Education & Career Trends: June 25, 2023
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
- Excerpts are taken from an article published on makeuseof.com.
Monday blues, the anxiety or stress that comes with the start of the work week, is a common experience for many professionals. Returning to work after a relaxing weekend can be daunting, and feeling unmotivated and overwhelmed can be a real struggle.
Start Your Week With Positivity
Monday blues can be a challenging and all-too-common experience, but there are many strategies you can use to overcome them. By following the below-mentioned tips, you can start your week with a positive attitude and boost your productivity and mental health.
Find what works best to beat the Monday blues and set yourself up for a successful week.
1. Plan Your Week
- A plan for the week ahead can help you feel more organised and motivated to tackle your tasks.
- Start your Monday off by planning your week.
- Make a to-do list, prioritise tasks, and schedule meetings or appointments.
- You can start by identifying the most important assignments that must be completed during the week.
- Leverage free weekly planners to organise your productive tasks and have a plan in place for your week ahead.
- Furthermore, leave some room in your schedule for unexpected priorities or events to allow you to manage your workload and reduce stress.
2. Listen to Music or Podcasts
- Music can help you relax and get the right mindset for work.
- If you’re feeling anxious or stressed on Monday morning, listening to your favorite music on your commute or whenever you have a free moment can distract you from negative thoughts and shift your focus to something more positive and enjoyable.
- Additionally, podcasts are a great way to expand your knowledge and interests in various subjects.
- Listening to podcasts can help you discover new things and keep your mind active during your commute.
- You can also listen to podcasts for positivity and inspiration to uplift your mood.
3. Connect With Colleagues
- Connecting with colleagues is another effective way to beat the Monday blues and maintain positive relationships with coworkers.
- If you’re working remotely, make an effort to frequently connect with your colleagues online.
- It can also help boost your morale and productivity, all while you’re working.
4. Take ‘Coffee Breaks’
- A coffee break is a great way to recharge and step away from work for a moment.
- Coffee breaks can provide a much-needed mental break, reducing stress levels and improving overall well-being.
- You can explore break ideas to feel more connected to your team and add a little excitement to your Monday.
5. Use Social Media to Connect With Like-Minded People
- Connecting with like-minded people on social media can help you avoid the Monday blues and start the week on a positive note.
- Additionally, social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news, trends, and industry insights, which can help you stay motivated and focused throughout the week.
- You can also use social media for networking opportunities.
- Additionally, it’s important to limit your social media usage to short and focused breaks during work hours, as it can be a distraction and affect both your productivity and your mental health.
6. Use Flexible Schedules
- If your job allows it, consider using flexible schedules.
- It can help you manage your time more effectively and reduce the stress and anxiety of Monday.
- Flexible schedules provide a work environment free from distractions and interruptions, increasing your overall productivity and efficiency at work.
- For instance, if you’re more productive in the mornings, you can schedule the most important tasks during that time, which can reduce stress and increase productivity.
7. Practice Self-Care
- Practicing self-care can improve overall well-being, reduce stress, and promote better mental and physical health.
- By taking care of yourself, you can start the week feeling more positive, energised, and motivated.
- Using positivity apps to boost your spirits can be a powerful tool for practicing self-care and beating the Monday blues.
- You can use the personalised features of the apps to help you create a self-care routine tailored to your unique needs and goals.
8. Set Boundaries and Turn Off Notifications
- Finally, it’s important to set boundaries and turn off notifications whenever you’re working.
- Constant notifications and interruptions can be a significant source of stress, particularly on Monday mornings when you feel overwhelmed.
- Rather than checking your email constantly throughout the day, you can set specific times to check and respond to emails.
- Furthermore, you can consider turning off notifications for specific apps unrelated to your work to help you stay focused and avoid getting distracted by notifications.
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Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet?
7 Ways to Boost Your Weekly Productivity
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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