Nobody enjoys Monday. It’s officially been labeled as the, blunt reminder that your weekend of leisurely activities is now over and you must spend another stressful four days of setting an alarm for work. It’s intimidating, daunting and more stressful than any other day of the week. I have found that come Monday morning I am more exhausted, less organized and my anxiety is higher than any other day but I feel as if it should be the opposite. So I have decided to start Monday stronger, with a positive attitude and short-term goals to keep me motivated throughout the week. I want to feel like I am capable of accomplishing everything that I can and actually take advantage of the time I have to be productive. What is it that I have been doing wrong? Was it the weekend long birthday celebration? The fact that I binge watched Netflix? Or was it simply my mindset? Finally, I asked myself, “What are you going to do to change this dreadful routine?” and this is what I came up with:
Make a checklist: Making a checklist the night before allows you to stay both motivated and organized. It keeps you in check with all of the things you have to get done for the next day. More importantly it gives you the feeling of success. By marking off number 1, you’ll feel like you’ve accomplished something, which motivates you to keep on keeping on. Check out this great App, Wunderlist for the electronic to-do list on the go.
Sleep: Sleep is vital for daily functions. If you aren’t getting at least 8 hours of it, you’re doing yourself an injustice. When you’re well rested, you’ll find that you have more energy throughout your day. On nights that my mind keeps turning, I look to Traditional Medicinals’ Nighty Night Tea. Its soothing aromas are my kickstart to sweeter dreams.
Wake up earlier: As long as you aren’t taking away from your minimum of 8 hours, this little trick will lower your stress. Waking up earlier than your normal 7:30 alarm gives you more time to get ready for the day, contemplate your daily goals and get what you need done before it all starts. Tip: doing your chores before work relieves the after work stress when you just can’t even anymore.
Eat a substantial breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Do not skip it. Eating a healthy and filling breakfast provides the energy you need to get the tasks at hand done before your lunch break. Can’t seem to find your appetite? Try making a protein & veggie packed smoothie for an on-the-go pick me up!
Meditate/yoga: Yoga is century long practice known for great health benefits and lowering stress. It’s also a great way to stay flexible and in shape. Not a yogi? You don’t have to be. Check out this online yoga journal for tutorials on specific poses and tips for meditating. Tip: choose 5 poses that you want to work on throughout the week and before you know it, you’ll be signed up for Bikram yoga!
Update your calendar: Organization is key to success! If you don’t have a planner in your briefcase or a calendar on the fridge, it’s time to get one. Plan out your week by notating your schedule in your calendar. This way you have an idea of what your upcoming week looks like and nothing surprises you. It also prevents you from being late or forgetting that important meeting that was mandatory.
Establish your goals: Whether it’s a short-term goal or a long-term goal, it’s important. Write down what it is that you want to accomplish. These can be small tasks such as, making it to work on time or larger tasks such as, starting your own company. Either way, don’t push it to the side and take it one step at a time. Here is a great guide for goal setting.
Enjoy what you do: If you are unhappy with your job, you’re going to be unhappy everyday not just Monday. Why start every week out dreading work? By no means quit your job on the spot but definitely consider other options. Start with this basic question, “What is it that I am both good at and enjoy?”
Meal prep: All of the health experts recommend meal prepping for a better diet routine. I recommend meal prepping because it’s not only healthy, it provides more time throughout the week to relax or do other hobbies outside of work. Cooking is time consuming and requires standing on your feet. Get the goods cooked and ready to go on Sunday to save your self the stress throughout the rest of the week.
Stay positive: Staying positive isn’t always the easiest thing to do but it certainly makes life easier on you. There’s no point in finding the negative in everything you do. You only have one chance at life, so make it worth your while with a smile. I personally use daily affirmations to keep my outlook on life in check such as this one, “I wake up today with strength in my heart and clarity in my mind.” Whether it’s your job, your self image, your friends and family or else, stay positive about it.
This article originally appeared on Avelist
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