Just as Friday brings feelings of euphoria, Monday does the complete opposite. Two days simply isn’t enough time to recuperate from early mornings and late evenings. With one foot stuck in Sunday and the other slowly treading another work week, coffee doesn’t always do the trick. Is there a better way to combat a case of the Monday blues? The answer is yes.
Consult these easy-to-do tips and your week will be a success before it even starts.
Take a Walk
Join a co-worker or two for a midday walk. Not only will it give you energy, but it’ll build camaraderie between you and your colleagues. And a little fresh air never hurt anyone!
Plan Ahead
Don’t leave your job on Friday with a pile of work. Make a to-do list, tie up loose ends and finish what you started. When you don’t do this, you’ll have a lot less to deal with your first morning back.
Create a To-Do List
I love writing things down. What better feeling than checking things off with a pen and watching that list get smaller? If you want to take it to another level, list things according to their priority from most important to least important.
Show Some Love
Positivity is key. If you have a special someone in your life, apologize for that fight you got into over the weekend or wish them a happy week. It will put a smile on both of your faces and you’ll have less on your mind.
Eat Healthy
If you can’t do it yourself, let food do the trick. Complex carbohydrates (brown rice, oatmeal), lean proteins, fish (omega 3’s anyone?) and dark chocolates are just a few treats that will wake you up.
Sing in the Shower
This sounds silly, but it works. We sing when we’re happy, right? If you wake up feeling groggy, put on your favorite song and sing along. Releasing a bit of energy in the morning will make the rest of your day seem manageable.
Go to Sleep Early
This is common sense. Going to work tired will make your day even more stressful. Leave the partying for Saturday night and hit the hay early on Sunday.
Don’t Skip Breakfast
Want to know why you’ve been getting this piece of advice since you were a kid? Because it’s true! After venturing from your routine on the weekend, breakfast will set your mind and body back on track.
Treat Yourself
Make it a ritual to do something nice for yourself every Monday. Whether it’s eating junk food, drinking an expensive cocktail, or reading a tabloid for your commute, it will be something to look forward to.
Dress Up
Get snazzy! When you look good, you feel good. And with spring in full bloom, bright colors will make the morning less daunting.