How to Avoid the Sunday Scaries
Do you dread Sunday afternoons because it means Monday is right around the corner? Anxiety starts to set in, your mind races through meal planning, homework, projects, deadlines, and the lost field trip form.
Between working part time and being a full time mom to three kids in elementary school, Monday mornings used to be the most stressful day of the week. I would login to my work calender only to see I had a 10am call with my boss, or my kids would produce a field trip form that needed a check turned in last week. Or my husband suddenly remembered he has a work potluck on Tuesday that needed a culturally themed appetizer.
But after making some slight tweaks and getting everyone on board, Monday mornings have gotten a lot smoother. It’s still hard to wrangle three kids out of bed on Monday mornings, but at least now I’m not also looking for lost homework.
Here are 5 tweaks that have helped me transition into a smoother week:
Have a command central.
Write all your appointments, deadlines, trips for your entire family in one place where everyone can see it. I use the calender on my phone, but my kids can’t access it, and my husband doens’t check it, so it doesn’t work. Instead, I have a weekly white board on the fridge. And on Sunday afternoons, when I’m writing out the calender, I’m reminding my kids (yes, even the kindergartener) to get their backpacks ready for the week.
Prioritize the tasks for the week.
Using a sticky note such as this, helps me prioritize and break it into bite size chunks. I sometimes even fill out one for my older kids and/or spouse. This also a great time to review last week’s notes and pat your self on the back for how much you accomplished.
Stock your fridge with mostly regulars (and couple new items).
I always have two instant dinners for those busy weeknights and then stock the fridge with family favorites. I usually sprinkle in a couple new or seasonal items to try. Organizing the fridge with bins designated for grains, fruits, dairy, meat help me remember what we are running low on and prevent me from buying 4 gallons of milk.
Check the weather and set out your outfits for the week.
Taking into considering the weather, work meetings, play dates, gym days, setting out all my outfits for the week saves me time every morning. It also forces me to be more creative with my outfits, instead of reaching for old favorites.
Take a deep breathe and relax.
Give yourself 30 minutes to do something you enjoy. Carve out some time to read, walk, or meditate. Something solo AND enjoyable. It’s amazing how something so little can create so much more space in your head.
All of these tips can be molded to your schedule, lifestyle and unique challenges. As always, all new habits take 4-6 weeks to set in, so give it time, give yourself grace. New systems will take time, planning and intention. If you want more time saving tips, subscribe to my email list for updates and new posts. If you have any tips or want me to write about something, please comment below. Until next time, take care, xoxo
