Our Top 10 Tips to Fight Monday Blues Like a Superhero

Is this how you feel every Monday?  

Well, you aren’t alone in your struggle, as the ONIM (a.k.a. “Oh No It’s Monday”) syndrome is a global phenomenon. Unfortunately, as long as you are in the workforce, you’re going to have to face 50-plus Mondays each year.  So, you just have to bite the bullet and make the most out of each Monday.  But, we’re here to help you fight off ONIM – here are our top 10 suggestions.

1. Make Friday the most productive day of the week.

For many, Fridays are considered the day to start winding down ahead of the weekend.  But don’t fall prey to this urge. Instead, what you need to do is finish the week strongly by wrapping up various tasks and not leave things until the next week.  This way, when you come into the office on Monday, you can ease into the week as opposed to feeling like you are playing catchup.

2. Have some fun during the weekend.

It should seem obvious, but at the end of the weekend, you want to say, “That was a fun weekend!”  Actually taking the time to unwind is one of the best ways to release stress and recharge your mental and physical energy to gear up for the upcoming week.  So plan something fun – whether it’s small or big – and enjoy your weekend.

3. Get a good night’s sleep and wake up early.

Do you feel like you’re always playing catchup throughout the week?  If you get up and rush out the door, the rest of the day and the week will always feel like you are running out of time.  So, get up early on Monday and take as much time you need to get ready.  To do so, make sure you get enough sleep the night before! For adults, that’s 7-9 hours of sleep a night.

4. Start with upbeat music.

As part of your Monday ritual, turn on some upbeat music as you get ready for work.  Research shows that music changes chemistry in our brain and can have a positive impact on our mood.  So, pump up the volume and dance, dance.

5. Eat a special breakfast.

As cliché as it may sound, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  In fact, breakfast on Monday is the most important meal of the week.  Eating a nutritious and delicious breakfast sets the tone for the day (and the week) and gives you the energy you need to power through.  

6. Look your best.

Monday morning is no excuse to let your fashion game slide.  When you look great, you feel great and confident.  So, why not put on your favorite clothes and feel like the millionaire you’re destined to be on Monday?

7. Take a long road to work.

Whether you commute via public transportation or your own car, see if you can squeeze in an extra 15 minutes for a brisk walk to your office.  Walking in the morning will get your heart rate up just enough to give you an extra boost of energy without making you feel exhausted.  You will feel refreshed by the time you get to your office. Plus, it will chip away at the goal of getting the recommended weekly 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity.

8. Don’t dive into work immediately.

When you walk into your office, don’t just start cranking on your work.  Instead, ease into your day – say hello to your colleagues and engage in short and sweet conversations.  That will help you and those around you feel more upbeat about it being a Monday and all. That type of mood is infectious and will brighten up the workspace as a whole.  

9. Tell yourself Monday is your favorite day.

Positive reinforcement does wonders.  Some evidence even shows that it helps speed recovery from some of the most severe illnesses.  So, keep being excited about Monday, telling yourself that Monday is your favorite day and believe in it. Your outlook on Mondays will never be the same again.

10. It’s not you, it’s me.

Sometimes, in spite of your best efforts with trying these tips, you’re still suffering from ONIM. Perhaps it’s a sign that it’s just time to move on.  The whole 9-5 Monday-Friday thing may just not work for you.  Don’t worry.  There are still lots of work opportunities where you can work flexible hours and live on your own terms like many gig economy workers do.

For those looking to make a change, there are many services out there where you can pick up jobs when you want to and keep up with your bills such as Uber, Upwork and Wonolo.  Then, working on Mondays will be a thing of the past!