The “Sunday Scaries” are a metaphorical illness plaguing college students and young adults everywhere, with most people specifically females, feeling their impact right as the weekday clock starts ticking each Sunday night.
“Sunday Scaries” is a term best defined as the dread and anxiety that overcomes college students before going to bed on Sunday, and it is particularly impacted by procrastination and a full weekend schedule. While this anxiety often feels inevitable, there are some useful techniques to avoid it and make Sunday a day that you look forward to, with it representing a fresh start for the week. One way to implement this positive attitude towards the dreaded Sunday is to make small achievable plans that both make you happy and set a positive and productive tone for the week ahead. One easy example of this is making committed plans to exercise. These plans could be anything, but some great Loyola examples include walking to Roland Park for bagels and coffee, or registering for a class at the FAC such as 5 p.m. Pilates.
While making plans to exercise and spend time with friends is a key part of beating the “Sunday Scaries” their primary purpose is to create a positive attitude surrounding Sundays. Another key element in decreasing anxiety regarding the week is to set yourself up for success both academically and mentally. In terms of academics, one way to ensure less anxiety about the upcoming week is to refrain from procrastinating and setting up a date and time for weekend homework responsibilities that isn’t Sunday night. For example, you can set aside a few hours on another day of the week that works for you, where you can get all of your homework done. This allows you to go into Sunday feeling accomplished and not weighed down by countless assignments and studying.
While setting yourself up for mental success is important, another aspect of creating a productive week is ensuring both physical and mental health. One way to practice this is by ensuring that the area around you is clean and organized, which aids in making you feel clean and organized. You can do this by prioritizing cleaning your room and doing laundry either on Sunday or another day. When cleaning your room, focus on doing a deeper clean than normal by taking out your trash, folding clothes, vacuuming, and wiping down all surfaces. While cleaning your space allows you to enjoy an area free of messiness, it also can serve as a metaphorical reset by cleaning your space free of the stress of the last week.
A key way to physically reset before the week begins is by showering and practicing self-care. Instead of a typical rushed dorm shower, on Sundays, take your time and allow yourself to fully relax and prepare for the week ahead. In this shower, you should focus on caring for yourself and being more thorough than usual, for example, using a hair mask, shaving, and exfoliating. After the shower, continue to take care of yourself by getting into freshly washed pajamas and pampering yourself further with maybe an extensive skincare routine or a fresh blowout. However, self-care does not have to relate solely to beauty, with other examples including watching a movie or an episode of your comfort show and having your favorite food from the dining hall.
The “Sunday Scaries” are a hidden issue that many of us experience and find ourselves struggling with. However with this brief guide my hope is that you will be able to conquer your anxiety and begin to enjoy Sunday as a fresh start to the week.