Between soaking up the sun at the resort and sleeping in past noon, long holidays don’t leave us much time to think about the workplace. But, sadly, all good things must come to an end.
The first day back at the office following a relaxing vacation can be tough. Mondays can trigger overwhelming feelings of anxiety, sadness, or stress—a bad case of the blues.
But we can make Monday feel more like fun-day with a little extra time and effort. Banish the Monday blues with these tips for getting happy on the “gloomiest” day of the week.
Put it in perspective
We often spend Monday wishing the day away, waiting for tomorrow to come. But that’s 52 uninspired days a year we’re wasting. Put things in perspective to help get motivated to live with intention on Mondays and make them as good as any other day of the week.
Treat yourself
On Mondays, we could all use a little something extra to brighten our day. Whether you treat yourself to your favorite latte or buy yourself lunch instead of bringing it, doing something that makes you happy will put some more pep in your step on what’s often the hardest day of the week.
Make Sunday night special
We often spend Sunday night already in Monday mode, thinking about the week ahead. Instead, do something fun on Sunday night to make the weekend feel longer and draw it to a special close. It could be a comforting meal or a funny movie (as long as you don’t get to bed too late, which will negatively affect your Monday).
Whatever you choose, a fun-filled Sunday night will make for a more satisfying memory of the weekend come Monday.
Lighten the mood at work
After the weekend, heading to the office on Monday mornings can feel especially painful. To lighten the mood, develop a fun ritual with your coworkers, suggests Gretchen Rubin, author of “The Happiness Project”. It can be something small but thoughtful and even a little bit silly, like keeping a chalkboard where each person writes down their favorite memory from the weekend.
Stay inspired
On Monday mornings, Rubin suggests giving yourself a few minutes of calm to ease into the day before you dive into your work, like taking time to enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee or hearty breakfast. That may mean setting your alarm back 10 minutes earlier, but the clarity of mind you’ll get from having a few minutes of alone time will be worth it.
Complete chores on the weekend
Mondays can already feel frazzled and disorganized—don’t add fuel to the fire by leaving your chores for this hectic day. Complete your laundry and tidy up your place on the weekend so you don’t feel overwhelmed with things to do on Monday.
Have fun with fashion
Say sayonara to the Monday blues and wear a cute, brightly-colored outfit to enhance your mood. Not only is it fun and exciting to wear one of your favorite outfits, but if you’re dressed to impress you’ll be more prepared to take on the often grueling, long day ahead—because Mondays always seem to be the busiest of days!
Hit the gym
The laziness that accompanies most Mondays means that we’re more apt to skip the gym. But you’re not doing yourself any favors. Not only does exercise release endorphins, but it also makes us feel like we accomplished something, especially if we force ourselves to get active on a day we’re feeling sluggish. So whether you push yourself to do a full workout, hop on the treadmill for 20 minutes or just take the stairs, fitting exercise into your Monday routine will help brighten your mood.
Make evening plans
Give yourself something to look forward to on Mondays by making evening plans you’re excited about. It doesn’t have to be something over-the-top if you’re not up for it. Keep it low-key and watch TV with a friend, plan a coffee date, or hit the gym with someone who always puts a smile on your face.
Happy prep
Rushing is always stressful. Avoid frantic Monday mornings by doing as much prep in advance as possible. Pick your outfit out the night before and make your lunch on Sunday to make Monday mornings as seamless as ever. (slice.ca)
