Monday blues refer to negative feelings that some people have at the end or beginning of the week. Returning to the routine of work or school can sometimes make people feel down. Individuals may feel lower levels of job satisfaction and more job stress at the beginning of the working week.
Most of us have these feelings; some of us more often than others.
Research has found that one is more likely to have a heart attack on a Monday; with chances being 11% higher than for the rest of the week. The day with the least heart attacks was found to be on Saturdays. Interesting..
Another fact from research is that the Monday heart attacks are not only prevalent in the working class but also among retirees, who don’t have to face their bosses in the upcoming week – interesting but a topic for another day perhaps.
Why do we dread Mondays yet we know it comes after every 6 days? We all have our reasons, both known and unknown, but the fact is Monday is the most dreaded day of the week by a majority – including school children. There are some proven ways that can be used to minimize the Monday dread, and possibly (hopefully) reduce your chances of getting a heart attack; but most importantly, to increase your happiness in life.
Monday comes with expectations from your employer, your boss, your clients, your teachers, which at times might feel unwarranted, impractical, unexciting, or demeaning (yes some work can feel a little demeaning). I have always taught my students – new staff in the organization – that to make Mondays better, you might need to add on a positive thing to look forward to, and it would hopefully make the feeling towards the day a little better.
Here’s a few things you can do immediately to help you overcome the Monday blues – or at least minimize the occurrence of the same;
- List down 3 items you’d like to achieve by the end of the day on Monday – this can be done on Friday when the mood is good and you are more objective.
- Schedule the time of day on Monday for the 3 items and curve out time to do them
- Identify the ‘frog’ that needs to be eaten on Monday and prepare adequately for it on Friday. This is the agenda you dislike but cannot get away from. Sometimes preparing for it in advance makes the actual work feel less taxing. Then on Monday, schedule the fixed time to ‘eat that frog’.
- Make your to do list as brief as possible by ensuring you focus on the 20% issues that account on the 80% of your outcome.
- Schedule a reward for achieving your key tasks for Mondays – a movie, a phone call with someone you like speaking to, a treat for yourself – a special dessert
- Purpose to make someone’s day – when you make someone happy, there’s a joy that comes to you that cannot be replaced – a reward from the universe
- Start your day right
a. Watch what you consume first thing when you wake up – keep away from news, social media and talk shows – unless they are edifying ones
b. Eat a balanced meal – start your day healthy so that your body is content before your first meetings
c. Be early – kick off that extra 5 minute sleep and have an early start to the day – this will also help in your commute giving you peace of mind - Think positive – you are what you think. If you entertain thoughts of inadequacy, fatigue, stress, for sure the emotions will follow. Keep your thoughts on positive things, and speak to yourself positive affirmation words to keep you motivated in the right way
- Be thankful – Monday is a sign that you have another chance at life, someone else got a heart attack today and might not survive it.
These are habits worth pursuing for sure.
Happy Mondays and let’s soar!
