You wake up, turn over, and hit the snooze button once more.
After finally getting out of bed, you dress quickly, pour yourself a cup of coffee, grab a slice of toast, and rush out the door. Stuck in morning traffic on your way to work, you think, “Ugh.. I hate Mondays.”
I completely understand. For a long time, I was one of those people who dreaded Mondays. Sunday evenings would fill me with anxiety as I clung to the weekend. Now, when I scroll through social media and see those “If Monday had a face” memes, I can’t help but cringe.
However, Mondays can be just as positive, joyful, and fulfilling as Fridays. With a new week comes fresh opportunities and a chance to start anew.
So, how can you transform Monday from your least favorite day into one you look forward to?
PREPARE THE NIGHT BEFORE
Many of us dread Mondays because we struggle to let go of the weekend. It’s reminiscent of that childhood feeling on Sunday evenings—realizing that school starts again the next day. To enjoy your Mondays, begin your preparations on Sunday evening. Take care of chores like grocery shopping, folding laundry, or filling up your gas tank. By organizing your Sunday night, you can wake up on Monday without stress, ready to embrace the week ahead.
MONITOR YOUR SUNDAY EVENING DIET
During the weekend, many of us like to indulge, which often leaves us feeling tired and bloated on Monday morning. If you wish to enjoy your Sunday treats, be mindful of your portions and avoid heavy meals right before bedtime. Adopting healthier habits on Sunday nights can help you wake up refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle the new week.
PLAN SOMETHING FUN
Why limit enjoyment to the weekend? Infuse excitement into your Mondays by planning fun activities. Consider making Monday a date night—watch a movie with your partner or host a girls’ night. You could even treat yourself to a new book or film and save it for Monday. With these little incentives, Mondays can become fun, engaging, and much less stressful.
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WAKE UP EARLY
Starting my day early is essential for me. I enjoy at least half an hour of peace before anyone else rises. During this time, I sip tea, journal my thoughts, and set intentions for the day ahead. Imagine relishing your mornings without rushing, perhaps taking a calming walk before heading to work. Your mornings dictate the day’s mood, so make them as bright and uplifting as possible. Establish a morning routine you look forward to and incorporate elements of self-care. If you’re struggling to get up early, I recommend reading The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins.
ADJUST YOUR PERSPECTIVE
If you consider yourself a Friday person in a Monday world, it’s time to change your mindset. Refrain from discussing your dislike for Mondays or sharing memes about hating them on social media—happy, successful people tend to avoid such negativity. Monday will come, no matter how you perceive it, so it’s essential to make it a productive and uplifting day.
I once read that if you “hate” Mondays, you might be unhappy with your job. While that can be true for some, it’s not a universal truth—quitting isn’t feasible for everyone. Personally, I’ve never dreaded going to work since my teenage years. However, that doesn’t mean every day is smooth sailing; I experience stress and challenges just like anyone else.
What makes the difference for me is having developed skills to navigate pressure, negativity, and difficult clients effectively.
Not every day will be perfect; there will be frustrating moments and disappointing people. It’s your responsibility to cultivate joy in your life, starting with how you approach your Mondays.
