We all know that feeling… It’s five o’clock on a dark, wintery Sunday afternoon, and the last thing you want to be thinking of is all of the things that you need to face in the week ahead. That feeling of dread seems to be a common one among us all, surfacing in the mindset of each and every one of us from time to time, and yet, somehow, has become a truth that is unspoken of. Sundays should not be marked by this energy because it is, essentially, like any other day of the week, however that does not deny that we can struggle with feeling down on the evening of this day. Those feelings of Sunday night blues can be partially diminished if you try to channel your energies on small yet uplifting pleasurable activities, some of which I have outlined below.
Watch a short, lighthearted comedy
Television can really play quite a central role on Sunday nights. In the past, Sunday nights in the UK would mean watching period dramas like Downton Abbey or a mini-series like Bodyguard. While this tradition of enticing television subsequently meant that you would spend Monday mornings analysing the televised episodes and have provided contemplating content, there seemed to be a history of broadcasting rather intense shows that do not particularly uplift your mood or help you to feel ready to conquer Monday morning. Art has the capability to affect us all both emotionally and viscerally, so, new comedies or re-runs of your favourites, instead, can help you to feel more comfort and joy in ending the week and starting a new one.
Have a dance party for one
I have been doing this a lot (and not just on Sundays either!) and I could not recommend it more — a boogie alone in your room, blasting your favourite songs on repeat. Whether you choose to twerk to Brazilian funk or shimmy to ABBA, there is nothing quite like being your own DJ and letting your body go to all those songs that you love. You don’t feel the stress of being shoved around in a claustrophobic club surrounded by drunk people or the formalities of doing a dance class. You choose to boogie in your own time and occupy your own space. Your body buzzes, helping you to feel just slightly more alive. It can help you to appreciate Sunday nights and feel more confident to start the new week.
Listen to some calming classical music
On the other hand, if you’re feeling slightly anxious or just a little on edge, the simple action of listening to calming and beautiful music can really help you to realign your mind. Claude Debussy’s music is absolutely stunning, allowing you to daydream and just feel a lot more refreshed for the week ahead.
Plan something to look forward to
Even though it is incredibly important to remain present and take your life a day at a time, it is so nice to plan something to do and look forward to in the mid-week, and this is a tip that I feel is incredibly underrated. You might feel blue on a Sunday because it marks the end of one week and, simultaneously, the start of new responsibilities and worries. However, if on a Wednesday you choose to go to the theatre or cinema, or go to your favourite cafe and treat yourself to your favourite cake, this can help you to feel excited for the week, and eradicate your feelings of dread. If you do what you love throughout the week, rather than leaving it all to the weekend, Sundays will no longer mark the end of fun, but rather, a continuation of it.