5 Ways To Beat The Monday Blues
Let’s face it: going to work after a lovely, fun-filled weekend can bring on the Monday Blues, swiftly after the ‘Sunday Scaries.’
Monday’s Suck…or Do they?
Thankfully, I don’t have Monday blues because I love what I do, and Mondays have become my favourite day of the week to learn something new. I’ve deliberately added a learning component to my Mondays, which is usually non-negotiable. Plus, it helps to start the working week on a very positive note.
Why do we hate Mondays so much? I don’t know about you, but Mondays are portrayed as the baddie of all the days. The negative badge has stuck. In a 2021 poll by YouGov, 58% of the 4,000 people surveyed responded that Monday was their least favourite day of the week.
Here’s 5 Ways You Can Beat The Monday Blues
- Add Joy To Your Sunday
Instead of thinking ahead to Monday. Do something on a Sunday that sets you up for a great start on a Monday. It could be anything you like to help you combat any ‘Sunday Scaries’ or the Monday Blues.
As much as it sounds comfortable, don’t watch the news late in the evening. Why? It usually has negative stories or bad news that could disturb your mood and sleep. If you’re not waking up feeling fresh on Monday, it’s likely to bring on a bout of the Monday Blues.
2. Plan Your Monday in Advance
Planning your Monday on the previous Friday means you won’t play catch up when you enter the office. Instead, you’ll be focused on what needs doing and prioritising your diary for the rest of the week.
When you get into the office, instead of diving straight into the fine details of work tasks, take some time on Monday morning to set goals for what you’d like to achieve by the end of the week.
It’s good to add something uplifting on Monday, too. Why? Instead of dreading Mondays, you’ll start looking forward to it. For example, you might consider making plans with family and friends or booking tickets to see a show/cinema, a social event, or even something related to your hobbies or interests. Clear goals can provide direction and motivation to push through the Monday blues.
If you add a dose of connection time and blocking time off, you’ll likely get more done and feel a sense of accomplishment.
3. Make Time For You
Is it more challenging than you think? I hear you ask. No, not really. If you know you want to make time in your diary for yourself, you’ll make the time to disconnect. I’m not advocating going into one of the free office spaces and locking the door.
It could be anything you like, given your office location and timescale. You might consider:
✅Going for a quick walk
✅Grabbing a proper lunch instead of eating it at your desk
✅Stepping away from your desk and going out of the office
✅Catching up with a colleague/friend for lunch or coffee
✅Mediation
✅A well-being treatment
I also believe taking a few moments every Monday to reflect on what you’re grateful for is essential. This could be a quick mental list, a journal entry, or even sharing with a friend or colleague.
Focusing on gratitude can shift your perspective from dreading Monday to appreciating the opportunities it brings. It’s a simple yet effective way to combat negative feelings associated with the workweek’s start.
4. Keep The To-Do-List Working For You
If you add too much to your list, you’ll feel pressured. Instead, evaluate the list a couple of times a day and see what needs moving around based on tour deadlines so you’re not working against the clock
Make a to-do list and schedule your activities, allowing enough time for each task.
Use a Calendar: Use a digital or physical calendar to keep track of your appointments, meetings, and deadlines. Set reminders on your calendar to alert you in advance.
5. Focus On The Positives
Learn to let go of what’s not for you to control, especially other people’s opinions. We operate weaker when we worry about what other people might think. How? We worry too much about pleasing them. We do things to fulfil their wishes instead of fulfilling our own.
Guess what happens if you don’t proactively take control of your moment? Nothing, except time ticks. Days will turn into weeks, weeks into months and yet another year will pass. Interestingly, the voice of discontent will get louder, and the regrets start appearing when you least expect it.
Parting Comments
I believe you can do a lot to banish the Monday blues. Learn to love Mondays because it could mean going from having an average day/week to a great one.
Starting with the right intentions can start the first day of a new working week on the right note.
Additionally, you could start your Monday with a ritual that energises you and sets a positive tone for the day. This could be a short morning meditation, a brisk walk, yoga, or even a dance session to your favourite music.
You might consider making an extra effort in your outfit for Monday. Why?
Wearing an outfit that makes you feel good about yourself can powerfully affect your mindset for the day. Who knows, it can help make the start of the week feel more like a celebration than a chore.
Thank you for your attention.
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