There is nothing more frustrating than starting your day or week off in a negative mood. There’s a reason the phrase “somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed today” is so common. It doesn’t take much to ruin a morning, starting the day off wrong.
This concept applies to our weeks as well, believe it or not. How things go on Monday will set the tone for the rest of the week, snowballing until the weekend. Naturally, that means we should ensure that the week starts off right. Here’s how to do so.
Prep for Next Week
One way to ensure that you have an excellent start to the week is by planning. This means that on Friday, take the time to do some prep work for the following Monday. This includes finishing up any loose threads (reducing what you’ll have to tackle first thing next week). Likewise, be sure to tackle any tasks (such as creating a to-do list or updating your calendar) that can be done to make the week start easier.
Enjoy the Weekend & Recharge
We need the weekends to help our minds and bodies recharge. Try leaving work where it belongs – at work. Unless you are on call, avoid checking your work-related messages over the weekend. Likewise, take this time to get some extra sleep, leaving room for fun activities you love – and don’t forget about self-care. This will help ensure that you head back to work feeling refreshed.
Create a Playlist Worthy of a Monday
Many people have found that music has a direct impact on their mood. We can choose music that resonates with our mood or pick something that inspires a new mindset or feeling. Consider curating a playlist that is perfect for getting you through your Monday. Not all jobs will allow for music on the clock, but ideally, one can get in some music during their commute to work.
Don’t Skip Breakfast
Breakfast is the most underrated meal of the day – it’s also the most important. This is especially true on Mondays. A good breakfast sets your brain up for success while helping your metabolism start the day off right.
The Value of a Morning Ritual
To put it simply, we like routines. Or rather, our brains do. Establishing a morning ritual is an ideal way to save energy, get your mind into gear, and start your day (or week) off right. A morning ritual can be as simple as sitting on your porch for five minutes with a cup of coffee. Or it can be as complex as a whole yoga routine. What matters is the impact it has on your productivity.