Who says the beginning of the week has to be miserable?
Monday can certainly be a drag but there are ways to make it less annoying and maybe -- gasp! -- something to enjoy. If you're dreading your day, check out the tips below to help turn it around. You've got this.
1. Squeeze in a workout.
Dragging yourself out of bed for a workout is challenging, but a morning sweat session can give you the energy you need to start your day. Not only does exercise give you a boost of endorphins which make you feel good, it also can help promote positive brain function. Sounds pretty perfect for a Monday.
2. Make breakfast plans.
Meet up with a friend for a bagel before work or even just cook a delicious meal for yourself before you head out the door. You're happier when you have something to look forward to and breakfast is a vital part in starting your day on the right note. Sounds like a win-win.
3. Don't check your email right away.
No one wants to start their week feeling stressed. Take a cue from some successful business people: Avoid your inbox in the morning. Executives like Tumblr founder David Karp swear by this habit. Not only does it help you ease into work, it helps you avoid the fast track to burnout.
"Reading emails at home never feels good or productive," Karp told Fast Company. "If something urgently needs my attention, someone will call or text me."
4. Toss your to-do list.
While to-do lists are a great way to stay organized, it's no secret that they can stress you out (do they ever end?). Forgo the torture and make a "done" list instead. You'll still keep track of what you have to do but feel more accomplished about the tasks you did complete by the end of the day.
5. Take multiple breaks.
Your well-being needs it. Research shows you're actually more productive when you give yourself some time away from your work. Not only that, your eyes could use a little TLC if they're staring at a computer all day.
6. Schedule a walking meeting.
Going for a stroll will give you both the chance to escape the confines of a cubicle while still getting work done. Research also shows a short walk in nature can improve your mood. A happier employee = Better work.
7. Eat lunch away from your desk.
Admit it: A desk lunch is a sad lunch. Allowing yourself to be away from your tasks for a while will let you enjoy your meal and you'll be more refreshed when you return. It's science.
8. Leave work on time.
Just because it's the first day of the week doesn't mean you're not susceptible to burnout. "There is no company whose bottom line will not be enhanced by healthier, happier, less-stressed, well-slept, centered employees," HuffPost president and editor-in-chief Arianna Huffington wrote in a blog.
And it's true: You need to prioritize your well-being, which means knowing when it's time to shut down. Make your Monday easier by leaving work at a reasonable hour. Need a hack to not stay late? Try setting an alarm. It'll serve as a gentle reminder that it's time to go.
9. Try a relaxing activity before you go to bed.
End your day in a calm state of mind that will set you up for the rest of the week. Try a meditation practice, a few yoga moves or reading before bed. Each activity promotes multiple wellness benefits and helps prime you for sleep. So long, Monday blues.
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