The “Sunday scaries” are more than just a saying. The Cleveland Health Clinic defines them as “a form of anticipatory anxiety,” a type of stress stemming from the thought of what is to come. For some, it’s work, school or just an early wake-up.
The truth is, Mondays can be “scary.” So what can we do about it?
In his mental health newsletter Mental Health Movement, psychiatrist Dr. Jake Goodman recommends minimizing anxiety by leaning on routine and setting yourself up for the week ahead. Setting yourself up for the week ahead starts on Sunday night and can involve creating routines and connecting with friends and family.
Students at Lincoln have strategies to help decrease their stress.
“[I] write out the things I need to do for the week,” said senior Scarlett Seidel. On Sunday night, she tries to get to bed at a decent time, “try to get my chores and laundry done early in the day, and clean my room […] to get a fresh start for the week,” said Seidel.
Sophomore Melissa Sobenn finds making to-do lists helpful in mitigating her anxiety about the upcoming week.
“If I have a test, then I stress about it all week, even if it’s not the next day. If I have a [cross-country or track] race I’m gonna be stressed about it [and] just getting work done,” said Sobenn. “I like knowing what the week is gonna be.”
Freshman Adelaide Cetnar-Cook decompresses by talking to her friends. “I like to call my friends, it’s kind of relaxing,” said Cetnar-Cook.
Everyone has a different way of preparing for the week and dealing with their Sunday scaries. Along with all of the things to be nervous about with the approach of a new week, there are also things to look forward to!
School counselor Meredith Wilson shares a tip that helps ease into the week.
“It’s nice to have a Monday morning treat, and do something different and special that is worth getting up for,” said Wilson.
If you are struggling with anxiety and motivation for each new day, be sure to reach out to a trusted adult or friend for support.
