Does Sunday roll around and you find yourself filled with anxiety? We have all been there, and many of us call this feeling the Sunday Scaries. It might sound cute or silly, but honestly, it’s overwhelming. Even teachers who love their jobs feel the Sunday Scaries, and it’s a hard place to be in. I have found a few ways that have helped me cope with these feelings of dread and overwhelm to help me ease into the week.
1.) Do a brain dump
If you’re getting into a thought spiral where you cannot stop thinking about everything that needs to get done, try a brain dump! Make a list of what’s on your mind and get it out on paper, or in the notes section of your phone.
2.) Move your body
This doesn’t have to be running a mile or doing a HIIT workout at the gym! Take your dog for a walk, do some stretches while you watch a show, try out a yoga class, or chase your toddler around the park. Exercise helps melt down and reset our stress hormones! Bonus points if you’re able to get outside and catch some Vitamin D. Sunday scaries, be gone!
3.) Schedule in work time
Not working over the weekend might be a goal, but for many of us it’s not a reality. Scheduling in specific time to work with boundaries (like only 45 minutes!) and timers and alarms can be really helpful.
4.) Prepare for the week
What can you prep? Pick out some outfits, prep your lunches or snacks, maybe even plan what dinner’s you’ll make when you get home from school. Prepping a little can help ease the overwhelm and give yourself some control.
5.) Treat yourself
Be kind to yourself! Take a bath, watch a show, drink a glass of wine or make yourself a mocktail. Looking for some teacher self-care tools? Here’s a list of some of my favorites! Whatever helps you enjoy some free moments and unwind is SO crucial to helping keep your mental health stable.
