8 Tips for Beating the Monday Blues

5 min read

Education & Career Trends: June 25, 2023
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS


Returning to work after a relaxing weekend can be daunting, and feeling unmotivated and overwhelmed can be a real struggle.

  • 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.


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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