I used to struggle with Sunday evenings, I dreaded watching the weekend end and having to get ready for the new week.  As Sunday afternoon would come to an end, so would my good spirits and I would reluctantly get ready for the new week.  My anxiety for the week would spike, and suddenly it seemed like there was just not enough time to get my work week in order and get to bed at a decent hour.

So, I tweaked what I do to prep for my week, and I am happy to report that by following these three steps my anxiety has decreased, my enjoyment of Sunday afternoons has increased, and my preparation for Monday is much improved.

1 – Start with Friday

• Before you leave your office on Friday review your week.  How has it gone?  How would you schedule it differently?
• Plan out you next week. Place the known items on the calendar and strategically think through your priorities for the week.
• When you get home prep your clothes and required items for Monday morning.  My technique is to put items in my car I know I need and to place my clothes in separate area in my closet so that I just grab them and not have to think about it on Monday morning.

2 – Rest

• Pick Saturday or Sunday and rest.  It doesn’t matter which day, but pick one and PLAY.  Or do nothing.  Regardless, make sure you pick a day to rest.

3 – End with Sunday

• This is the easy part – Review the calendar you made on Friday.  Add what you need to or re-arrange as required.
• Get your food together (if you take your own lunch).  I do this as we clean up dinner – I like to grill on Sunday afternoons, so it is a simple process of putting the leftovers in containers.
• Put the kids to bed and relax with a glass of wine and a movie!

Preparation leaves us with the knowledge that we are ready for the day, even if the next day is a Monday!  What have you found that helps you prepare for your week?