The prospect of Monday morning’s slog to work can start ruining your weekend by Sunday evening. But it needn’t be the nightmarish prospect so many of us suffer every week. Here’s a few ideas from Paul Rowney, Director at Forum Events, to make that Monday morning if not something to look forward to, at least enjoy.
It all boils down to a change in attitude and/or a small change in the morning ritual we all slide into. They say a change is as good as a rest, so plan to do something a little different from your normal writ in stone regime.
- We all like something to look forward to, so why not arrange a Monday morning breakfast, coffee, or lunch meeting with a friend? Preferably not someone from your office who could ‘contaminate’ you with all the negative happenings among your work colleagues.
- Get up a few minutes early (yes I know it’s difficult) and try and put a brake on the maniac rush to get to work. Take a short walk, or sit down with your coffee and breakfast and read for a few minutes.
- Don’t read, watch, or listen to the news; it invariably is all negative and certainly doesn’t put you in a good mood. You can’t change any of it, so save it for later.
- If you walk to work, take a different route; you may discover some interesting shops, buildings, parks, or anything that breaks the Monday morning drudge.
- If you drive or go on public transport, listen to something on the radio or your phone that is amusing, educational, or positive. It is a wonderful fillip for the spirits.
- Listen to some uplifting music; find a classical piece you like that may (briefly) transport you to a more enjoyable environment.
- Read something that’s amusing and has nothing to do with work. Check out Carl Hiaasen or Christopher Buckley, my two favourite authors whose humorous novels cannot fail to put a smile on your face. Steer clear of the likes of Nicholas Sparks!
- Those few extra minutes you gained by waking up early? Treat yourself to a nice coffee and croissant in a quiet café; sit down and enjoy it, don’t fly through Starbucks without even pausing for breath.
- If you can, every now and then take Monday morning off, even a couple of hours, and indulge yourself – do any of the above but at a more leisurely pace. Break the routine so not every Monday morning is the same. Arrive in the office refreshed and in a better frame of mind.
- Plan to organise something you’ll enjoy. Get in a few minutes early and book that long weekend, that visit to the theatre or a concert, or to see a friend.
A few extra tips, maybe not for a Monday morning but worth doing anyway:
- Spread your new-found positive attitude and take in some donuts, biscuits, or candies for your work colleagues. Their appreciation and thanks will make you feel better.
- Talking of friends, take time out in those extra few minutes you have wrung from your morning or day to write to someone – and when I say write, I mean as in pen on paper. Not only will it give you a chance to tell them about what you’re up to and planning, but believe me nowadays for anyone to get something in the mail that isn’t a bill is an uplifting experience for them. Especially if they are of the older generation. Just knowing you will have given someone a really pleasant surprise will produce a positive reaction within yourself.
