New research shows Monday is most stressful day of the week

Mind has released new research showing that two thirds (66%) of people experience ‘Sunday Blues’, anxiety triggered by thoughts of work the following day. New statistics come as we prepare for the UK’s newest, and happiest, national fundraising day Happy Monday on 10 March.

Mind has released new research showing that two thirds (66%) of people experience ‘Sunday Blues’, anxiety triggered by thoughts of work the following day. New statistics come as we prepare for the UK’s newest, and happiest, national fundraising day Happy Monday on 10 March.

The poll, of more than 700 full time workers in the UK, found that women are considerably more likely to experience the ‘Sunday Blues’ than men (71% and 62% respectively). Worryingly half of women sited eating comfort food and one third reported drinking alcohol at home directly to help lift mood and prepare for the week.

Nearly three quarters of 25-34 year olds suffer from the ‘Sunday Blues’ and are more likely to eat comfort food than call someone for a chat to help them lift their mood. More than one third of this age group stated that they had to give themselves a pep talk to get themselves in the right mindset to face Monday at work.

The poll revealed that one in five full time workers have made an excuse not to go into work on a Monday in the last 12 months, with one third faking or considering faking illness, one fifth saying there has been an emergency at home and one in six pretending that there have been problems on public transport.

One quarter admit they hate Monday because they hate their job while for one in three it’s because Monday is the most stressful day of the week.

Of those who make it to work on a Monday nearly half avoid working with one in ten 25-34 year olds spending between one and two hours checking personal emails and social media. One in six of all full time workers questioned admit to buying themselves a small treat to make themselves feel happier on a Monday.

Mind’s poll, carried out by Populus, also revealed that:

• Over half of London workers hate Mondays – higher than any other region
• 22% of Londoners have made an excuse not to go to work, with one in ten having done this between three and five times in the last year
• Workers in the North East are most likely to give themselves a pep talk on a Sunday
• Over a quarter of 25-34-year-olds had made an excuse to get out of work on a Monday – higher than in any other age group:
• Over a quarter said they have had an emergency at home
• One in three asked to work from home to avoid facing the office

Mind’s first Happy Monday takes place on 10 March. The event encourages people to have fun on the week’s least popular day – by hosting their own fundraising events and spending quality time with family, friends and colleagues. Money raised will help Mind to continue to provide vital services so people experiencing a mental health problem have somewhere to turn for advice and support.

Star baker and winner of The Great British Bake Off 2012, John Whaite, is supporting the campaign.

John said: “You don’t have to be an events expert to hold a fundraiser. You can do anything – a collection at work or a dress down day. Of course I’m going to say that you can hold a bake sale! Whatever you do, have fun with it, get your friends, family and colleagues involved and raise lots of money for Mind!”

Stephen Fry, President of Mind, who has shared one of his favourite recipes said:
“I’m hoping the kind people of Britain will roll up their sleeves on March 10th, for Mind’s inaugural Happy Monday. It’s a delightful excuse to spend time with friends and loved ones, or to tempt colleagues away from their desks, to raise vital funds for the 1 in 4 people who experience a mental health problem every year.

“I’ve been inspired to dust off my favourite Honey Buns recipe for Happy Monday and have every faith in the creativity of Mind supporters, to come up with their very own ways to brighten their Monday and raise money for this incredibly good cause.”