Solutions for the Sunday Jitters

A common theme I have seen with my clients over the years is what I call the “Sunday Jitters.” It typically comes from anxiousness about ending the weekend and launching into a workweek with a never-ending to-do list and significant leadership challenges.

To help overcome those overwhelming feelings, here are some strategies to consider.

1. Set aside time on Friday to plan out the following week and review what priorities on which to focus. This helps your brain to rest from deciding what you will jump into on Monday and gives you a plan for heading into the coming week.

2. Block time on Monday for strategizing, planning, or working on tasks that need to get done early in the week. I see a lot of leaders allow their calendars to get overrun with back-to-back meetings on Monday, only to end the day exhausted with minimal progress. It’s not a great way to start off the week.

3. Use some “self-talk” when your brain begins to worry about a big challenge or all the things you haven’t yet finished. It sounds a bit crazy, but self-talk can really work. Here are some examples:
“Worrying about this won’t change anything, and I refuse to let it derail my weekend.”
“I’ll focus on tackling those challenges on Monday. They can wait.”
“It will get done; it always does.”

4. Take advantage of the break from work – rest and recharge. It is tempting to make a habit out of working on weekends, but a lack of rest can lead to burn out which only makes getting things done much harder.

5. Start the week out well by getting a good night's sleep on Sunday night. We are more productive during the week when we have adequate rest.

What other strategies do you use for overcoming the Sunday Jitters?