A DISTURBING number of Americans can’t enjoy their full weekend out of fear of the incoming work week, new research has found.
The average US 9-to-5 worker experiences the so-called “Sunday scaries” a whopping 36 times a year.
Americans experience the so-called Sunday scaries a whopping 36 times per year[/caption]
A disturbing number of US workers report they don’t get enough rest to prepare for the workweek[/caption]
A survey of 2,000 adults found that this feeling is defined as anxiety (32%) or dread (17%) over what to expect for the following week, and shared that it sets in around 3:54 p.m.
Nearly a quarter of those surveyed said Sundays are harder to enjoy because of the looming thought of a new week (23%).
Those who experience the Sunday scaries say this is due to stress about what they need to get done during the week (36%), before the week (28%), or uncertainty about how the week will go (33%).
For one in seven parents who experience Sunday scaries, burnout and not getting enough rest for the following week is the culprit.
The survey conducted by Talker Research for Pacific Foods found that combatting this feeling is important to 62% of Americans who prioritize making the most of their weekend.
What does this entail? Respondents enjoy spending Sunday binge-watching their favorite shows (51%), watching movies (42%), sleeping in (42%), cooking (31%) and going for walks (26%).
Chores are on the to-do list, too — and some of the respondents’ least favorites on Sundays are laundry (34%), cleaning (33%), dishes (23%), and yard work (21%).
Relaxation is key to ensuring they have enough time to unwind, especially since the average American can have four active weekends in a row before needing a breather.
Those who experience the Sunday scaries stave off anxiety with music (47%), TV (46%), social media (29%), eating (27%) and cooking (22%).
Gen Z respondents who experience the Sunday scaries, particularly, are comforted by eating (34%) and cooking (31%).
But for many, relaxation doesn’t have to mean you’re on your own. In fact, most respondents prefer spending their Sunday with loved ones (52%) over recharging alone (40%).
“Our mission is to reclaim Sundays and our weekend joy,” said Erika Jubinville, head of Pacific Foods marketing.
“The weekends shouldn’t end at 3:54 p.m. on Sundays with fear and worry.
“Let’s remind ourselves that this time is to recharge and use culinary creativity to ease into the week ahead.”
SCARE TACTICS
According to 64% of those surveyed, Sundays are for getting a fresh start to the week, and as they reset, 30% do their grocery shopping over the weekend.
Americans also use this time to try to get ahead of the week by creating a to-do list (30%), visualizing the week (24%), planning out meals (20%), preparing meals or cooking ahead (16%), and organizing their fridge or pantry (10%).
Cooking ahead plays a large role in preparing for the upcoming week.
More than a quarter of those surveyed cook the largest meals on Sundays (28%) because a similar percentage feel stressed when thinking about cooking meals during the week (26%).
Two-thirds of Americans who cook said that they usually plan to make or have leftovers when cooking on Sundays, with this solution being especially helpful for two in three parents.
Similarly, one in six respondents take the time to meal prep on Sundays.
The beginning of the week is also a time for trying new things, as one in nine survey takers who cook are most likely to try a new recipe or meal on Sunday.
And respondents are all about incorporating convenient options.
Seventy-nine percent believe that quick meals can be just as delicious and satisfying as meals that take a long time to make.
“With quality ingredients, you don’t have to sacrifice taste for time,” said Jubinville.
“We partnered with chef Matty Matheson to harness his zest for life and transform Sunday dread into a day of culinary adventures with fun and easy recipes.
“Friday no longer has a monopoly on joy thanks to #TGISunday!”
