Mondays are inevitable. Just when I feel like I banged through my weekly career to-do list and then awakened my awesome over the weekend…boom, it's Monday again! Why doesn't it feel like anyone claims Monday as the best day of the work week? It could just be the mind-bending media machine that likes to feed on our emotions by suggesting it's the hardest day of the week. Others would say we catch the Monday blues because of the brain conditioning to trigger this belief based on life experiences. I guess we will never know for sure, but I'm resolved to change my mind about Mondays. After all, when did Monday ever really do anything wrong to me? On my mission for Monday style makeover, the first thing that occurs to me is that Monday doesn't mean the "do it over again" sprint. Instead, I'm going to view Monday as a healthy goals reset to my week. Here are my six tips to make Monday my new favorite day of the week!
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(Some items that I am wearing are sold out, but you can shop similar here)
Marvel on your ability to avoid the Monday Snafu. Part of the reason Mondays seem annoying is that it's challenging to get back into a routine groove. Dedicate 30 minutes to your to-do list on another day rather than getting smacked with an organizational snafu while you are still in the haze of Monday morning brain fog. For some Sundays might be right for that task. As a blogger, I'm never indeed off the clock. But, I'm working on self-care this year, so weekends are still sacred to me. Now I prefer to prep my list at the end of the day on Friday. Think about it. That day is ideal because tasks that have to carryover are still top of the mind. Knowing that my list is ready to go makes Monday morning focus easier. Here's another folded in tip. Rather than trying to do everything for Monday, organize, and prioritize. Sort your email and tasks by level of importance. Treat Mondays as laying the groundwork for the upcoming days, but leave the serious thought and actions for the other days.
Seek out inspiration. There's a reason someone coined the term Monday Motivation. Watching an amazing episode of TED Talks like Mel Robbins's How to stop screwing yourself over, reading a compelling personal story such as Oprah Winfrey's The Path Made Clear, listening to a motivational podcast or seeking out a powerful affirmation can all be useful ways to kick-start your Monday brain better than matcha latte.
Make yourself a music mix. I love listening to music during my commute and while I work. Music makes your mind and heart want to dance in sync. If you're not into mixing your own playlist, then find a favorite alternative. There are lots of options from online digital music services like Spotify and Pandora to easily accessible online radio channels. Little pick me ups can make all the difference.
Wear a feel-good outfit. I always say never underestimate the power of a great outfit. I understand that many people do not value fashion as I do, and that is completely fine. However, knowing I'm happy about what I'm wearing can completely change my day. When I look at myself in the mirror on Monday morning, I ask myself what feelings I want my outfit radiate. There's a famous quote from Zig Ziglar that says, "You cannot climb the ladder of success dressed in the costume of failure."
Mastermind something weekend-ish today. Who says that you can't have fun on Mondays? Go enjoy happy hour, try out an escape game like a maze room, make it a movie theater night, or meet up with a girlfriend for a sip and art night.
Random act of kindness. Move through your Monday with awareness for others. What you put out into the world for the pure joy of doing so is the greatest gift you can give yourself, not just this day, but every day. Performing acts of kindness will boost your joy factor and your wellbeing. Don't overthink this. It's about the act of kindness itself. Bring snacks to share with your coworkers, roll your neighbor's garbage cans in from the street, drop off food at a shelter - opportunities are everywhere when you open your heart to them.
All Photo Credits: Leah Jonas