Mondays seem to get a bad rap. After weekend lie-ins and quality time with loved ones, it’s easy to see why we’re not exactly eager to rise and shine by the time this dreaded first day of the week rolls around.
But I’m here to tell you, Monday-dreaders, how to leave your Sunday scaries behind and start your week on a high note.
Wake up 10 minutes early
Instead of hitting snooze when your alarm goes off, find something each morning that you look forward to. Take a steamy shower; enjoy a cup of tea or coffee; journal; meditate; go for a walk; or work out. If you feel groggy, try gradually moving your wake time up by 10 minutes every 3 – 5 days. For instance, if you wake up at 7:00 am, begin setting your alarm for 6:50, then 6:40, and so on until you reach your ideal wake time. Remember, being consistent with what time you hit the hay each night and rise and shine in the morning will set you up for success.
Set your mantra for the week
What do you want to focus on during the week ahead? Physical fitness, emotional well-being, time with family, a big project at work? Narrow your focus to one particular cause or goal, and let this be your guide each day. Leave yourself a reminder that will bring you back to your week’s aim each time you look at it.
Reward yourself
Spice up your evening routine with something you enjoy. Maybe that means going to a nighttime yoga class, unwinding with friends after work, ordering in, or watching an episode of a new TV show. Whatever you choose, mark it on your calendar for each Monday and stick to it.
Aim lower
A common struggle I face at the start of a new week is trying to accomplish everything the first day. I have to remind myself that I don’t have to “do it all.” Instead, I can let some things go unattended to tackle later in the week. Try highlighting your tasks in order of importance or time sensitivity. Whatever doesn’t make the top 3, save for another day.
Befriend whatever comes your way
We all know Mondays can bring out the good, the bad, the ugly, and the unexpected. Do yourself a favor and be open to whatever curveballs get thrown your way. Mondays have the potential to set the tone for the rest of the week. When we approach them with an open mind, we’re more likely to brush off the small things that don’t go according to plan, and find joy and satisfaction in what does.
Take time to reflect
At the end of the day, take 5 – 10 minutes to reflect on how it went. If you go to bed angry, stressed, or overwhelmed, you likely won’t be in good spirits come Tuesday. Reach out to a loved one or simply give yourself the space to make peace with the day’s struggles, and be kind to yourself for having gotten through them.
Be sure to check out sleep.org for more tips on catching some quality zzz’s.
