10 Powerful Tips to Cure the Monday Blues

We often spend Monday wishing the day away, waiting for tomorrow to come. But that’s 52 uninspired days a year we’re wasting! Put things in perspective to help get motivated to live with intention on Mondays and make them as good as any other day of the week. 

On Mondays, we could all use a little something extra to brighten our day. Whether you treat yourself to your favourite latte or buy a lunch instead of bringing it, doing something that makes you happy will put some more pep in your step on what’s often the hardest day of the week.  

We often spend Sunday night already in Monday mode, thinking about the week ahead. Instead, do something fun on Sunday night to make the weekend feel longer and draw it to a special close. It could be a comforting meal or a funny movie (as long as you don’t get to bed too late, which will negatively affect your Monday). Whatever you choose, a fun-filled Sunday night will make for a more satisfying memory of the weekend come Monday. 

After the weekend, heading to the office on Monday mornings can feel especially painful. To lighten the mood, develop a fun ritual with your co-workers, suggests Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project. It can be something small but thoughtful and even a little bit silly, like keeping a chalkboard where each person writes down their favourite memory from the weekend. 

On Monday mornings, Rubin suggests giving yourself a few minutes of calm to ease into the day before you dive into your work, like taking time to enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee or hearty breakfast. That may mean setting your alarm back ten minutes earlier, but the clarity of mind you’ll get from having a few minutes of alone time will be worth it. 

Mondays can already feel frazzled and disorganized–don’t add fuel to the fire by leaving your chores for this hectic day. Complete your laundry and tidy up your place on the weekend so you don’t feel overwhelmed with things to do on Monday. 

Say sayonara to the Monday blues and wear a cute, brightly coloured outfit to enhance your mood. Not only is it fun and exciting to wear one of your favourite outfits, but if you’re dressed to impress you’ll be more prepared to take on the often gruelling, long day ahead–because Mondays always seem to be the busiest of days! 

The laziness that accompanies most Mondays means that we’re more apt to skip the gym. But you’re not doing yourself any favours! Not only does exercise release endorphins, but it also makes us feel like we accomplished something, especially if we force ourselves to get active on a day we’re feeling sluggish. So whether you push yourself to do a full workout, hop on the treadmill for 20 minutes or just take the stairs, fitting exercise into your Monday routine will help brighten your mood. 

Give yourself something to look forward to on Mondays by making evening plans you’re excited about. It doesn’t have to be something over-the-top if you’re not up for it. Keep it low-key and watch TV with a friend, plan a coffee date or hit the gym with someone who always puts a smile on your face. 

Rushing is always stressful. Avoid frantic Monday mornings by doing as much prep in advance as possible. Pick your outfit out the night before and make your lunch on Sunday to make Monday mornings as seamless as ever.