Even when you’re doing meaningful work, let’s be honest – it can sometimes be difficult to transition from a relaxing weekend back into the “swing of things” on a Monday morning at work.  But we’re not going to let that happen to you!  We’ve developed a list of methods proven to push aside the infamous “Case of the Mondays.”

  1. Start with Something You Enjoy.
    The temptation is to jump right to the most urgent or most pressing thing, usually the dreaded – Inbox! Eeep! Beat back that temptation without a stick by choosing instead to start the week off something that really brings you life. Enjoy blogging? Write a post. Enjoy reading? Cruise the web for a few great articles. How about dreaming big? Yup. Drawing? Fantastic. Whatever you like doing, start off your week that way: it will give you the natural boost of energy, confidence, and fun needed to ramp back up into a great week ahead!
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  3. A Little Inspiration Goes a Long Way.
    Inspire yourself! Or if there is someone who naturally inspires you, listen to one of their talks or motivational messages. If you can make a mind and heart connection to what you really care about (the essence of your cause, the reason that you work at this particular organization, the people you aim to serve) it will be easier to work with passion and intention.  It never hurts to remind yourself of the why behind what you do!  If there is no why, maybe spend this time updating your resume…
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  5. Make a List (on Sunday Night!)
    Who can develop a solid list when the phone is ringing and emails are flooding your Inbox?!  Take some time, whenever is best and most at rest for you, to make a list for the week in a peaceful time and space. Saturday mornings?  Sunday nights? Getting organized is a great feeling, but that feeling may be drowned out by constant interruptions and side conversations if you wait to make your list on Monday morning, when everyone else is already full-swing into executing theirs.
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  7. Coffee & Treats.
    We assume this one goes without saying, but a little fuel goes a long way!  Treat yourself to something you wouldn’t normally have, like that $5 Starbucks latte or corresponding $3 treat.  This could even be something you budget for (line item: “Monday Morning Treats”) and plan around. If you need to leave the house a little early to make this happen, or wake up a little early to make yourself a fancier-than-usual breakfast, great.  These little delicacies subconsciously tell yourself that all will be well and that you’re worth taking a little time out to care for.
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  9. Work it Out!
    OK so we recognize that this directly goes against our previous point about enjoying some deserved morning calories…but the two could also go together?  Nothing compares to natural endorphins (not even caffeine!) so if you’re able to carve out a little time on Monday morning to get in a short workout, chances are you’ll feel refreshed and ready for the week.  We don’t recommend only working out on Monday mornings; in which case this approach may have the opposite effect.
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  11. Start with Scary.
    There’s always that one email or that one project that it would be easy and more enjoyable to avoid, at least for a little while. Don’t do it!  Start with the scary, and knock out that thing right away.  At least take a chunk out of it, or complete the next actionable step in the process of getting it completed.  That way you will have addressed something that could potentially end up overwhelming later, directly at the root.  Also the rest of the day you won’t be working from a place of fear, but freedom.
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  13. Give Yourself Grace.
    We are humans not robots.  So give yourself a little grace.  Should have sent that email out earlier?  Should have thought that concept through a little more?  The Should Haves don’t help anyone, especially you, so it’s best to let them go.  Instead let’s focus on what we learned and what we’ll do differently next time.  Sometimes it’s helpful to literally say statements of grace and blessing over yourself (if you do this outloud you may even inspire, or scare, your cubemate) to ensure your heart remembers the truth: human not robot.
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  15. Give Others Grace.
    This applies to others as well – believe it or not, they’re not robots either!  It makes for a community-oriented and peace-filled work environment when grace is what is communicated consistently.  Yes, meet deadlines and yes, deliver quality work.  But we all make mistakes, so it’s great to remember that not only for ourselves but for others as well.  Plus, walking around without any lingering resentments is a really freeing experience.
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Still have a Case of the Mondays?  Give us a call!  We’ll talk you through it…hopefully with a coffee, and treat, and Sunday evening list in hand!

Blessings over your week, let’s make it a great one.