Do you dread the start of a brand-new week?

Do you have goals that excite you but struggle to get into the headspace needed to pursue them? 

If you dread Monday and often start the week unmotivated, the sluggish feeling and lack of motivation can follow you throughout the rest of the week.

Whatever your plans—start a creative project, commit to a fitness program, be extra productive at work—starting can become incredibly hard if you lack the motivation.

While you cannot stop Monday from coming, knowing there is no shortage of ways you can deal with Mondays better is reassuring.

Banish Monday blues for good by keeping the following tips in mind:

Be easy with your to-do list

It’s understandable to want to be very productive on the first day of the new week, Monday and start the week on the right note.

However, overloading yourself with to-dos can be counterproductive. 

Ideally, you should start slow but steady and keep your Monday to-do list as manageable as possible. 

Remember that pushing your limits unnecessarily would do more harm than good.

Make time for your new week workout routine

When you have a lot on your plate, skipping your workout can be very tempting.

However, skipping your workout can only leave you feeling sluggish.

Starting your Monday (and week) with a great workout session can help release the happy hormones that can help improve your mind, body, and overall mood.

Write your worries down

Taking inventory of the good things can help put you in a good mood and help you start the week motivated.

Writing down all your worries can be just as beneficial as listing the things you have going for you.

Moreover, writing your worries down can help you release any pent-up stress and help you become more productive and calm.

Pamper yourself

Avoid being too hard on yourself even when the personal and work pressure seems overwhelming.

Make it a point to have some much-needed “me” time each day and pamper yourself.

Treat yourself

It does not have to be grand all the time.

Even a skincare session before sleep or a quick coffee date with a friend can go a long way.

Find something to be thankful for each Monday and celebrate it.

With a similar attitude, you will find Monday is not that hard to deal with.

Make someone else’s day

If Monday has you feeling down, try doing something for someone else.

Often, a gesture of kindness will not only make you forget about your worries, it can also help you feel better about yourself.

Motivating yourself shouldn’t be as hard when you feel good about yourself.

Have plans after work

While difficult, you must strike the right balance to motivate yourself regularly.

Don’t make work the center of your life.

Make sure you have a life outside and after work.

This can be as simple as finding time to catch up with friends, watch a movie, or read a book.

Having a life outside of work will not only make you feel motivated, it will also give you something to look forward to.

Take quality and restful sleep

While it can be tempting to binge-watch your favorite series and party with your friends until the wee hours of the morning, you need to prioritize getting enough rest and quality sleep.

Waking up well-rested can help you stay motivated and rejuvenated to take on any challenges effectively.

Do not work during weekends

Ensure you are plugging off from work completed during the weekends.

Don’t check work emails, answer work-related calls, or do any work over the weekend.

This is important so you can establish work and life boundaries and won’t feel overwhelmed.

Be grateful

Get a gratitude journal and start each day (and Monday) by listing at least 5 things you are grateful for.

It would also be great to list at least 5 things you will tackle during the week.

Your lists will not only make you feel motivated, they can also help you set a positive mood for the week.

Get Yourself Some Head Start

Your attitude at the start of every week can play a massive part in how your week goes, so make sure you start your Mondays on a good note.

Aim to start each week with focus and determination as much as possible.

If you feel stuck or in a rut, do everything you can to get yourself out. 

The techniques and tips outlined above should help you master Monday and the rest of the week easily.

Also, it would help if you prepare in advance for whatever you want to tackle for the week.

This is important so you won’t feel rushed, stressed, and pressured as you usher at the start of another week.