No matter how fun the Friday night feeling may be, the dreaded anxiety that tends to creep in during the final hours of the weekend can make it difficult to unwind.
Known as the ‘Sunday scaries’, around 67 percent of British adults dread the upcoming week, a recent survey has revealed.
Many are left feeling stressed, sad, anxious or unable to sleep as they mentally prepare for the working week.
The unpleasant feeling peaks just after 5pm on Sunday, with Google searches around sadness spiking as many people seek advice.
The following day, searches for ‘trouble sleeping’ also peak, while searches for anxiety have increased by 170 percent in the past decade.
The Government poll of 4,013 adults aged under 50 revealed that younger people are the hardest hit, with three-quarters of 18 to 24-year-old affected by the ‘Sunday scaries’.
Many of these people scroll through social media in a bid to distract themselves, whereas those aged 25 to 32 binge-watch TV and those aged 33 to 40 turn to comfort eating.
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The research was carried out by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, which launched its Better Health - Every Mind Matters campaign ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10.
The drive aims to encourage the nation to "be kind to your mind" by doing small things which can make a big difference to mental wellbeing.
Answering five simple questions on the Every Mind Matters website gives people a personalised Mind Plan, with tips to help deal with anxiety, boost their mood, sleep better and feel more in control of things.
Health Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: "The Every Mind Matters tool is great to build mental resilience and help ward off the anxiety many feel on a Sunday."
Backing the campaign, psychologist Kimberley Wilson said: "It is important to enjoy every minute of your weekend and start the week in the best frame of mind.
"So, if you experience the Sunday Scaries every week, try getting active, as that can burn off nervous energy. Keep a diary of what you are doing and how you feel at different times, to help identify what's causing anxiety and what you need to do to help manage it."
Pop star Tom Grennan said: "I still experience anticipatory anxiety - it can come out of nowhere. Do something for yourself this weekend and please be kind to your mind."
TV personality Scarlett Moffatt added: "Incorporating small actions into your routine can really help your mental wellbeing whenever anxiety strikes."
