Just Another Manic Monday: (Mentally) Gearing Up For The Week Ahead:

Save to notebook Email article Print article More articles

By Mia Bolaris-Forget

While it should be no surprise that most of us look forward to Friday with eager anticipation, it’s probably also no surprise that we also approach Monday with despondent reservation.

With so much to look forward to (on the weekend) and yet so much to catch up on, it seems that by the time there’s any time for some R & R, the work week is well on it’s way again.

No matter how much you love your job, Monday just seems to creep up too soon, leaving you with little more than a serious case of the (Monday morning) blues. Here are a few professional pointers on how to jump-start your week and your mood.

· On Your Mark, Get Set, Plan: Get a jump-start on your week, by setting goals and a way to accomplish them. Start Sunday night by responding to emails, sending letters, preparing your business agenda, preparing food for the next day or two, doing your shopping, etc. Using Sunday (afternoon and evening) to play “catch up” won’t leave you feeling so overwhelmed.

· K.I. S. S. (Keep It Simple Sundays): Sunday, for the most part, should be a time for “unwinding” and getting ready for a “hectic”, busy week ahead. Keep strenuous activity to a minimum (if possible) and try to call it an early night so you can get your body and your brain prepped for the next day, and the week ahead. If it’s your only day to get out, try to get an early start (but not too early, so to allow your body to get plenty of rest for the work week), and call it quits early as well. Give yourself (and your “family) ample opportunity to catch your breath, and some much needed downtime in order to re-energize.

· Make A Clean Getaway (From The Office) Before The Weekend: Use Friday afternoon at the office to get your agenda and your desk in order. Most of us don’t feel like working by the latter part of Friday, so one of the best ways to be productive is by scheduling appointments, returning phone calls and emails, paying a visit to clients, and cleaning up your space for a fresh start on Monday. You may also want to check your calendar for things you need and get them.

· Get Pumped For The Week: Experts emphasize that exercise is imperative for getting your body, mind, and spirit in the right frame of mind for tackling the day ahead. Studies show that seratonin levels, essential for preventing depression are elevated via healthy activity, which translates not only to a better mood, but a better body too. Furthermore, approximately 30 minutes of cardio (daily) is good for your heart and an ideal way to give your skin a healthy glow, by releasing toxins through perspiration.

· Fuel Up For Energy: Caffeine is a great stimulant, but using it as a means of meal replacement or as your primary liquid to wash down your morning donut or cookie is nutritionally lax, and will not only add on the pounds, but can leave you feeling pound for pound more sluggish than having something substantial and nutritious. A good breakfast will also help you burn calories throughout the day and also leave you feeling energized all morning long.

· Dress For Success: If Friday has become the acceptable day to “dress down”, then Monday should be the ideal day to “dress up”. Get in the mood for work by choosing something that reflects your professionalism and your taste. Experts suggest choosing something “smart”, business-like, attractive, and comfortable. Furthmore, they encourage working people, couples to pick out their ensemble (including accessories) the night before. Make sure it is clean, stain and wrinkle free and if you have to iron it, do it before settling down Sunday night to save yourself time during Monday morning rush.

· Take Some Time Off: Make sure you get away from your desk and out of the office if you can. Try arranging to meet a friend, your spouse (or significant other), parent, child or even get together with a friendly co-worker for lunch. If you brown bag it, schedule lunch in a park or bookstore, just to break up the day. If you’re pressed for time, maybe you can make a midday lunch or coffee run just to get away and re-energize for a minute or two.

· Make Getting Through The Afternoon A Cup Of Tea: Experts agree that a hot cup of tea has several soothing properties. Green tea is especially good and good for you. It is full of antioxidants and can be helpful in preventing certain cancers and other health conditions. If green tea simply isn’t your cup of tea, choose another type of herbal tea that’s uplifting. Consider peppermint or lemon, or any other variety, as long as it’s caffeine free.