The weekend spells r-e-l-a-x, and for most people, that means Monday spells d-r-e-a-d. Fortunately, some simple adjustments to your normal routine can trick your mind into thinking it's the best day of the week.
Here are four ways to make Monday feel like Friday...
1. Prep On Friday And Sunday
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Before you leave your desk on Friday afternoon, take the last few minutes of your day to ease the shell shock for your future Monday self. Jot down a list of loose ends and then prioritize the things that need to be done so that when you get back to work on Monday you can just dive in.
Also, leave yourself an inspirational note on your desk to greet you when you arrive at the beginning of the week.You are awesome at your job; this is going to be a great week! Or even better, remind yourself why you like this job in the first place. Can you believe you're getting paid to do ___? Be thankful! (Sound cheesy? Try this just once and tell us it didn't brighten your mood.)
Sunday night preparations can make your Mondays better too. Afford yourself some extra minutes of snooze time by showering the night before and having your clothes ironed and ready to go. Also, remember that good nutrition is in direct correlation to your energy levels and mood, so prep for a protein-rich breakfast (i.e., a hard-boiled egg or a grab-and-go yogurt).
2. Plan For Happiness
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Having something to look forward to makes getting out of bed on Monday a whole lot easier. There's no rule that states all of your fun has to be saved for the weekends!
Try setting a standing date with friends on Monday nights. To increase your mood even more, incorporate exercise. An evening walk with some local friends can make you feel great—both mentally and physically.
Can't get anyone else to break out of their Monday routines? You can still have something to look forward to at home. Try turning Monday night into movie night, or wait until Monday to watch your favorite show.
3. Dress For Energy
BigstockThere's no denying the pick-me-up power of a great outfit!
Looking good boosts our mood and confidence. So much of the Monday blues are mental stipulations we put on ourselves, which means we hold the power to bring about change. Switch things up by wearing your favorite outfit on Monday and give your mood a chance to compete with the other, more popular days of the week.
Does your work wardrobe lack some overall excitement? Your clothes can still have a positive effect based on colors alone. Studies show wearing red or violet boosts energy and green or yellow can put you in a noticeably happier mood.
4. Just Say No
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One of the things that make Fridays so great is that for the next few days, you are not obligated to do much. Having freedom and flextime are instant mood boosters, but those perks do not need to be held off for just the weekends.
Afford yourself some of the same luxuries on Mondays by opting out of something you would normally feel obligated to do. Whether it's laundry, cooking dinner, or checking your bank account, give Monday evenings a free pass and indulge in the comfort of knowing your limits.
If you need help getting through the dreaded Mondays, try one of the tips above. They will make Mondays just a little more bearable!
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
