7 WAYS TO TACKLE MONDAY BLUES
Updated: Jul 15, 2019
Ah! Woe is Monday...
You and I are no strangers to that all too familiar feeling of exhaustion, the beginning of work week can bring. Monday's evoke a sense of foreboding for the working class and students – enough to be classified as a global phenomenon.
So why do we dread Monday's so much?
After having experienced the strenuous college scene and an equally draining corporate 9-5 job, I have an understanding about the psychology behind the 'Monday Blues'.
Anything that does not invoke a sense of excitement in us, whether it is a job or a college course, will leave us dull and tired.
It isn’t plausible or practical for us to suddenly change our college course, or our jobs at the drop of a hat, after we have already invested a lot of time, money and effort into our choice.
But, we CAN make the best of our situation by training our minds to think positively.
1. START YOUR DAY WITH GRATITUDE
Beginning the day with gratitude is a guaranteed path to happiness. The little things that we take for granted, like the roof above our head, food on the table or even a loved one’s company, can help us recognize the goodness in our lives.
When we practice gratitude and the art of being thankful, we tend to realize that the source of that goodness, in part, comes from outside ourselves. This helps us establish a connection to something larger than ourselves — whether it is nature, belief in God, or even another individual.
2. LIST THE THINGS THAT EXCITE YOU
Anything from a brunch date with a friend, to the release of your favourite book, make it a habit to look forward to the things that excite you.
It could even be something as simple as grabbing a fresh cup of coffee in the morning, or the coveted minutes of break time.
Create your own bubble of happiness at work or school, doing the little things that you love.
3. LOOK GOOD TO FEEL GOOD
The clothes and accessories we wear reflect our mood, perhaps that is why we dress according to any particular occasion. Whether it is a wedding or a funeral, we don clothing that suits the temperament of that situation.
In order to feel good, we need to focus on looking good. This can be achieved by dressing in clothing that makes us feel good about ourselves.
You do not have to be dressed in branded clothing to look like a 'million dollars', putting on your favorite piece of clothing or an accessory is enough to build your confidence.
And the smile on your face will prove to be the best accessory to complete your work outfit. So go ahead and invest in clothing that flatters your body and personality.
They will be worth it.
4. KEEP YOUR DAYS OFF STRICTLY WORK-FREE
Make a conscious decision to keep your work within the confines of a working day. Do not carry your work to weekends or your days off.
You owe it your body and mind to relax and rejuvenate yourself before heading back to fulfilling duties and responsibilities from your school or work. Remember, a well rested body and mind will be more efficient than an overtired one.
Making this distinction will ensure that you remain in healthy spirit through the work week.
5. PRIORITIZE SLEEP
The advancements of our age has given us super-fast internet services within the grasp of our fingertips.
With that in our reach, we are spoilt for choices in terms of online entertainment and gaming.
While 'Netflix and chilling' is a perfect way to relax in your free time, do not let it take over your snooze time. Prioritize getting ample amount of shut-eye to stay focused during the work week.
Incorporate little nap times within your routine. Brief nap-times can do wonders when grogginess strikes during working hours. Use your breaks and lunch hours wisely. Make sure you sleep for a minimum of 6 hours before beginning your work week.
Trust me, your brain will thank you for this coveted resting period.
6. START WITH EASY TASKS
When you head back into college or work on Monday, be sure to start with the light stuff. A proper warm up pace in the beginning will help you gradually do the heavy work later on.
Do not overwhelm yourself as soon as you reach your place of work. Pace yourself, plan your hours and work accordingly.
This will ensure you do not experience burnout before beginning your work week.
7. EASE INTO YOUR POST WORK ROUTINE
Reward yourself with a post-work routine that helps you unwind after a day at work. Create a routine that will help you ease into a relaxed state.
Draw a nice bath, read a good book or simply curl up in your spot and watch your favorite show.
Pick an activity of your choice and let your work or college worries melt away. Congratulate yourself on a day well spent and keep the positive vibe going.
Taking one day at a time will help streamline your energy into completing tasks in an efficient way.
I hope these 7 pointers have brought you some benefit in battling the 'Monday Blues'.
I’d love to hear some tips you use to stay focused during the work week. Share your methods of tackling Monday Blues.
#SwalihaAsiyaBlog #MondayBlues #7WaysToTackleMondayBlues
#Efficiency #WorkWeek #MondayMotivation #TipsForHappiness #Gratitude #Work