Sunday scaries: Understanding anticipatory anxiety

The phenomenon known as the ‘Sunday scaries’ or Sunday blues refers to a form of anticipatory anxiety experienced by many workers as the weekend ends. A survey by the employment site Monster estimated that 76% of workers in the United States are affected by this sensation.

This psychological state is not a modern invention; psychoanalyst Sándor Ferenczi described ‘Sunday neuroses’ as early as 1919, noting symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, and nervousness. Ferenczi suggested these feelings might stem from the sudden freedom of a day off rather than just the prospect of work. Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl also addressed this form of depression in his writings.

Research indicates physiological impacts, with a 2025 study measuring cortisol levels 23% higher in anxious individuals on Mondays. To mitigate these feelings, a study from Baylor University suggests that writing down tasks for the following day before sleeping can help individuals fall asleep faster.