5 Weekend Rituals to Prevent Workweek Anxiety

There is something incredibly satisfying about cleaning and decluttering. Some people even find it to be therapeutic. Whether this describes you or not, there is a benefit to getting a head start on household chores. You don't need to spend the whole weekend — just an hour is sufficient. Do some laundry, wipe down the counters, or vacuum. You'll eliminate tasks from your weekly to-do list and free up time during the week. Added bonus: coming home to a tidy environment can also help you clear and quiet your mind.

When I decided to try weekend meal prep, I dove in head first. I hunted on Pinterest for ideas and spent my entire afternoon preparing a dozen different recipes. When I was done, I had more food than would fit in my refrigerator and freezer. My kitchen was also a disaster but I was so exhausted, I didn't even have the energy to clean it. The moral of the story: try not to go overboard. The idea of meal prepping can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Start by throwing something in the slow cooker on Sunday to have for lunch or dinner the next day. Chop up a few veggies and mix in some eggs and cheese for a couple days' worth of healthy breakfasts. When done sensibly, meal prep can be a lifesaver during the week.

When I don't know what to expect, I feel out of control. I don't need to plan out every minute of my day, but having a good idea of what I have going on in the week ahead helps eliminate the fear of the unknown. Spending just a few minutes jotting down what your priorities are for the week can help you feel more prepared and avoid any surprises.

The weekends never feel long enough. We spend time with our significant others, our friends, and our families. How often do we make a point of spending a few uninterrupted moments with ourselves? Make Sunday date night with yourself. Take a hot bubble bath, get your nails done, pour yourself some wine, and listen to music. Romance yourself! Making time for you may seem difficult at first, but once you make it a habit, you'll realize the benefits of a little self-love and pampering. You will feel calmer and more relaxed, you'll sleep better, and ultimately you'll wake up refreshed on Monday.

When you're caught up in the daily grind, it's easy to focus on the negative aspects of your job. You complain about a nagging boss or wonder how you'll ever tackle your never-ending workload. You let stress consume you, and soon enough, you forget what you're working your ass off for. What is the point of the journey if you lose sight of where you're headed?

Every Sunday night before I go to sleep, I remind myself of my why. Why did I choose this career path? What are my personal and career goals? How does what I do every day help me get closer to those goals? Identifying your why helps you regain perspective and can give you a renewed sense of motivation. Taking this time to reflect on the weekend will help you head into Monday morning with more intention and purpose.