How can you overcome the Sunday blues?

Do you dread the end of the weekend, too? Every Sunday feels the same: the weekend is over, and the thought of going back to work the next day is depressing. Apathy, depression, anxiety, irritability… It’s estimated that 50% of people experience the Sunday blues. It’s no secret that the end of the weekend can be a difficult time. While the weekend is associated with fun, Sunday evening marks the start of a new week. It can ruin your weekend, but it’s unavoidable. What can you do to feel energized on this day? Here’s how to get through it in good spirits.

Sunday blues—also known as the “Sunday evening blues”—is not an illness, and it can always be overcome. That’s according to psychiatrist Florian Ferreri, author of *Overcoming the Sunday Evening Blues*. It’s more of a vague, irrational sense of unease that’s difficult to pinpoint.

In fact, this “Sunday blues” describes the stress and anxiety we feel on Sundays when we look ahead to the coming week and reflect on the one that has just passed. Studies have shown that Sunday is the saddest day of the week. Sunday anxiety is actually our body’s way of detecting a threat. (Source: The Atlantic).

People experience this feeling for a variety of reasons. Maybe you feel like your weekend isn’t long enough. Maybe you’re dreading a presentation, or maybe you’re simply not ready to go back to work. Whatever the cause of your Sunday anxiety, it’s very real and very uncomfortable. It may also be associated with some of these emotions:

• Headaches
• Anxiety
•  Stomachaches
• Sweating
•  Heart Palpitations
• Tremor
• Insomnia

Since this is a feeling that can easily be avoided, why not put that Sunday blues aside and muster up your courage?  

Want to make the most of the week ahead and beat the Sunday blues? There are tons of ways to fight off the Sunday blues, but here are the best ones:

That gloomy Sunday mood is almost always overshadowed by worries about the week ahead—mainly because of regrets about the past weekend. That’s why it’s important to take advantage of this break to disconnect from work and your problems. The weekend is a chance to stop working on work emails or important documents. Make Sunday your highlight of the week, whatever that may be! Whether it’s a walk, a shower, or preparing a healthy dinner, do something you enjoy. So choose a relaxing activity or simply enjoy some free time to unwind!

Clothes scattered around, trash on the passenger seat of your car? Clean up to avoid Monday stress, and use Sunday to get ready. Keep your living, work, and leisure spaces clean and tidy. This will help you relax and keep you from constantly adding new items to your to-do list.

Don't dread Monday mornings. Many people consider it the worst day of the week. But there is a way to improve your mood at the start of the week. To do this, try planning something fun. Looking forward to the week ahead will help you stay in control and not let things get the better of you.

If you want to avoid Sunday stress, make a list of your weekly tasks before leaving work on Friday. By updating your calendar, closing out files, tidying up your desk, and putting off unpleasant tasks until Monday morning, you’ll be able to work with greater peace of mind. You’ll feel calmer on Sunday evening if your mind isn’t already preoccupied with work. Finally, give yourself something to look forward to when you wake up in the morning so you don’t rush out of bed.

A consistent routine is the key to a good night's sleep. We often think of the weekend as a chance to skip out on sleep. But ultimately, going to bed and waking up later than during the rest of the week ends up throwing our bodies off balance.

So, try to maintain the same sleep schedule throughout the week and avoid feeling sleep-deprived on Monday mornings. Of course, if you party until morning, you can make up for it with relaxing activities on Sunday evening. Staying away from screens and meditating can reduce anxiety, which can help you sleep well—try reading a book or listening to a podcast.

Did you know that CBD might be a great way to beat the Sunday blues? This compound, derived from hemp, has many scientists talking about its beneficial effects on overall well-being. Similarly, numerous studies have confirmed its potential in treating depression (see the study here).

In fact, CBD, or cannabidiol, is said to have calming and anti-inflammatory properties and is a highly sought-after ingredient for combating anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders. Although there is no miracle cure for depression, CBD may help reduce symptoms.

•  Boost Your Energy

A lack of energy is one of the most obvious symptoms of low mood. As a result, CBD may help promote a sense of calm and well-being. Similarly, it may help patients regain their good mood and zest for life. It may also have a significant effect on concentration and motivation.

• Fighting Insomnia

If you take a few dropsof CBD oil or CBD flower tea a few hours before bedtime, you’ll fall asleep more easily and the quality of your sleep will improve. Known for its positive effects on insomnia, it is said to help balance hormonal imbalances by regulating melatonin production.

• Help you relax

In addition, thanks to its effects on serotonin and dopamine, it is said to significantly reduce anxiety and stress, which are the main symptoms of depression. If your days seem too long and your nights too short, a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue could help you feel refreshed and relaxed.

Notes: CBD is neither a drug nor a medication. It has no side effects, is not addictive, and poses no risk of overdose. However, always start with a low dose and increase it gradually.

See also: The 6 Factors That Affect CBD Dosage

In the long term, this would have a significant effect on people suffering from depression, as they would feel less tired, more balanced, and more energetic. After all, CBD is said to improve daily well-being and help people with depression recover.

Although the weekend is associated with relaxation, Sunday can be a time when your spirits dip before the workweek begins again. But there’s a quick fix. With all these tips, you can beat the Sunday blues.

In fact, the biggest cause of the Sunday blues is you. Allowing yourself to feel better can make a big difference on Sundays. Instead of letting negative thoughts ruin your weekend, focus on positive thoughts and activities to make the last evening of the week more enjoyable.