It’s a feeling which has long crippled the country’s collective labour force each and every Monday morning. A feeling the past weekend has gone too soon and the next is so far from reach. A sense you’ve overindulged, under exercised and generally let vices win.
But with the country on lockdown, the clocks changing and #wfh the current modus operandi, it’s understandable that everyone’s feeling a little out of whack this morning.
It’s important to step into the new week not defeated, but with a new purpose and vigour. So, here are 10 IDEAL ways to bid farewell to Monday morning blues.
SET YOUR ALARM TONE TO SOMETHING PLEASANT
Don’t make the mistake of having an aggressive, abrasive alarm tone, mistaken in the belief that the annoying sound will force you to wake up swiftly. Why not switch to the alarm which wakes you up with Radio 4 News, or if the news is getting you down right now, birdsong or the chimes of a harp?
Try setting your alarm an hour earlier and don’t just hit the snooze button, actually get up. The peace and serenity of the morning can be great in recalibrating after a messy, confusing weekend in self isolation. Indeed, researchers from Roehampton University found that ‘morning people’ who get up earlier lead happier, healthier and more productive lives than those who prefer to lie in.
WEAR SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU FEEL GREAT
Just because you’re stuck indoors doesn’t mean it should necessarily be a week wearing jogging bottoms and a vest. Though no one’s judging you if you do, we’ve found that getting dressed smartly on Monday morning can set the right tone for the day.
Put something on that gives you a spike of confidence to kick off the week with a positive mindset. Try slogan t-shirt, matching bra and undies set, rock a form-fitting power suit, or sport a sultry red lipstick; it’s all about making a little extra effort, for yourself, not others.
EXERCISE
Just because you’re not going to be seeing a gym for a while, doesn’t mean exercise should be off the agenda. Indeed, it’s easier than you might think to achieve a solid, all-encompassing home workout.
Exercising can be incorporated into practically any daily activity and it’s easy, too. Squat at the fridge, take the stairs if you live in an apartment block, walk-lunge on your way to the bathroom or follow one of the myriad home fitness Youtube channels currently doing the rounds. Since Joe Wicks yesterday announced all profits from his home workout videos will be donated to the NHS, might we suggest his channel?
Though it doesn’t have to be a morning thing, it’s a great time to do so, as it will set the tone of the day; you’ll notice a sunnier disposition post workout that makes early exercise a good idea.
HAVE A TREAT
Monday mornings don’t have to be ascetic. Instead, make Monday morning for controlled indulgence. Have your freezer stocked with croissants or doughnuts for cheat’s breakfast on a day when so many will be braving their bran flakes. Or, treat yourself to a coffee (and an extra ten minutes in bed).
Alternatively, give yourself something to look forward to at lunchtime or the end of your day, like a properly wholesome meal rather than something fashioned from roast dinner leftovers (not knocking such a meal, but maybe save that for tomorrow?). It’ll make waking up much, much easier.
CALL OR TEXT SOMEONE YOU LOVE
A morning text or call from a family member or friend is (just about) the best thing you can receive when you wake up. In these troubled times where there’s the huge physical distance between us, don’t let emotional walls form too.
Not only does it let you know that they’re thinking about you while they prepare for a busy morning ahead, but it also spreads the love and causes a knock on effect of more phone calls, messaging and general emotional generosity. Calling or texting someone you care about can give your morning the positive boost it needs.
SOUNDTRACK YOUR MORNING
Taking your mood from grrr to great is often just a matter of getting engrossed in a new album you’ve downloaded or podcast you’ve been meaning to listen to. It can change your whole outlook and help you steady yourself for the day ahead. With the right groove in your ears, the first few strokes of the keyboard can even feel quite graceful.
HAVE A SMOOTHIE
Coffee is a great pick-me-up, sure, and one we couldn’t do without, but you shouldn’t allow it to become your be-all-end-all. Reach for a smoothie loaded with Ginseng for energy instead, or a blend a detoxifying ingredients like lemons, cranberries or seaweed.
DO SOMETHING KIND
Doing something kind for someone else is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world. And just because you’re behind a screen indoors doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Donate remotely to a food bank or charity, spread some love for the NHS online, message an elderly neighbour to check they’re ok…engage in some karmic redistribution and you’ll find life being kinder to you, too.
FOLLOW A ROUTINE
What makes Monday blues even bluer? Being disorganized, running late for the living room, forgetting to charge your phone and maybe even your pants. Hey, it happens. Oh, that’s just us? Moving on, then….
Have an organized routine in the morning, regardless of the fact you’re at home, to keep yourself on schedule and on the ball. It makes such a difference to feel sharp and alert when facing down the barrel of five days at work before more prolonged letting down of the hair.
CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE
It’s easy to bathe in resentment on Monday mornings, especially with all the memes circulating like vultures, “If Monday was a person, I’d punch it in the face.” …“Not sure if it’s the end of the World, or just Monday” …”Shortest Horror Story: Monday“… you know the story.
We’re certainly guilty of posting a Monday meme once or twice, but waking up with a positive outlook could be the answer to brightening your day. Remember that Monday is a fresh start so welcome positivity, smile, and tell yourself that it’s going to be the best day ever.