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NEW YORK — Few people like to think about all the work waiting for them when the weekend ends, but you might be surprised by how many literally dread Monday mornings. A new poll finds the average American experiences the “Sunday scaries” 36 times a year. That’s roughly nine months a year!
The 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. Typically, this panic about the work week sets in around 3:54 p.m. on Sunday.
Nearly a quarter of those surveyed said Sundays are harder to enjoy because of the looming thought of a new work or school 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 biggest culprit.
Conducted by Talker Research for Pacific Foods, the survey also found that combatting this feeling is important to 62% of Americans who prioritize making the most of their weekend. With that in mind, Americans 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%), washing dishes (23%), and yard work (21%).
To ensure they have enough time to unwind, relaxation is key, 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 are particularly comforted by eating (34%) and cooking (31%).
However, for many, relaxation doesn’t have to mean you’re on your own. In fact, a majority of Americans prefer spending their Sunday with loved ones (52%) over recharging alone (40%).
“Our mission is to reclaim Sundays and our weekend joy,” says Erika Jubinville, head of Pacific Foods marketing, in a statement. “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.”
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 prep for the upcoming week, as 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 a time for trying out new things, too, as one in nine survey takers who cook are most likely to try out a new recipe or meal on Sunday.
However, Americans are also all about quick and convenient options. A whopping 79% believe that quick meals can be just as delicious and satisfying as meals that take a long time to make.
Survey methodology
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; the survey was commissioned by Pacific Foods and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between April 30 and May 6, 2024.
