Kickstart your week with these 5 helpful tips

We’ve all had that feeling of dread come over us Sunday night when we realize the weekend is over and Monday is just a few short hours away. Unfortunately, Mondays are inevitable, but the Monday blues don’t have to be.  Complete these 5 helpful tips for a productive and positive week ahead.

1. Sunday Night Prep

As your Sunday night comes to an end start mentally preparing yourself for the week ahead.  Write a to-do list of all your upcoming tasks the night before so that you can review it Monday morning. Having a stress-free morning is key for a successful Monday, laying out your clothes the night before, getting the coffee pot ready, and gathering all of your work essentials ie. keys, laptop, etc. in the same spot.

2. Getting enough rest 

Nothing is worse than starting your week off tired. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than 33 percent of American adults do not get enough sleep by sleeping less than 6 hours a day.   Here are a few tips to help you get a good night's rest and wake up early the next day.

• Limit your caffeine intake
• Meditate to calm your mind
• Avoid using electronics at least an hour before bedtime
• Try to avoid long daytime naps

3.  Mindset is Everything

While others in the workplace are miserable and complaining about the end of the weekend and the start of a new work week, be the person to offer a positive word or a small act of kindness. Positivity is contagious. Cheering up others can automatically improve your mood.  Having a positive mindset shows your fellow co-workers you are interested in and passionate about your job.

4.  Get an early start

Arrive at the office early giving yourself ample time to review your to-do list and prepare for the day.  Don’t spend the day dreading your hardest tasks, completing them first is a productive positive start to your day.   Nothing feels better than checking the hardest items off our list.  Don’t try to get everything done all at once.  Limiting your distractions and taking 1 task at a time is the fastest and most effective way to get your work done.

5. Make Plans

Don’t live for the weekend.  Monday is a great day to schedule plans and think about all of the things you are looking forward to throughout the week.  Schedule a date with your significant other, or plan a night out with friends from work.  You might be excited about an upcoming episode of your favorite T.V. show.  No matter the activity it is important to have things you look forward to on your calendar.