Let’s be honest: no matter how much I tell myself to stay positive, the Sunday Scaries always seem to creep in by late afternoon. My mind starts racing — the work emails, the meetings, the looming deadlines, the countless inquiries and accounts I’m responsible for — all flood in like a tidal wave.
Even as someone who’s practiced mindfulness and time management, Sunday anxiety before Monday is something I still battle. I know I’m not alone. Many of us — especially those working remote, juggling kids, households, and high-pressure jobs — find ourselves overwhelmed before the week even begins.
Why Sundays Feel So Heavy
By Sunday evening, my brain starts doing a mental inventory:
- How many emails are waiting in my inbox?
- What meetings do I have to prepare for?
- Will I even have the bandwidth to get everything done?
This cycle of ruminating can make Mondays feel like a mountain I haven’t trained to climb. And it used to ruin my Sundays too — until I decided to take back control.
My Simple Sunday Reset Routine
To avoid a full-blown spiral, I created a routine that helps ease the transition from weekend to workweek. It’s not about doing more — it’s about doing the right things to feel less overwhelmed.
1. I Check My Calendar & Prioritize:
Spending just 30–60 minutes on Sunday evening to glance over my calendar helps ease the unknown. I assess my meetings and take note of the emails and projects that need my attention first thing Monday. This mental clarity gives me a head start without taking over my entire Sunday.
2. I Tackle the Heaviest Tasks First:
If I spot any emails or issues that I know will be time-consuming, I address them Sunday evening. Even responding to just one or two time-consuming inquiries helps lighten my Monday load and makes me feel more in control.
3. I Tidy My Workspace:
A cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind. On Sundays, I take time to clean my workspace and reset my environment. A clean space on Monday morning gives me a mental boost and helps me focus.
4. I Prep for the Kids:
Packing the kids’ lunchboxes on Sunday night gives me one less thing to worry about on Monday morning. It’s a small step that saves valuable time and helps my day start on the right foot.
Shifting the Mindset
Instead of dreading Mondays, I now see Sundays as a soft launch into the week. By doing small, intentional things to support my mental health and productivity, I no longer start Mondays feeling behind.
If you’re like me — a busy, working mom managing a full household and a demanding job — this kind of Sunday prep might be your new secret weapon.
