Mondays, amirite? If western culture had to collectively rank the days of the week from best to worst, it’s highly likely that Monday would come in dead last. The only Mondays that might be an exception to the rule are, of course, the ones that accompany three day weekends.
Why don’t we look forward to the start of the week as much as we do the end of one? Scientists have studied what makes Mondays so unappealing and noted that the day impacts us physically and emotionally. Most Americans tend to spend their weekends off from work, where they have more control over their time. Subsequently, they can sleep in, eat and drink more, and engage in more activities throughout the day and night. Reverting back to the Monday mindset on Sunday evening has induced so much dread in humans that it’s even referred to as having the “Sunday Scaries.” Come Monday morning when you head into work, you may be less motivated to get as much done as you normally would or more likely to mess up on simple assignments.
You can’t blame yourself if you make mistakes. It’s just a case of the Mondays.
But, what if I could tell you that it’s easy to look forward to going to the workplace on Mondays? The next time you feel anxiety from the Sunday Scaries coming on strong, bat them off using these tactics.
1. Mondays = fresh start of a new week.
The simplest technique for viewing Monday in a positive light? See it as the brand new day it is.
If you spent last week working nonstop on a massive project, head into Monday feeling accomplished and ahead of the curve. If there were a handful of items on your to-do list you simply couldn’t get to, get started on them as soon as you get into the office. Don’t panic if you have a ton of deadlines coming up this week or feel as though you’re already running behind. Use your Monday to divide and conquer in order to set yourself up for success on day one and go from there.
2. Do something that makes you feel great.
There are many elements of traditional Mondays that neither I, nor anyone else, can change. I can’t tell you to come into work late or leave early. I can’t tell you to take the day off because you don’t feel like coming in or to cut corners doing your job.
What I can advise though is that you give yourself a little extra self-care. If Monday is too overwhelming to deal with, ease into the day by doing an activity that makes you feel good. Take a spinning class before work, go to lunch with a coworker, journal on your break, or indulge in a little R&R after work that can range from reading a book to painting.
3. Find reasons to congratulate, not complain.
Complaining is bad for your health — seriously. Research has proven that active complaining rewires your brain for negativity which, much like misery, loves company. It even hurts your brain to complain!
Use the time you would have spent complaining to find reasons to congratulate and celebrate instead. It helps to keep your attitude in check and starts your week, as well as those around you, on a high note.
Deborah Sweeney is the CEO of MyCorporation.com. MyCorporation is a leader in online legal filing services for entrepreneurs and businesses, providing start-up bundles that include corporation and LLC formation, registered agent, DBA, and trademark & copyright filing services. MyCorporation does all the work, making the business formation and maintenance quick and painless, so business owners can focus on what they do best. Follow her on Google+ and on Twitter @mycorporation.