In an effort to rewire the way I approach parts of my life, and taking a cue from some of the suggestions in my cousin’s book, I have decided to stop hating Mondays. Well, fine, if I’m being honest, I don’t know that it’s entirely possible to fully stop hating Monday, but I’m also choosing to think about the parts of Monday that don’t suck.
It’s not a perfect system but it seems to be working thus far.
I’ll also admit that at first, I struggled with coming up with what I enjoy about Mondays since it’s so ingrained not to like the day but as I sat and contemplated, and started writing a few ideas down, the rest followed fairly quickly.
Here are my top 5.
- It’s back to a routine. Because of my anxiety issues, I function better with a schedule. I’m not a very spontaneous person, I never have been, and I like my routines. Weekends throw those all off, especially when cheer is involved. With the return of Monday, I can fall back into my regularly scheduled programming and it comforts me. I feel relieved. I can get shit done.
- It’s a time to reflect on the fruits of my weekend labor. For instance, I try to do as much cleaning and laundry and cooking as possible on the weekends since the weekdays don’t leave tons of room for those necessary activities. When Monday rolls around and I don’t have to do them, I can fully appreciate taking and making the time on the weekend to do it.
- It’s a reset for my weekly goals. Every Sunday night, I sit down and process how I did on my goals from the week before. If there were a couple I didn’t rock, Monday means a fresh start and a chance to work even harder to accomplish them. It also means I establishing new goals for the upcoming week, which is always great and keeps me focused.
- It’s less time to things I look forward to. Like new episodes of Sons of Anarchy. Or my mastermind calls. Or payday. And, although I don’t watch it, Monday Night Football, because my husband does watch it and it’s a chance to all asleep before he even gets in bed. Or thinks about getting in bed.
- It’s a chance to rejoin the world. Since we spend so much time on football fields and in gyms on the weekends, or traveling to visit family, I don’t get much time to check in with friends and blogs or social media or even the news that CNN doesn’t deliver to my phone in headline form. When Monday rolls around, it’s a chance to catch up and get reconnected.
I will say this: it is easier for me to love Mondays since I left a job that was poisoning me. Make no mistake, I had a great boss and coworkers, had lots of autonomy, and didn’t have a huge commute. I was grateful for the employment. However. The subject matter became unbearable and I simply couldn’t do it anymore. And I’d rather live on a tight budget than have a toxic job.
Putting this positive spin on Mondays has definitely adjusted my attitude and my thinking towards the day and rather than dreading it, I now embrace it.
Which is kind of weird.
But I like it.
great reasons! i hate mondays as much as the next 9-5er but sometimes i love them, for those reasons. i like routine, and it helps me start over on my diet and exercise that i inevitably screwed up on the weekend haha.
Kristen recently posted…eShakti review; second verse same as the first?
I try to like Monday’s and some weeks I succeed. Today’s not so bad since it’s just Tyson and I, it’s quiet. I like quiet, a LOT.
Kelli recently posted…Seashell Chronicles 8/11
Way to look on the bright side! I agree though that I appreciate the reset.
Kate recently posted…Lions, tigers and beers… oh my!
I do like the routine of workdays too. I always eat healthier and weekday shows are on!
Kerry recently posted…Family Weekend
OMG,Jana! This is how I have been living my life for at least the past 5 years or so! It is amazing how it turns lives around.
The laws of attraction are true. Looking on the bright side, way more fun than complaining, and way better for your psyche. I have a mantra whenever anything negative or annoying pop into my brain that works for me.
Everyday in every way, my life and my loved ones lives are more and more wonderful(or whatever great adjective pops into my head)
If my people are not happy, I am not happy, which is why I include them in my mantra. Great that you are in a better working environment. Goddess speed to you.
Love, SMD’s momma
This is a great list. I used to get in a major funk on Monday, also because I hated my job. It’s better now, but they can still be tough. I think my favorite thing about them is getting back to a routine, and going back to work makes me feel slightly in control of my life, as opposed to spending time with my kids, which is all about them and their neediness. (I just spent a week with them while moving… I’m a bit tired — can you tell?!?!)
Sarah @ Beauty School Dropout recently posted…Business casual capsule wardrobe, Summer 2014
Great perspective for Mondays, love them!
Oh Mondays, you are hated on by many. Honestly, Mondays need to be cut some slack! You are right, I like to look at Mondays as a fresh start for eating healthy and hitting goals. Also, I am a creature of habit so the routine is nice. Plus I start back with work outs on Mondays after a day off and it makes me feel accomplished. Now, Tuesdays? Fuck Tuesdays. I have nothing nice to say about them. Haha!
Nadine recently posted…Birthday Weekend Shenanigans
I like the return to routine of Mondays. I also try not to put any cooking, hausfrauing, or errands on my agenda on Mondays…so I know that I can just chill at night and that is pretty rare for me, I typically always have something to do.
SMD @ Life According to Steph recently posted…the weekend that was…
I like your reasons. I just don’t like Mondays because it’s back to waking up early. And that makes me cranky.
Amber recently posted…Inside Natalie’s Closet: Back To School Outfits
I’m with you on it being back to routine. Don’t get me wrong… I loooove not having anywhere to be on the weekends. But at the same time, I’m a creature of habit so it does feel good to be back at my desk sometimes and getting shit done!
Amanda recently posted…TGI… M?!
One of my friends says that she views Mondays as the start of her opportunity to make this week better than last week. What a great point of view. It is hard to get started on Monday because that means the start of a work week where I am required to earn a paycheck- rather than have an enjoyable weekend. Buuuut, I would get bored if I had too many days off so Mondays remind me of that 🙂
Tricia Coniglio recently posted…Gratitude