You know what sad feeling you get at the pit of your stomach when you wake up on Monday and realize that your weekend is over, and the angst of the week that is about begin all over again? Just dreading the fact that you’re back to rush hour, back to work, back to sitting in a cubicle, typing away on your keyboard, and watch the day go on and on and on. Yea, that feeling sucks. We’ve made it our mission to make your mornings brighter, and part of that is beating the Monday Blues right out of your day. Here are some great places to start.
1) Kick off on a high note
Pamper yourself first thing in the morning. Treat yourself to a guilty pleasure breakfast, like a waffle, a crepe, or pancakes, something you’d normally enjoy on a Sunday. That way your holiday mood continues into the day. If you’re into savoury stuff instead, grab some eggs, bacon, sausages, fries and orange juice. Eat like a champ so that you feel energized and ready to take on the world.
2) Go to the gym
Exercise releases endorphins which keep your mood boosted. Hit the gym at any time of the day and put your anxious energy to good use. The workout will make you feel better on a mental level, but also help you take away and icky lethargic feeling that clings to you on Mondays.
3) Liven things up
Don’t wait for the weekend, plan something fun for your Monday, like brunch with your friends, or movie night, or an early date, anything that will make you look forward to your Mondays again.
4) Pump up your rush hour playlist
No one likes to commute, but it doesn’t have to be so bad. Create a playlist of the most fun, upbeat and happening songs you can think of, hike up the volume and sing like no-one’s watching. If you’re not that into music, you can also find great podcasts and audiobooks to keep yourself entertained. You never know, you might start looking forward to some ‘me-time’ during rush hour.
5) Challenge yourself
You might hate Mondays because you’re bored at work. Try taking up an assignment that challenges and motivates you. If you can’t find anything, or feel like there aren’t any opportunities at your work, maybe it’s time to start looking for a new job. It sounds drastic, sure, but it’s better than spending all your time hating what you do.
6) Keep things light
Monday is usually a busy day, try not to pile on too many meetings and deadlines on top of that. Stick to the more routine tasks for the beginning of the week, avoid the extra stress and work rush.
7) Take a break
Take the time to have a nice long lunch in the middle of the day, so that you can clear your head, and not feel like week is already beginning to crush you with its busy pace. Bring some of your co-worker friends along too and enjoy conversations other than work. That will carry you happily into the rest of the day.
8) Do something nice
Making others happy is a great way of lifting your spirit as well as lifting the spirits of your co-workers. Bring them a nice cup of coffee or help them through their assignment they’re struggling in. They do say that smiles that go around, come around.
9) Don’t sleep in
Waking up 30 minutes early can make a big difference in your day. It will give you a chance to enjoy breakfast, have a cup of tea or read the newspaper. A relaxing start will prepare you for the rest of the day.
10) Be positive
A positive attitude can turn a bad day into a good day. Try not to complain about every little thing at your workplace and instead work towards finding solutions. You’ll find your positive attitude will start to catch on, and everything will seem a lot less miserable.
