Fridays fill us with weekend anticipation. Sundays make our stomachs sink with mundane Monday anxiety. Whether your Mondays are spent refining last week’s work, or you’re going to pitch new ideas, it can be very overwhelming.
Truth: You don’t have to dread Mondays.
In fact, you can use Mondays to your advantage. Whether you are an employee of a multi-national company working towards a promotion, or an entrepreneur on the path to a bright career, you need to be ahead of the curve. Sometimes, we can’t get ahead of our own negativity. That sense of dread really impacts your work ethic, lifestyle, and values. It’s time for a change, and that change can start on your next Sunday evening to broaden your goals.
Write Down Everything You Love About Monday
Seriously, simple things are what make us whole. Write down everything you love to do on Mondays. Anything from your daily commute to the office, to talking to someone you enjoy being around. Is Monday the perfect day for one of your favourite tasks? Take note of that!
A Sunday for Reflection
We get so wrapped up in training others and thinking about our gains ahead of time, that we forget about the beautiful beginnings in front of us. The new year can be seen as a new beginning, the first few weeks of spring remind us of what is to come. Why not stop to reflect on how much you have already. Breathe and feel gratitude.
Dare to Innovate
Do you have a new idea you’ve been dying to try, but you can’t get past your own rationale or make time? Maybe you want to open a store for handmade crafts or perfect your gluten-free baking skills! Be daring and start a new hobby that you can do when you want to unwind. #motivationmonday
Write Out a List of Inventions
We have bolts of genius, and we don’t even realize it. Create a list of any inventions or ideas that pop into your head. This is a great mind exercise for those who can’t stop thinking about the next step. Start your list on a Monday and see how many ideas you have by the end of the week. Who knows? One of those ideas might be your next career move!
Giving Back
Compliment someone’s dress or make time to tell someone how much you appreciate their hard work! If you work with a group, the extra positivity will enhance co-operation and create a lighter work day.
Putting a smile on someone else’s face also boosts your confidence levels. Try something as simple as paying it forward – next time you head to your local coffee shop, buy the next person’s coffee for them. It’s a win-win as you’ll both feel great!
Exercise the Dread Away
Even if it’s 20 crunches or 15 squats, exercising increases confidence levels and relaxes your brain. Your Monday might be super busy, so it’s important to do light exercises. Perhaps try exercising on a Monday evening to work off that “it’s Monday” feeling.
Treat Yourself
Giving yourself a little something extra goes a long way. It doesn’t matter if it’s a burger or a piece of clothing, treat yourself to something nice. The truth is, you work so hard towards your goals that you are probably taking advantage of yourself. So take some time to reward all that hard work.
Refocus Your Monday Mindset
Weekends symbolize what everyone wants the most: leisure, the freedom to be bored, spending time with our loved ones, and a break from the grind. Tomorrow is Monday, but now you have the chance to realign your ambition and aim your arrow towards practical, successful results.
Say it loud and proud: “I love Monday!”
Turn Off Your Notifications
Social media is a great way to read tons of informative content. It’s also a magnet for drama, fighting, and political echo chambers. Take a break from social media for a few hours. When you unplug from the social calamities, you might feel a little calmer and more focused on what you’re doing.
Energy Foods
What you eat plays into how you think. It’s good to indulge, but eating healthy is the greatest indulgence. Eat light on Sunday with fresh veggies and wholesome grains. On Monday morning, have a light breakfast ready to go! The key is “preparation” and Sunday is a great day to prep your meals for the week ahead.
Practice makes perfect. It may take a few days or weeks to get into the habit, it’s absolutely worth it. Before you know it, you’ll be wishing it was Monday every day!