Monday is often considered the most dreaded day of the week, and why shouldn’t it be? After a weekend filled with activities of our own choosing, the last thing we want to do is wake up early and start in with our weekday morning routine. Mondays can be arduous, but they don’t have to be downright terrible. Here are a few ideas to make the first day of the work week a little more manageable.
Prepare and Plan
The best way to deal with Monday is by preparing on Friday. Rather than falling prey to a relaxed pace at work on Friday, try to keep up your momentum instead. I tend to use Friday as a day to catch up on work as it’s usually a quieter day in the office with fewer meetings. In addition to working at a steady pace, take a few moments to organize your email inbox, clean your desk, and make a to-do list for Monday.
Take some of this focus and planning into your weekend by preparing yourself for Monday morning. Catch up on your laundry, lay out your work or gym clothes, and pack your lunch on Sunday night. By preparing and planning ahead of time you will feel more in control, and less stressed or rushed come Monday morning.
Weekend Recharge
Use your weekend wisely. Take time to recharge and relax after your busy week. Take part in activities you enjoy and use your down time to catch up on any personal tasks that have been nagging you. The weekend is also a great time to unplug. Avoid checking work email, especially if it isn’t urgent. Your weekend is your break from work, so don’t spend too much time thinking about work tasks or worrying about work issues you can’t do anything about over the weekend.
Make Monday Fun
Aim to make Monday as fun as possible. Start off everyone’s week on a happy note by bringing in treats for the office. Plan a Monday activity you can look forward to each week. Make plans with a coworker to eat lunch together or go for a mid-day walk. Continue this trend for your Monday night as well. Designate Monday pizza night or movie night so that you have something to look forward to throughout the day.
While you still need to accomplish work on Monday, try to schedule a lighter work load on Monday if you can. Ease into your workload by keeping your schedule light and scheduling meetings on other days of the week. Rather than jumping into your most challenging work first thing on Monday morning, start with more simple and routine tasks to get your work flow up to speed.
Move More
Make an effort to get up from your desk and take a walk. Exercise and fresh air can release endorphins and give you that boost of energy you need mid-afternoon. Find a sunny spot and soak in a few minutes of vitamin D if you’re able. Studies show that sunlight boost serotonin levels which makes us feel happier and more energetic.
Be Positive
Start the week out by practicing a little positivity and gratitude. Take a few moments to recognize and appreciate the things you enjoy about your job and work. While there is always something to complain about at work, there are also benefits to every job. Maybe it’s your coworker friendship, employer sponsored benefits, or passion for the work you accomplish. Keep these thoughts in your mind to help boost your mood and make your Monday more manageable.
How do you usually feel about Mondays? What do you do to make your Monday more manageable?
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Sometimes I think of quitting work.It always sounds boring to me.During lunch time,I spend most of my time working out in the gym but will take this tips into consideration.Great tips!
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