Beating the Monday blahs
How often have you said those three small words?
For me, it is more often than I care to admit. Going into Monday feels like taking the coldest of showers or ripping off a band-aid that has latched on to a few arm hairs. Anticipation for all that the week brings can create a lot of anxiety, especially if the week is packed with a busy agenda. Therefore, we often think getting back into the grind is dreadful, but it doesn’t have to be.
The Sunday Scaries and the Monday Blues are real. People do start getting anxiety as they anticipate the week ahead, but is the anxiety warranted? Didn’t we just make it through the week before unscathed and ready to celebrate the weekend? Each week that goes by is proof that we can do this. We can make it through another week. So in the face of all this proof, why do we still find ourselves getting anxious or feeling down each time we set out to tackle a new week?
Research has found that people do generally feel the Monday Blues, which is more than likely preceded by the Sunday Scaries, that anxious feeling you get in anticipation of a new week. But, what if we turned that feeling into one of empowerment? We have the possibility to make each day what we want it to be.
So if you want to make Mondays more magical, try these simple steps, depending on what you need that day:
Stressful, busy Mondays: Treat yourself. Plan one thing that will put you in a better mindset. This is different for everyone. Plan a jog in your favorite park. Get a coffee at your favorite cafe. Take a bubblebath. Read a book during a break from your to-do list. Listen to an uplifting and encouraging podcast. Meditate. Talk a walk in nature.
Unmotivated Mondays: Plan the one action that will help you crush your week. Start off strong. If you are looking to get in shape, plan a small, simple, and short workout. If you are looking to start a reading habit, create the plan to read 5 pages, deciding when and where. Something to start, even if it is the tiniest step. Something to help you build momentum. Just imagine. What is the one step you could take to make this day great?
Dismal, depressing Mondays: Sometimes, it’s Monday, and you wonder, “Why bother trying?” You are down or lonely or sad. You could have recently experienced a loss or maybe a disappointment at work. This is when you need to be kind to yourself. Show yourself compassion, and consider: What is the kindest thing you could do for yourself? During these times, tame the inner critic. Think of a kind phrase to say to yourself, and remember, you are enough.
