Sunday scaries, also known as the Sunday syndrome, Sunday blues, or Sunday evening feeling, refer to the anticipatory anxiety and dread that commonly occur on Sundays for employees as the weekend ends, and the workweek resume on Monday.[1][2] The sinking feeling of malaise may begin Sunday morning before peaking in the evening.[3][4]
The disquiet may arise from avoidance motivationstress of mental preparation for the upcoming week's workload, processing the prior week's workload, and the challenge of maintaining work–life balance.[5][3][6][7] Younger workers are more likely to be afflicted as they acclimate to the workforce.[8]
^Mejia, Zameena (January 28, 2019). "5 ways to get over the 'Sunday Scaries' according to psychologists and mindfulness experts". CNBC. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2024. [Younger workers] haven't had years to get past the mental rebellion that often accompanies return to work.These younger workers, many who spend hours more on tasks like email, are often still developing strateges [sic] to balance their work and personal lives. Weekends are a time of rejuvenation and rest, something most people look forward to throughout the week. Sunday is typically perceived as an end of this free time, provoking feelings of anxiety about the week ahead.
