A poll of 2,000 people who work Monday to Friday found 31% of those who suffer from the Sunday night dread, experience it most weeks
A survey of 2,000 individuals who work Monday to Friday revealed that 31% of those plagued by Sunday night anxiety experience it most weeks.
Meanwhile, 35% confessed they’ve endured those recognisable worries since their school days. Warning signs included overthinking the upcoming week and feeling anxious (both 51%) alongside a sensation of dread (47%).
However, the study also discovered that 67% of parents questioned have noticed comparable behaviour linked to the ‘Sunday Scaries’ in their own children ahead of the new academic year.
David Lloyd Clubs, which commissioned the study, partnered with Olympic boxer Nicola Adams to launch REBELS Reset classes, which are available at clubs nationwide on Sunday 31st August.
The family-friendly fitness session is crafted to eliminate the ‘Sunday Scaries’ after 67% of those affected said physical activity is an effective method to overcome them.
Nicola Adams said: “The ‘Sunday Scaries’ is a feeling we have all experienced at some point in our lives and something we find hard to escape.
“I remember it all too well from my own school days, but staying active is such a great way to not only take your mind off the Sunday Scaries, but also energise yourself for the week ahead.
“I’m excited to launch these new classes, which is such a fun way for families to spend quality time together, move their bodies and feel empowered for the week ahead. I truly believe in the power of movement and connection to help start the week strong.”
Methods people use to tackle the Sunday Scaries include losing themselves in television (43%), heading out for a stroll (33%) and tuning into music or podcasts (27%). A quarter prioritise self-care by having a bath or shower to unwind and cleanse away those emotions.
Meanwhile, the primary worries before the new week were discovered to be their overall workload (53%), an endless to-do list (34%) and a major project or work meeting (28%).
However, a quarter of those affected confessed they simply don’t know how to banish these emotions when they strike. In total, 45% regard Monday as the most stressful day of the week, according to the OnePoll.com data.
Parents surveyed spotted physical symptoms of the Sunday scaries in their youngsters, including questioning about the upcoming week (36%) and grumpiness (35%). And 31% wished to dodge homework and school preparation entirely.
For those who suffer from them and reflecting on their school years, discovering they hadn’t completed their homework and hearing a parent declare “early night tonight” were the biggest catalysts (both 29%). 23% experienced that sense of dread when hearing the theme music of a particular television show.
Michelle Dand, representing David Lloyd Clubs, stated: “We know how beneficial parent and child exercise classes can be, and we are excited to launch REBELS Reset classes to boost endorphins and combat any back-to-school nervousness.
“Regular exercise is important to a healthy lifestyle and for those who can, building this into a Sunday really sets them up for the week ahead.
“Weekends are important for down time, so shouldn’t be spent worrying about the week ahead. There is so much you can do to boost your mood, so it’s important to get out there and go for it.”
TOP 10 WORRIES THAT CAUSE THE ‘SUNDAY SCARIES’:
- Workload.
- Your never-ending to-do list.
- Big projects or work meetings.
- Juggling work and family life.
- Money or bills.
- Balancing self-care with responsibilities.
- Family responsibilities.
- Your boss or manager.
- Household chores.
- School run logistics.