Last weekend my daughter got ‘Sundayitis’ (see my definition above). It wasn’t a bad case, but she’d been having fun and in the moment of remembering she had school the next day her bubble burst. It was easy to relate to, we’ve all been there.
It got me thinking though, and I reckon there are (at least) three distinct types of Sundayitis, each with a different ‘prescription’:
🔷 First, there’s the kind my daughter had. For most of us, however much we like – or even love – our jobs (or school), weekends are usually more fun, so it’s natural to feel a little deflated on a Sunday evening. 👉 My prescription: appreciate the good times and make the most of them 🙏
🔷 Second, there’s the deep-seated dread I often felt on Sundays early in my career when I was out of my depth and didn’t know if that would be the week I’d sink rather than swim. In hindsight, while it was no fun at all, being out of my comfort zone was often when I learned most. 👉 My prescription: recognise this stage for what it is, keep swimming 🏊♂️ 🏊♀️ and most importantly, ask for help (who wouldn’t be happy to throw you a life jacket?)
🔷 Last on my list, there’s the Sundayitis that hits pretty much every Sunday when your work or colleagues aren’t aligned with your values. You might experience it as a nagging doubt, full-blown anxiety or anything in between depending on which of your values are being trampled (e.g. your need to be valued or heard, your need for autonomy, your need to be creative etc.) 👉 My prescription: consider carefully what you can do to change your situation and if need be, pick up your towel and find a different lane or pool to swim in. It may take time and will almost certainly take courage 💪 but life’s short and work truly can be full of joy 🐬🐬🐬