Monday blues

Bogged down by Monday blues? These tips will help you get back up

Part of what makes Mondays so hard is that most of us are not too keen on returning to work after a relaxing or fun-filled weekend. But you can fight off this feeling by following the steps we have listed below.

We all love weekends. This is the time when we relax after a long work week and spend time with our loved ones. We tune in to our favourite shows, catch up with friends, make plans for long drives, simply draw the blinds and sleep for an entire day. But as the end of the weekend approaches, Monday blues begin to consume us.

Time and time again, we look at the clock to see if it’s time to get up and start the day. In that moment, how often do we wish if we had a magic tool to stop time. But since we are not living in a fantasy realm, we have no choice but to face reality.

Yes, Monday blues are real. They are a cluster of negative emotions such as anxiety, stress or sadness that a person experiences at the beginning of a workweek. A study reported in The Telegraph says that “most of us find the start of the week so demoralising that we can’t even bear to crack a smile until 11:16 am.” It further states that employees find Mondays so depressing that they are productive for only about three and half hours.

Part of what makes Mondays so hard is that most of us are not too keen on returning to work after a relaxing or fun-filled weekend. Not only do we have to start working after a one or two-day break, but the next weekend is also five or six days away—depending on your schedule. Another reason behind our misery could be that we are unsatisfied with our jobs or professions. But thankfully, there are ways to cope with Monday blues so that you can successfully go through the workweek. Keep in mind that it’s not an overnight process and you will have to invest time and effort into countering Monday blues. Here are some tips that can help you do that.

Identify the problem

If you are constantly struggling with Monday blues, you need to find the reason behind it. Start by making a list of all the things that affect your mood in a negative way. Examine the emotions that you are experiencing and what’s stressing you out. Is it due to a colleague, or do you feel less satisfied with your current position? No matter what the issue is, try to dive deeper into it. That will help you identify the core reasons that make you feel low. You will also be able to figure out which problems are solvable and which are beyond your control.

Plan in advance

Having too many tasks on a Monday can be overwhelming for anyone. Instead of piling up your work from the previous week, try to complete the strenuous tasks before the start of the weekend. That will take the load off your shoulders and help you start Mondays on a brighter note. However, if you are unable to finish your tasks, then you need to learn how to prioritise them based on their importance. This can help you avoid being overwhelmed as you will be able to allocate appropriate time to all your assignments. Start planning for the coming week on Friday. For example, if you have to do a work presentation on Monday, prepare and keep the slides ready on Friday instead of doing everything last minute.

Rest and relax on the weekend

When you check your emails even on weekends instead of resting and relaxing, you are more likely to feel burned out. This might be a key reason why you are feeling the Monday blues week after week. During the weekends, try to unplug from your work-life and focus on yourself. Do the things that make you happy. Research shows that people with hobbies are “less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression.”

Hit the bed early

Go to bed early on Sunday. When you sleep on time, you will wake up the next morning feeling rejuvenated. You may argue since weekends are usually the only time where you can unwind, catch up with friends, attend parties, or binge-watch your favourite TV series. But if you don’t get enough rest before the start of your workweek, chances are that you feel stressed and exhausted. That may even hamper your performance and productivity. But when you get enough sleep, you may start your mornings early and go for a run or meditate before starting your Monday routine. This will do wonders to keep you motivated and chase those Monday blues away.

Practice positivity

A good way to start the week is to practice positivity. When you wake up on Monday, start your day by feeling gratitude for what you have. Give a boost to your mood by listening to motivational music or engaging in mindfulness meditation. Make sure to keep your phone at distance in the morning so you can skip the ‘we hate Monday’ conversations on social media platforms. Take the initiative to minimise negative thinking. Declutter your working space, follow a healthy lifestyle and live in the present moment.

Stop living for the weekends

If your life revolves around what you do on weekends, your chances of experiencing Monday blues are even higher. Weekends are not the only time when you can plan your personal activities. After work, try to de-stress by listening to music, reading a book, or watching your favourite film. Don’t just wait for Fridays or Saturdays to relax. Trying to squeeze in too many activities during the weekend can also stress you out. When you plan your week accordingly, you will notice that the Monday blues can’t put you down as easily as before.

 

FAQs

Why do Mondays feel difficult for many people?

Mondays can feel difficult because they mark the end of a relaxing or fun-filled weekend and the start of a new workweek, often involving a return to tasks and responsibilities.

How can one cope with Monday blues?

There are several strategies to counter Monday blues, including identifying the underlying reasons for the negative feelings, planning tasks in advance, resting and relaxing over the weekend, getting enough sleep, practicing positivity, and finding enjoyment in activities throughout the week.

What are the benefits of identifying the underlying problem causing Monday blues?

Identifying the root causes of Monday blues helps individuals understand the specific triggers for their negative emotions. This enables them to address those issues directly and take steps to alleviate their negative impact.

How can practicing positivity alleviate Monday blues?

Starting the week with a positive attitude, practicing gratitude, engaging in mindfulness meditation, and avoiding negative conversations can set a positive tone for the day and reduce feelings of Monday blues.

X

Your wellbeing is a few clicks away.

Subscribe to your weekly dose of positivity, wellness, and motivation and get a free printable
Soulveda Gratitude journal