Monday To-Do List on Friday
Get all your work tasks in order before heading out the door on Friday. The simple and elegant Things 3 app keeps all your upcoming tasks organized in one space.
On the Home screen, your tasks get organized into four categories: Today, Upcoming, Anytime, and Someday. To create a new list, tap the Check button in the lower right-hand corner. Fill out your tasks for Monday, then tap the Calendar button to schedule it accordingly.
Whether you use the Things 3 app, your calendar, or a simple Post-It note, jotting down all your duties for Monday before the weekend hits frees up a lot of mental space. Getting back into the workflow on Monday morning will be easier, and you won’t have to give it a second thought in your free time.
2. Streamline Your Work Time
When possible, try not to leave any big tasks hanging around for Monday morning. Try the apps that help you use the flowtime technique to stay focused when you’re on the clock.
This productivity method helps sharpen your focus by using a modified version of the popular Pomodoro technique. Instead of working in 25-minute increments, however, the flowtime technique allows you to work on tasks for as long as needed.
Whether you use the flowtime method or another productivity technique, giving yourself the best chance to focus at work can make the whole workday smoother.
3. Prioritize Rest (and Fun) During Weekday Evenings
Making your weekdays more pleasant is another way to reduce the Sunday Scaries. Downtime is crucial, after all. Unless you work in an incredibly time-sensitive profession, log out of your work email and messaging services in the evenings.
Next, try to make a little time for enjoyable activities during the week. For instance, Downtime Organizer app to keep all your movies, shows, podcasts, books, and more in one space.
This app keeps all those viewing, listening, and reading plans organized, so you always have a ton of entertainment options on hand. With everything organized in the Sofa app, the days of racking your brain to remember the name of that one show you wanted to watch are over.
4. Catch Up on Chores During the Weekdays
Try not to leave everything for Saturday and Sunday. Home Cleaning Schedule to schedule your regular chores during the weekdays, so you can relax more during the weekend.
Add a section for each room of your home at setup, then select the chores that need attention in those areas. For instance, in the dining room you can opt to tidy the table, mop the floors, and dust the ceiling fan and light fixtures.
Each task also includes a frequency option, so you can decide to vacuum weekly and clean light switches every month, for instance. It’s all up to your own needs. To schedule chores:
- Go to the Calendar screen.
- Tap the Plan button, then use the Plus button to scroll through the task library.
- Schedule a few chores throughout the weekdays to leave your weekends free. The app will send you a reminder at the set time on your weekday evenings.
- Tidy up for a few minutes, then enjoy your downtime.
5. Set Positive Goals for the Week Ahead
If you’re the planning type, set some goals for the coming workweek. They could be in relation to your job, fitness goals, or relaxation time.
