You work hard all week, then the weekend arrives! And just like that, quick as a flash, it’s Sunday afternoon, and the blues kick in. The following week of work is on the horizon, weekend fun has never been further away, and it’s easy for it all to get on top of you.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The “Sunday slump” is most commonly felt on a Sunday afternoon or evening, when you begin to think that the weekend is over and your thoughts and attention switch to the week ahead. In particular, the joys of a Monday morning.
It’s natural to feel like this - the weekend is a much-needed break and shows you’re enjoying it. But if the Sunday slump kicks in every weekend, you’re setting an unhealthy habit that risks creeping further into your weekend and, worse, into your weekday work.
How to overcome the Sunday slump
Here are the three best ways to kick the habit and end your weekend in style, ready for a productive work week.
Don’t do work
Yes, it sounds obvious, but this is the trap many people fall into on a Sunday evening. When your attention has drifted onto the week ahead, it can be easy to check your emails and do some bits of work in an attempt to “get ahead” and feel more prepared. While this may satisfy that initial urge, you are also setting a standard of what a Sunday should be.
Instead, avoid your work phone and laptop and save it until Monday morning. Spend your evening doing anything but work; you’ll feel better for it!
Do something fun!
It’s all too easy to slump on the sofa in front of the TV, resigned to the fact that your weekend is now over. However, this doesn’t need to be the case - there are still plenty of hours left to enjoy!
Consider scheduling an activity on a Sunday evening to take your mind off work and to make the most out of your remaining weekend time. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a meal at your favourite restaurant, or even a spot of exercise, this will distract your brain from work.
Consider your role
Having the Sunday blues is understandable and, by default, doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy your job.
That being said, if you’ve tried everything to avoid feeling down on a Sunday evening and you still can’t shift it, it may be worth taking a critical look at your job and whether it is right for you. It may not be you worrying about doing the work - it may be you worrying about the workplace itself.
Consider whether a job change may be beneficial for you. You may be surprised at just how much it affects other aspects of your life.
If you’re looking to continue your professional development, we have many CPD-certified courses in the CPD Courses Catalogue on our website. Established in 1996, The CPD Certification Service is the largest and leading independent Continuing Professional Development accreditation organisation working across all industry sectors.
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