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February 27, 2020
It happens to the best of us. Sunday evening rolls around and the anxiety starts to set in. The fun and relaxation of the weekend quickly draws to a close and the onslaught of emails, phone calls, meetings and more starts to creep closer.
No, it isn’t fun when the weekend ends. But Mondays can be more of a kickstart to a great week, rather than a reason to hit the snooze button 10 times in a row. It just takes a little planning and a shift in your mindset.
Five Ways to Have a Happier Monday
Everything will be all right! Just follow these five tips to ease the mental burden of Monday:
- List what you don’t like. Do this first thing when you get to your desk or begin Sunday afternoon if you really want to be prepared. Write down what you dislike the most about Monday, so you’ll be able to make plans for how you’ll handle it. If it’s waking up early, motivate yourself with a stop to your favorite coffee shop on the way into the office. If it’s a meeting with a difficult coworker, schedule an appointment with your boss to discuss your concerns and figure out ways to handle the situation. Maybe it’s a long commute—you could load a TV show or podcast onto your phone to watch or listen to.
- Set your goals for the day. On Monday, you’re easing into the week, so don’t expect to tackle too much (that’s a Tuesday frame of mind when you’re all warmed up!). Instead, choose the most important tasks of the day, and stick to those. Many people have a hard time making big decisions when coming off the weekend, so stick to easier tasks that will make you feel like you accomplished something—without stressing you out too much.
- Look for motivation. Sometimes simply reading a motivational phrase can work wonders on your frame of mind. Bring a mug with you, write it as a reminder in your phone for 8 a.m., or jot it onto a post–it note. Refer to your motivational saying throughout the day to remind yourself to keep going!
- Do something nice for someone else. Acts of kindness will make you feel good—plus you can help brighten someone else’s Monday. When you make your morning coffee stop, grab a box of pastries for your team or a coffee for a coworker. Smile at those you walk past. Compliment someone. Kindness goes a long way—especially on the first day of the workweek.
- Don’t forget your breaks. This is important to let your mind rest as you ease your way into the week. Take your lunch and eat something healthy, which will allow for sustained energy. Get up to stretch your legs and move around when you need to. Don’t forget to breathe! It will be time to punch the clock before you know it.
There’s Always Another Opportunity Around the Corner
What if you can’t snap out of your “case of the Mondays”? If you find yourself dreading work more often than not, maybe it’s time for a new job. Simply considering ways to improve your situation can make you feel better and brighten your mood.
Work with a Recruiter
If you do decide you’re ready for something new, a recruiter can help. And if you’re in search of a light industrial or administrative position, contact Inter-Connect. We’ll work with you to understand your goals and find a new job you’ll love!