10 Ways To Beat the Monday Blues With Style

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Start Your Week in Style & Embrace the Week Ahead with Optimism

You know the scene, the clock startles you awake and as you blink your eyes open, early morning sunlight filters through the curtains. You grab your phone to check the date and oh boy, it's Monday. That familiar feeling of the Monday morning  blues washes over you. You don't feel ready. How will you find the motivation to get through another Monday, never mind another week.

Have we all experienced this feeling at some point? Why do Mondays have such an effect on our emotions? Well, take comfort in knowing that you're not alone, millions share this common experience. And just like you, they want to start their week off positively and not be weighed down by melancholy. The good news? With some thoughtful preparation and self-care, you can overcome those Monday blues and begin each week with optimism. 

We will share 10 tips to help ease into the new week with optimism, intent and style, embrace the week ahead with flair, and make every Monday morning brighter.

Why Do We Get the Monday Blues?

There are several psychological factors at play:

• Disruption of routine - Our bodies and minds find comfort in routine. The freedom of an irregular weekend schedule gets abruptly replaced by the set routine of a weekday and this sudden change can feel jarring.

• Lack of control - During the weekend we have more control over how we spend our time. On Mondays, that control gets handed back to bosses, schedules and duties. The lack of autonomy can feel depressing.

• Contrast effect - After fun weekend activities, Mondays seems even more dull in contrast. Going from exciting to mundane amplifies the blues.

10 Tips to Cure the Monday Blues in Style

1. Wake Up Early to Enjoy "Me Time"

Rather than hitting snooze over and over, set your alarm 30-60 minutes early and use the bonus time to slowly ease into your day with relaxing activities like:

• Sitting drinking tea, whilst reading or journaling.

• Doing gentle yoga or stretches.

• Meditating and reflecting on positive intentions for the week.

This calm, intentional morning routine will  help you feel more centred rather than low and scattered as Monday begins.

2. Plan Your Outfit the Night Before

Lay out your entire outfit, down to the accessories and shoes. Knowing you have a stylish first-day-of-the-week look locked, it will get you into the right mood. Think Carrie Bradshaw and “Sex And The City” and “And Just Like That…” Whether it’s your work clothes or just your normal runaround attire, be intentional with your outfit. Looking sharp will boost your confidence to conquer the week.

3. Have a Healthy, Energising Breakfast

Eating a balanced breakfast with protein, complex carbs, and fruit provides you with the lasting energy you’ll need to tackle the day over a sugar rush from coffee and carbs alone. Some nourishing and portable options are:

• Greek yogurt parfait with granola and fruit.

• Avocado toast with egg.

• Overnight oats with chia seeds, peanut butter, and berries.

4. Make an Upbeat Playlist

The right energising playlist can make all the difference on a groggy Monday. Create a mix of your favourite upbeat tunes and if you need any suggestions, check out Olyinka Morning Motivation Mix on Spotify, You'll be dancing your Monday blues away in no time!

5. Make Your Commute Fun

One way to start your Monday on a positive note is to make your commute enjoyable. Podcasts, audiobooks, or upbeat music can make the time fly by.

If you take public transport, catch up on reading, knock out a crossword puzzle, or download an entertaining game on your phone. Even little things like sipping coffee, chatting with a commuter friend, or admiring the scenery can transform your attitude.

To really maximise your Monday morning commute, sign up for our weekly newsletter! Filled with motivational tips and stories, our Monday Morning Mojo newsletter is the perfect way to start your week off right. You'll receive inspiring advice for conquering the Monday blues and embracing all the possibilities a new week brings.

Sign up below to have each issue delivered to your inbox every Monday at 7 AM. Just provide your email address, and prep for commute motivation! Sign up here

Looking for more commuting fun? Check out our top podcast picks for laughing away the Monday blues on your way to work:

• Hot Girl Morning Podcast : Daily dose of empowerment and inspiration to start to your day!

• Empowered Female Club: Strong, fearless women making waves and breaking barriers.

• Dark Femme Power Podcast: Exploring the depths of feminine strength and resilience.

• Female Startup Club: Entrepreneurial insights and success stories,

6. Set Aside Time for Self-Care

Carve out even 10-15 minutes in your morning for self-care - it will go a long way. Choose quick activities like a calming skincare routine, a tension-relieving foam rolling session, or writing in a gratitude journal. Your mood, your choice.

7. Cook Up Monday Motivation

On Sundays, take the time to prepare your favourite comforting dish. The anticipation of having delicious leftovers from a home cooked meal on Monday provides motivation to power through Monday. Food is a huge emotional boost. So tap into the motivational power of cooking on Sundays to get excited for the week ahead. Having delicious leftovers eliminates the Sunday night blues and Monday morning rush of deciding what to eat. You start the week feeling satisfied, cared for, and ready to take on whatever comes your way. The anticipating delicious leftovers from a home cooked meal. 

8. Make a Coffee Date with a Coworker

Connect with colleagues first thing by planning to grab coffee together or meet up for a quick chat. Having social time to look forward to makes the morning less of a lonely grind.

9. Schedule an After-Work Activity ASAP

Having something fun on the calendar for later makes the day go quicker. Schedule a workout class, dinner with friends, concert tickets, museum visit - whatever activity excites you most.

10. Prep Healthy Snacks and Drinks

Hunger and dehydration can compound any mood dip as the day goes on. Keep your energy and spirits up by having healthy snacks and water easily accessible at your desk. Some easy options are trail mix, fresh fruit, granola bars, and infused water.

Conquer Mondays with Positivity and Panache

With some intentional planning and self-care, those Monday blues don't stand a chance. You now have plenty of tips to help approach each Monday with energy, optimism and flair.

The key is remembering that Monday is just another day, just like any other. Maintain perspective and don't psych yourself out. Each week is a chance for a fresh start, so embrace it! With this mindset shift, you might even learn to love Mondays.

Here's to facing this Monday and every Monday after with positivity, purpose, and panache. Go make it your best one yet!

Sign up now to Olyinka Magazine to access more inspiring content! Join us for a journey of self-expression and empowerment. Don't miss out, sign up today!

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