Workweek Anxiety: Insights for Coping

As the weekend comes to an end and the workweek begins to draw near, many people experience feelings of anxiety, stress, or dread. This phenomenon, often referred to as the "Sunday scaries," is more common than many might realize.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Danielle Henderson explains that the Sunday scaries are a typical reaction to the transition from the weekend's relaxation to the demands of the upcoming workweek:

"When it's almost time for us to go back into our work week, commonly for a lot of people, that's our Sunday, we may have this feeling of dread. Anxiety, frustration, a lot of stress about our weekend ending and then getting back into that work week,"

However, when these feelings begin to affect one's well-being, such as causing sleep disturbances, difficulty focusing, or increased use of substances to cope, it may signal that the anxiety is becoming more than just a passing feeling.

Henderson emphasizes that individuals should pay attention to signs that the anxiety is interfering with their daily functioning. In such cases, it could be helpful to explore ways to address and manage these emotions.

Effective coping strategies often start with self-awareness. Recognizing when anxiety is becoming unmanageable can be the first step in taking action. Adjusting one's schedule, rethinking work-life balance, and reevaluating the structure of weekends and workweeks are practical ways to reduce stress. In particular, setting aside time for fun and relaxation during the weekend can help prevent the feeling of dread that often accompanies the end of the week.

The rise of social media also plays a role in how people experience the Sunday scaries. Posts about what others did over the weekend, especially if those experiences seem more enjoyable or fulfilling, can trigger feelings of frustration or inadequacy. Henderson suggests that individuals become more mindful of how social media affects their emotions, as comparisons to others' weekend activities can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.