Well, it’s that time of the week again. Monday.
Mondays are known to inspire a collective groan amongst workers and students alike. There’s no other thing that bonds humans together as well as the general dislike of Monday.
That is until you reinvent Monday and what it means to you. What once was a day of discomfort and hesitation can genuinely become the best day of your week (we promise). We know – it’s much easier said than done. But give our steps a try and see how you get on!
How to have a productive Monday
- Sleep well and long the night before
- Exercise before work (it’s an immediate mood booster)
- Have your to-do list ready
- Get a good, nutrient-filled breakfast
- Schedule fun activities for the evening
Now, let’s break these down into individual, more detailed steps.
1: Sleep well and long the night before
Creating a rock-solid nightly routine or schedule is key to securing a good nights sleep. Your body’s internal clock and your circadian rhythm (your sleep-to-wake schedule) are crying out to be regulated.
Are you eating large meals right before bed? Are you spending lots of time on your phone before sleep? Lots of bad habits can creep their way into ruining your sleep schedule.
Try and create the perfect sleep environment one to two hours before bed. Low lighting, peace and quiet and a phone-free rule can do wonders for your sleep.
Also, a bit of physical exercise during the day will ensure that you go to bed suitably tired and ready for sleep.
2: Exercise before work
It’s common to experience demotivation and irritability at the start of a Monday morning.
This feeling is only heightened if you have woken up late. Having to rush to get ready and out to work is no fun.
Taking time to engage in any physical exercise before work (walk, run, lift weights) can deliver huge benefits to your Monday morning mood – not least because of a linked increase in endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ chemical.
You’ll be more present and motivated to carry out your daily tasks, and you’ll also feel a sense of accomplishment from your workout.
3: Have your to-do list ready
To-do lists are consistently linked to increased productivity and enhanced memory.
Give yourself structure and organise your Monday with a series of activities and tasks. We reccommend physically ‘ticking off’ tasks as you complete them. It’s quite satisfying.
Preparing a to-do list for any day is a big plus for productivity. You won’t know what you ever did without one!
4: Get a good, nutrient-filled breakfast
It’s no secret that a hearty breakfast can set you up right for the day. A healthy breakfast will give you the energy you need to tackle any Monday morning with ease.
Eggs, smoothies, oats and berries are all good options for a satisfying breakfast that releases energy to your body throughout the day. Don’t overdo it, though – as this will make you feel sluggish!
Fibre is often considered the ultimate breakfast nutrient. Fibre is digested slowly by the body, which increases its potential to deliver nutrients and long-lasting energy throughout the day. Breakfast foods that are high in fibre include granola, oatmeal, avocado, spinach and loads more.
5: Schedule fun activities for the evening
The final point is perhaps the most important (to us, anyway). It’s vital to have something to look forward to after a Monday back at work or school.
Having plans in mind for a Monday evening can make your day go quicker. You’ll benefit from a positive and excited mindset as you progress ever closer to that activity you planned.
Ask yourself – ‘what would I like to do this Monday evening?‘
Whether it’s a new film at the cinema or an adrenaline-filled rock-climbing session, you’ll know what works best for you. Treat yourself, you deserve it.