How to Stop Worrying About Work on Sundays

Do you regularly lose a nights sleep on Sunday fretting about going
into work on Monday? Does the thought of dealing with certain
colleagues or projects leave you lying awake all night?

Well you're not alone. A whopping 84% of people toss and turn for most of
the night anxious about the week ahead. Depressing isn't it? A bit like
being at school again except this time, we're grown up and we're
getting paid. But what can you do to stop it?


A survey conducted by Monster.com showed that the UK and US
workers were the most likely to skip a nights sleep because of office
related stress. Envy the Italians, it seems they rarely let thoughts of Monday ruin a Sunday
night.

To help workers reduce workplace stress and get the good nights sleep they deserve, Monster recommends:

1. Focus on the good stuff and the highlights. Think about what goes well each
day, rather than workplace problems.

2. Create a to-do list. Managing a to-do list can help you maximise your
time and sleep better.

3. If it has been a while since your last holiday, consider
taking some time off to de-stress.

I agree with a couple of those points but I think the formality of doing to-do lists before bed only reminds you of what lies ahead when you should be focused on relaxing and winding down.

Try this instead - write you to-do list on Friday afternoon before you sign off for the weekend. On Sunday, focus instead on enjoying your weekend knowing that you have a plan in place for Monday and what you need to do.

Hire a DVD to distract and entertain you, or plan something nice to do that evening - a family meal, quick drink with friends etc. Its really important to remind yourself that work isn't the enemy. It's your opportunity to progress in life so rest assured that quality time out at the weekend will lead to better results in the week.

Let yourself off the hook and enjoy your weekend. They wont know what's hit them on Monday morning!


Photograph by Meredith_Farmer (Flickr)