Don't Let Monday Win! 5 Ways to Survive the Worst Weekday
I loathe Mondays. People always say, “Plan a reward on a Monday, and you’ll start to look forward to it!” Uh huh. The only reward big enough to make me look forward to Monday is if, for some reason, it suddenly morphed into a Friday. Which has yet to happen, but I’m keeping the hope alive.
Either way, it continues to come around each week, and I’m bound and determined to not let it beat me.
For those of you on day four of #NaNoWriMo, this Monday may seem especially daunting. You’ve spent the last several days with your head buried in your own world, pushing yourself to make those word goals — writing to boldly go where you’ve never gone before. But now, the real world is crashing in. Most of you have jobs to return to, kids to stop ignoring, and significant others that will expect you to actually talk to them (who knew?) And that is on top of the continuing word count!
I only have one thing to say to you — DON’T LET MONDAY WIN! It is a vile, devious day, but we shall prevail! While there is no reward I can offer you to soften the blow, there are several coping mechanisms I’ve come to rely on that will hopefully help you as much as they help me.
Godspeed, my friends. See you on the other side.
5 Ways to Survive the Evil that is Monday:
Set a big water drinking goal
Sure, it is super healthy or whatever, but today is Monday. We’re worried about surviving, not being healthy! Setting a big (but manageable) goal to drink a ton of water can help your day fly by. It is something you can work towards, no matter your job. It is easily attainable, setting you up for success. AND you will have to go to the bathroom. All. The. Time. Bathroom breaks get you moving and give you a few moments of alone time as you slowly acclimate back into the work week. Pure gold, people.
Get moving
Notice I didn’t say exercise. Again, we’re trying to make Monday better not harder. Whether it is taking a break to explore during lunch, chasing your kids around the yard, or printing every copy of a document individually so you have an excuse to walk to the printer over and over again (no judgment here), moving will keep your brain active and productive to keep the day from dragging.
Never underestimate the power of a pump up mix
I don’t know about you, but whenever I think of a pump up mix, I can’t help but think of the Bulls opening song. Anyone else? That song came on, Michael Jordan would run out, and then watch out, world!** I’m pumped just thinking about it. Whether your groove is Taylor Swift, Lizzo, or the Bee Gees (huge shout out to my mom), create a playlist to keep you ready to conquer the world and put it on repeat.
**For those of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, I’ve put a gem at the bottom of this post. Enjoy.
Hug it out
It is so easy to be cranky and introverted on the worst day of the week, so I challenge you to hug it out with as many people as possible (with permission, of course). Not only could most of the folks around you probably use the boost (it is Monday for them too, after all), but it also has massive health and mood benefits.
Write out your goals for the week and your plan to meet them
I know you are already focused on your #NaNoWriMo target, but take the time today to write out that goal and others (personal, professional, fun) with a plan for how you will meet them this week. Focusing on the positive potential of the rest of the week and how you are going to conquer the world one step at a time is the perfect way to distract you from the evil of Monday and put your best foot forward for the rest of the week.