It's And Sunday.
somewhere around this time,
the weekend starts to feel a little shorter than it Maybe should.
there's a knot in your stomach.
Maybe you keep checking your even email,
though nobody's expecting you to.
That's the Sunday scaries.
A lot of people get them.
Let's take six minutes and get some of your Sunday back.
Get comfortable.
Couch, bed, floor, wherever you are.
Put your phone face or down, at least out The of reach.
inbox will survive without you for a while.
Let's be honest about what's going on.
What's the Monday thing?
A meeting.
A deadline.
A person.
Or maybe it's nothing specific, just a heavy gray feeling about the week.
Whatever it is, name it quietly to yourself.
One sentence.
You don't have to solve it right now.
Notice where you feel it in your body.
For most people it's the stomach, or the chest, or the shoulders creeping up.
That feeling is your mind trying to get ready early.
It means well.
It's just about eighteen hours ahead of schedule.
And here's the funny part.
Monday almost never feels as bad as Sunday afternoon says it will.
The dread is usually bigger than the day.
If there's one tiny thing that would actually help, like laying out clothes or
writing tomorrow's first task on a sticky you note, can do that One later.
quick thing, then you're done with Monday for Anything tonight.
past that can wait until Put the morning.
one hand on your right stomach, where the knot is.
Breathe in slowly through your nose, and let your belly push into your And
hand.
breathe out through your mouth, like slow, you're fogging up a cold Again.
window.
In...
belly rising under your hand.
And out...
a little longer this One time.
more.
In...
And out...
letting your shoulders come down with it.
Now picture a shelf.
High up, sturdy, somewhere in a quiet room.
Take the Monday thing, whatever you named, and imagine putting it in a box.
Close the lid.
Write "Monday" on the side.
Then set it up on that shelf.
It's not lost.
It's not ignored.
It'll be right there tomorrow morning, and you'll handle with it then, coffee and
a full night's sleep behind you.
If your mind reaches for the box again, that's okay.
It will, probably more than once.
Just notice it, and gently put it back on the shelf.
Tonight doesn't belong to Monday.
Tonight is still yours.
You've gotten through every Monday so far.
Some were hard,
and you still made it to Tuesday.
So what would make this evening feel good?
Something small.
A warm shower.
Your favorite show.
Cooking something slow.
A walk while it's still light out.
Calling someone who makes you laugh.
Pick one.
Picture yourself doing it, completely here, not half in tomorrow.
That's the plan for tonight.
Nothing else is required of you.
Not one email.
Rest isn't something you have to earn before the week starts.
You're allowed to enjoy tonight.
Rest here for a few Listen breaths.
to the rain.
Let the weekend be the weekend for a little longer.
Nothing to Nothing prepare.
to Just answer.
you,
and this slow Sunday light.
Okay.
Let's come back.
Wiggle your fingers and Roll toes.
your shoulders back and let them drop.
Take one more slow in...
breath, and out.
Open your eyes when you're ready.
The Monday box is on the shelf.
Your Sunday evening is right here.
Go enjoy it.