I struggle on Sundays - any tips?

[whitewinefriday]

I have name changed for this. Ever since I was a child, I've always found Sundays to be depressing. I had a perfectly fine childhood, and my life is fine now, so it's irrational. I often wake up on Sundays with a sense of dread, which comes and goes through the day. Keeping busy makes a huge difference, but I realise I can't keep my foot to the gas every Sunday just to "hide" from the day. It's not Monday morning-related dread, because I like my job. For the other six days of the week I'm fine, so I don't think I need to see the doctor?

PS - I felt so rubbish yesterday (til we went out for a few hours) that I woke up this morning feeling like I'm "recovering" from yesterday. I'm OK now, but felt pretty wretched when I first woke up.

I fully understand- and i think a lot of others will be along to sympathise. It really can be a very depressing day- it's just impossible to make it "feel" like any other day. It has a personality all of its own.

I'ce found that it helps to focus more on family and friends, and really use the day to consider how you can help and support them in a much more deliberate and intentional way. I also make a point of earmarking Sunday evening for planning the week ahead in as much detail as needed. And for me, it's church, or at least online church to get some encouragement from inspiring preachers and teachers. I guess you could look at online motivational or inspirational speakers if you've not got a faith

I struggle with Sundays too. For me, it's a combination of that horrible back to school feeling each week, and also a pressure to make the most of the day because it will soon be over. I absolutely hated school, which added to my Sunday dread.

Can you do something nice in the evening, Saturday evening may work best for you, to get in to a little routine? Plan to watch something in particular, maybe a series that you know you enjoy and makes you laugh. Light some scented candles, have a nice warming drink, make some time for reading before bed, just small things that you may do for self-care already, but really integrate it as part of your routine.

I can find it better to have plans for the day, it helps take my mind off how I am feeling. I don't think you are hiding from your feelings by keeping busy, see it more as distracting yourself, not hiding.

I don't know if any of my suggestions will be helpful, but I just want to say that you are not alone in your dread of Sundays!

What works for me is having a Sunday routine. It’s not very exciting, I have to admit, mainly based around food prep, laundry and an ‘activity’ or two (eg out with the DC to get some fresh air, watch a film, cycle). I figured out that I am lost without a routine and it impacts my mood a lot if I don’t have some structure. Nothing too rigid, but I enjoy the day better knowing what is to come, otherwise I just aimlessly potter all day then suddenly it’s Sunday night and the dread kicks in. You could factor in some relaxation time, whether that’s reading, a bath, whatever suits you. You’ll also know that you’re all set for whatever the week brings. Would that be worth trying?

I am definitely lost without a routine, I've never been good at unstructured time. Although I seem to cope with Saturdays, but that's probably because there's more going on. Also, if (for example) I had a Tuesday on leave from work, the day would pass just fine. It's just Sundays!! I'm glad I'm not alone with this.

So its now mid-afternoon on Monday, and after a busy morning at work (from home) and a trip to the local Post Office, I'm now feeling 95% back to normal. My brain is definitely not wired properly!!!