8 things that will help you get through Monday
It’s Monday. Ugh. You can hear the sighs across office cubicles everywhere. Everything just seems harder to do on Mondays. The stapler seems heavier, the computer won’t do what you want, and lunch is hours away.
“The ‘Monday Blues’ describe a set of negative emotions that many people get at the beginning of the workweek if they’re not happy at work,” says Alexander Kjerulf, an international author and speaker on happiness at work. “It contains elements of depression, tiredness, hopelessness, and a sense that work is unpleasant but unavoidable.”
Even though we wished Mondays would just fade into oblivion, they are also incredibly important for setting the tone for the rest of our week. Mondays have been found to be one of the most productive days of the week. Here are a few things that will help you get through the rough Mondays.
1. Everyone else feels this way too
Most people complain about Mondays and feel blue as well at the beginning of the week so you’re in good company. A study found that the average person doesn’t even smile until 11:16 a.m. on a Monday.
2. You are allowed to drink more coffee on Mondays (and maybe an extra cookie)
It’s Monday. You need to do whatever you can to stay awake. So get the Venti coffee at Starbucks and then go back for a cappuccino later in the day. It’s Monday. You get a coffee pass.
3. Plan a fun activity for after work
You may be too tired for a movie, but what about drinks with friends? Having something to look forward to will help move the day along.
4. Exercise
Ugh. We’ve all heard this before, but exercise will make you feel better. University of Bristol researchers found that employees who enjoyed a workout before going to work—or exercised during lunch breaks—were better equipped to handle whatever the day threw at them. It also found that people’s general mood improved on days of exercise, but they became less calm on non-exercise days.
If you exercise before work normally, we’re in awe of you. However, we will continue to half envy and half pity you while wrapped up in our comforter and hit snooze. We’ll see you at the gym after work.
5. Wear a new outfit
If you are ever going to wear a new outfit to work, this is the day. Make yourself feel good by looking good.
6. Only one more day until Tuesday
Which means really good television like “New Girl” and “The Mindy Project” (and some delicious Bravo reality show.) We have our priorities. Plus, you still have plenty of drama to think about from Sunday’s Game of Thrones and Silicon Valley.
7. Try to make your Mondays as stress-free as possible
If at all possible, try not to schedule those four meetings and half dozen phone calls on Monday, but rather later in the week. Take it easy on yourself and prepare for Monday on Friday to give yourself a head start on the week.
8. It’s a whole new week
You have five whole days to remind everyone why you are good at your job, connect with mentors, and work on getting that promotion. No matter what happened last week, now is the time to make a fresh start.
