Another weekend dashes by quickly, like Flash on a mission to save the world. Hadiza’s Sunday evening is filled with dread as she thinks about the myriad of tasks that will be piling up on her desk by Monday morning. How about the review meeting at 9am?
Monday! The mere mention of that word sends shivers down her spine. Her palms are sweaty. She feels a tight, throbbing pain at the back and sides of her head. She watches the wall clock as it ticks in sync with the rise and fall of her chest. It chimes at 4pm.
“Why do I feel so nervous when I still have hours up on till Monday”, she sighs.
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Does this scene seem familiar? Do you get so caught up on what might go wrong on Monday that you forget to focus on the joys of Sunday and the weekend? That familiar feeling is called, “Monday Blues”. It refers to the feeling of anxiety and dread that many feel on the weekend when they’re reminded of the routine of work or school.
I spoke to a few friends who shared their Monday horrors with me (ignore my choice of words, they’re not that scary). Here’s what they had to say;
“I get so scared thinking about Mondays; I literally have palpitations. I don’t even have to wait for Sundays. I could be in the midst of friends chilling on a Saturday brunch date, but somehow my mind trails off to work, and I start to feel a tight knot in my belly. Do you think this is normal? – Michael
“I get exhausted on Sundays just by thinking about Mondays. Then Monday mornings themselves are super tiring too cos you have to attend endless meetings! Ugh! – Rita
“As a foreign student studying abroad, getting a job is sorta imperative to keep up with bills, so I got a customer service role in this company. I worked even on weekends, so Mondays were a dread. First it was the 8am lectures, then reporting for duty at 5pm. I struggled with balancing both and just couldn’t wait for the day to end!” – Maryann
Whilst Mondays can feel like absolute torture, they don’t have to be the bane of your existence. They can in fact be the catalyst for an amazing week ahead! Buckle up, dear friend, because I’m about to share with you five productivity hacks that will help you maintain a good work-life/study-life balance and (hopefully) fall head over heels in love with Mondays.
1. Prioritize Rest
“I don’t always panic on Monday mornings because I look forward to it from Sunday. However, I get this panic only when I do not get enough rest on Sundays.” – Dammy
Weekends exist for a reason- Rest. Prioritizing rest during the weekend means you’re allowing yourself to recharge, both mentally and physically. Rather than spending Sunday dreading Monday, think of it as a time to wind down. Do things you love, relax, and prepare yourself for the week ahead. A positive Sunday can set the tone for Monday, reducing the likelihood of Monday feeling like a villain creeping up on you. A well-rested you is more likely to take on challenges with a positive mindset. Rest is the ultimate self-care.
2. Get up with Gusto!
The alarm rings out and you unconsciously hit the snooze button. You toss around in bed for a few more minutes, and before long you’re running to catch up with the bus. That’s enough to dampen your Monday. Start your day with a burst of energy by setting an alarm tone that makes you want to jump out of bed and conquer the world. Then go ahead and find your Monday motivation; it could be a special project at work, a new class you’re excited about, or the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues. When you have something to look forward to, Mondays become more appealing.
3. Dress to Impress (Yourself)
Who says you can’t throw on your best dress because it’s your 9-5 or that boring lecture? Twice, in the past weeks, I got up not feeling my best. While I wanted to settle for just any clothes, I made up my mind to look my best. Now, you wouldn’t believe that I had an impromptu meeting with important dignitaries on one of those days, and an invitation to a tech event the other day. Looking good instantly boosted my confidence and set the tone for a productive day ahead.
So, this is a reminder to always put on your favorite outfit on Monday. It might sound simple, but wearing something you love can boost your confidence and make you feel ready to conquer the day. Dress for success, and success will follow.
4.Plan the Day Ahead
One of the best ways to beat the Monday blues is by having a clear plan for the day. Take a moment on Sunday evening to jot down your goals and priorities. Instead of overwhelming yourself with a long to-do list for the entire week, focus on Monday. Plan your day with a manageable list of tasks. Knowing what you need to accomplish will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the day. Plus, who doesn’t love the feeling of crossing off tasks from a to-do list? I know I do 😉.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
Finally, take a moment to celebrate your small victories throughout the day. Did you finish a challenging task? Take a mini walk. Did you conquer a difficult meeting? Reward yourself with a tasty snack. When you complete a task, celebrate it, no matter how small. These little celebrations can boost your mood and keep you motivated. At the end of the day, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve achieved. It’s a chance to appreciate your efforts and look forward to the days ahead.
By acknowledging and celebrating your accomplishments, you’ll cultivate a positive mindset that will carry you through the week.
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Mondays can be the start of an amazing week if you approach them with the right attitude. By changing your perspective and incorporating these life hacks, you’ll be well on your way to falling head over heels in love with Mondays.
Another Monday dawns tomorrow, remember it’s going to be what you make of it, so make it count!
I’m curious to know what your own Monday experience is like, gist me.
Ahan, one more thing, curating a badass playlist can also lift your spirit. I can even recommend some, if you’d like.
Don’t forget to share this with someone who needs to love Mondays a little bit more.
Here’s me wishing you loads and loads of pleasant Mondays ahead. 🥂