We’ve all been there, Sunday night is approaching, and we’re dreading the start of a new workweek. Not only can the week ahead be stressful, but add a bit of anxiety to the mix, and it can be downright miserable.
How to create a stress-free week?
As someone who has struggled with anxiety for many years, I know that feeling all too well. Through a bit of trial and error, I’ve discovered some ways that have helped me prepare for a less stressful, more relaxing and overall more enjoyable, week ahead.
If you can relate to this struggle and are looking for some ways to help you through, then you’re in the right place. Read on for a healthier and happier YOU!
5 Weekend Habits For A Stress-Free Week:
# 1 – Plan Your Outfits
If you are anything like me, the act of finding something to wear each morning that not only looks presentable but also leaves me feeling comfortable and confident, can be a daunting task. If I’m already feeling anxious for the day ahead, this process becomes stressful. So, my solution? Plan your outfits ahead of time.
Take a few hours during your weekend – I tend to do this Sunday afternoon – to choose an outfit for each day of the week, I’m talking a full outfit – shoes and accessories included. Be sure to try each outfit on, so you know exactly how you’ll look and feel. Once you’ve got this down, prepare your clothing (i.e. iron if need), then place these outfits in one place, in the order you will wear them. I tend to designate a spot in my closet for these to be hung.
By doing this, you will find that waking up each morning to an outfit that is already planned out and ready to throw on, significantly eliminates any stress that this process may bring.
# 2 – Plan Your Meals
Similar to your outfits, figuring out what to eat during your week, whether that be just for you or for your entire family, can be stressful. One way of avoiding this stress is to establish some plan for each meal for the week ahead.
On your weekend – I tend to do this on Saturday morning – jot down 5-weekday meal ideas, make a list of all the items you’ll need to make these meals, then take this list with you as you shop for the week’s groceries.
The goal here is not to establish a strict meal plan that will likely be hard to follow, but rather to create a flexible guide to help ease any preparation stress that may arise.
And, starting small is okay. For instance, you may want to start by planning 2-3 weekday dinners at first, then once you’ve got a routine going for that, move onto your 5-weekday dinners, then your weekday lunches and even snacks if you feel so inclined.
The goal is to plan as much as you feel necessary to reduce the stress that comes from meal preparations.
Two Bonuses To Planning Your Meals:
- It is also a great way to stay on budget because you’ll only be shopping for what you’ll need.
- And, it’s a great way to ensure you’re eating healthier, by choosing healthier meal options, and simply cooking your meals versus ordering in. Not much of a cook? Don’t be intimidated by cooking your meals – there are tons of super easy (and equally yummy) recipes out there for you to choose from. Have a look at what’s out there and get cooking!
# 3 – Schedule In Some Self-Care
It may seem silly to have to schedule in self-care but take it from someone who never used to practice self-care, it is so crucial that you do! Taking the time – and it doesn’t have to be very long or even complicated – to care for yourself is so necessary to living a healthier, happier life.
Not to mention, self-care can be so beneficial to helping cope with any stress and anxiety you may feel throughout your week.
Self-care can be as simple as burning your favourite scented candle, or going for a walk during your lunch hour – whatever it is you choose, try to make it a daily habit.
If you take anything away from this entire post, let it be this: Please choose to make your well-being a priority and don’t skip this critical self-care step!
Here are a few things I want you to keep in mind, as you schedule this time:
» Try to keep your “work time” separate from your “life time”.
Are you working at the office? Try to leave your work at the door once you leave. Turn off your cellphone and access to email, once you’ve made it home for the day. Are you working from home? Make yourself a work schedule and stop working for the day at a specific time.
Whatever your working situation, be mindful of when it is time for work and when it is time for life.
Of course, life itself can sometimes feel like work, with all the things we’ve still got to do, but be sure to add small ways to enjoy this beautiful, busy life of yours. Balance in life is vital.
» Start each day with a healthy breakfast & Don’t skip out on lunch.
Starting each day with a healthy breakfast gives you the energy you need to take on the day.
And, from a serial lunch-skipper to another, don’t skip out on lunch! Not only is it healthy to eat lunch, the very act of stopping what you’re doing, taking a break from the day’s work, is so crucial to help better manage your stress and anxiety.
» Establish A Relaxing Nighttime Routine
Establishing a nighttime routine, one that includes a relaxation exercise will help calm the mind before bed and help you sleep.
Incorporating regular relaxation exercises – such as yoga, or mindfulness meditation, will also help you manage any stress and anxiety that may come up throughout your week.
I also find taking the time to write at least one thing I am grateful for before bed, helps put me in a more positive and hopeful mindset – an excellent way to end any day.
Read more: 10 Ways To Calm Anxiety At Night
# 4 – Be Sure To Give Yourself A Break Over The Weekend
With all this planning I’ve mentioned above, I hope I haven’t scared you into dreading your weekend just as much as your work week! That is NOT part of the plan.
The above tips should only take up a tiny fraction of your entire weekend. And trust me, the payoff will be worth all the time and effort. Having said all this, I believe it’s equally vital that you be mindful of enjoying your weekends.
Weekends should feel like a break away from the pressures of the workweek. So, be sure to give yourself that much-needed break, it’ll only make you stronger and more energized to take on the week ahead.
# 5 – Opt for Relaxation On Sunday Evening
Although this point has already been referred to above, when discussing your nighttime routine, I wanted to call out your Sunday evening specifically.
I have found that incorporating even simple and small ways to relax, specifically on my Sunday evening before bed, helps calm my mind for the night and week ahead. It helps rid my mind of any worries and makes for a helpful way to start a potentially hectic workweek.
Read more: 6 Types of Self-Care & Ways To Practice Them
The Takeaway
These weekend habits will help you create a stress-free week. Taking a little bit of time during your weekend to prepare for the week ahead by planning your outfits, planning your meals, scheduling in some self-care throughout the week, and allowing yourself some rest and relaxation, will help you on your journey to being a healthier and happier you!
Thanks so much for stopping by today <3
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