How to Survive the Monday Preaching Hangover

Pastors often experience a mental, emotional, and spiritual crash on Monday after pouring themselves into Sunday preaching. This phenomenon, informally called “The Preaching Hangover,” is common and unavoidable, but manageable. This article offers four practical ways to navigate the fog of Monday fatigue, from spiritual renewal to smart task planning, all grounded in realism and grace.

You may call it something different, but every pastor knows about it. It’s the mental, emotional, and spiritual crash that hits the day after preaching. After pouring your heart into proclaiming God’s Word, Monday often feels like a fog. I call it “The Preaching Hangover.” There’s no easy fix, no magic cure. But over time, I’ve found four practices that help push through the haze. Here they are:

Pray and read Scripture.

I know this seems like a “no-brainer” for a pastor. The fact is, sometimes on Monday morning…I don’t feel like it. Yet, this is still what gives life to our weary souls, and we must make ourselves continue to engage, even if we are struggling to want to think about anything, even God and God’s Word. I find pushing through the fog by reaching for the bread of life is what gives a helpful kick start as we begin the weekly grind again.

Know your limitations.

Many pastors take Monday as their day off. For those of us who choose a different day off to spend with our family, we have to proceed with Monday carefully. I am in no condition to deal with any heavy, thought-provoking, emotional counseling or conflict situations, at least until after lunch. You may be different, but the “hangover” affects us all in some way that requires discernment as we plan the day. Be careful you don’t put yourself in a position in your day that requires you to make a big decision when you are not nearly as sharp as you need to be to make it.

Exercise.

I exercise 4-5 times a week, but if there is a day when it is especially important to do so, it is Monday. If you only exercise 1 day a week, I recommend it be Monday. It hurts…many times more than normal following a Lord’s Day, but a good 30+ minute cardiovascular workout is exactly what I need to help shake the preaching hangover. 

Assign achievable tasks.

Don’t be a sluggard. Set simple, reachable goals for Monday. If it’s your day off, stay engaged with your family, don’t give them your “down day.” If you’re in the office, fill your day with light tasks like emails, errands, or encouraging meetings. Save the heavy lifting for later in the week. Even if Monday is full of weighty, unavoidable responsibilities, God’s grace is sufficient. Use what you can from these tips to manage the fog. You’re not alone.