I am sure that most of us would say that Monday is our least favourite day of the week. Here are a few hints to try to help you make it more bearable. Then maybe Monday and not Friday will be your favourite day of the week.
Try our handy hints to ensure that your next Monday doesn’t give you a headache
The important thing is that work does not dominate your life or thoughts. It can be difficult to think and talk about anything else; especially when we are going through a hectic time at work but it is important to see the bigger picture. We all have times when work fails to excite us or places us under stress; these tips are designed to help you during those low times.
Start the weekend right
It is important for everyone to ensure that you get enough rest and relaxation, especially at the weekend. Feelings of tiredness can exasperate any negative feelings that you may have about your job. Two days is a very short time, so try and switch off and forget about work. Put to rest any small niggles that you may have – you owe it to yourself to allow yourself to take a proper break, then hopefully Monday won’t seem so bad.
Prepare on Friday
The weekend starts here. Make sure that you try and tie up any loose ends today. It is your chance to try and release any pressure of work over the weekend and prevent that “Did I do X?” feeling. Complete your diary and write a prioritised list of anything that needs to be done on Monday. If there are any important tasks that you can tackle, do them today. Plan your week ahead so that you tackle difficult tasks when you are at your most energetic. File away any paperwork and clear your desk. This will make a big difference to how you feel when you first come in on Monday morning.
Plan a nice lunch
If possible arrange to meet a friend for lunch, so that you have something to look forward to. Even a small piece of cake or a luxury sandwich can make a difference. Getting out in the fresh air, visiting a park or art gallery can help to refresh the mind. Arranging a game of team sports can also help blast out the Monday feeling. Perhaps you could get a team together? Going to the gym or a swimming class is also a way in which you could escape the Monday blues; as exercise is proven to give you feel good endorphins. The virtuous feeling might also last all week, if you are lucky and focused!
Plan a nice commute home
Take an interesting book to read, try an audio book or just an uplifting song along with you on your commute. Use this time to completely switch off, stare out of the window and block the day’s events out of your head. This can provide you with a buffer so that you do not take your bad mood home with you. Try some deep breathing exercises or use aromatherapy oils if you need extra help. Calling, e-mailing or sending a text to a friend or family member can also focus your attention on what is really important.
Plan a reward at home
Have a small reward waiting for you when you get home. The anticipation may make it more pleasurable and it will give you something else to think about. Perhaps you could arrange a night out, a meal, book, or whatever floats your boat.
If small incentives are not strong enough perhaps you need to examine why. We all deserve to have rewarding careers and if something is really difficult or making you unhappy then that can be an indication that it may not be right for you. A good starting point for this change is to look at your past.
If none of this works…..
Then it may be time for a change of career!
If you have already decided that you are in the wrong job, it is never too late to change direction. Volunteering for a new project at work or gaining new skills could be the change that you need. To decide which parts of your job you are Monday phobic about; keep a diary. Over at least a month record your feelings about your job. Be specific, what is it exactly about this role that you dislike? Be honest, this will help you to decide what to avoid in the future. Is it the people, the department, the role or just aspects of the duties that you perform?
Look at your career and try to find out when you became unhappy, is it your current role; do you want to be more challenged? Having your CV professionally prepared can help you to establish where you would like to go in the future. Alternatively you could work with an Executive Coach, such as the service provided by CV Master Careers. This will help you see your career in context and advise you where your true talents are and how to release them.
Only once you know what to change, then you can take steps to change it. Approaches that you could take include talking to your boss, taking on more responsibility, reducing your hours or taking up a volunteer placement to increase your skills. You could make goals for yourself to reflect what you have learnt about yourself. You could discuss your findings with others, with caution. Listen to what they have to say but make up your own mind. It is your life and your decision.