Make Your Mondays Better
Few people would claim that Monday is their favorite day of the week. In fact, many of us get anxious on Sundays just thinking about it. Mondays can feel even rougher when we’ve hardly left the house and the week…
Few people would claim that Monday is their favorite day of the week. In fact, many of us get anxious on Sundays just thinking about it.
Mondays can feel even rougher when we’ve hardly left the house and the week starts up again…all from home. Or if you live alone. Or if you and your roommate or significant other are still sharing an office in your living room. Or if your kids are still home doing distance learning and your childcare situation is less than ideal.
Let’s take down that Monday stress—and give your entire week a boost:
1. Plan ahead on Fridays.
Without a solid plan, Mondays can feel overwhelming. Instead, map things out the week before, leaving space for tasks that pop up. “If you know most of what’s in store for you on Monday before you stop working Friday afternoon, you’ll feel more in control and can look at Monday as an opportunity to reach your goals,” says MJ Fievre, co-author of “Your Work from Home Life.”
2. Revise your outlook.
Look at Mondays as a fresh start: They’re a chance to get things done, make an impact, be more creative, or discover something new, says Helen Odessky, a Chicago-based clinical psychologist and author of “Stop Fear From Stopping You.” Because you might forget these positive reframes, try putting your favorite statement on a Post-it Note to look at throughout your workday.
3. Have a special ritual—or two.
To start, think about what you need on Mondays. Maybe it’s a dose of self-care or stillness. Then, identify practices to include. They could be anything from treating yourself to a hearty breakfast to start the week or taking a walk at lunchtime.
4. Be strategic with breaks.
Every 90 minutes to two hours, take a brief “oasis,” a genuinely restorative 10- to 20-minute break, says Dave Crenshaw, an online trainer and author of “The Myth of Multitasking.” Do anything that recharges you—something fun or relaxing that’s unrelated to work, he says. Create a list ahead of time of options, from journaling to stretching.
5. Take tasks one minute at a time.
When you start to feel overwhelmed, pause, take a few deep breaths, and refocus on the next minute of activity, says Crenshaw. Literally, take it one minute at a time.
6. Reward yourself.
After completing a task, particularly something you could have easily procrastinated on, acknowledge your accomplishment. According to Fievre, you might give yourself “a mental pat on the back” or a tangible reward—like buying yourself a fancy coffee or listening to your favorite podcast.
Our days are largely what we make of them. While Mondays can be stressful, particularly as we live through this pandemic, we can use these proven techniques to kick off the week with both a boost and more balance.
