10 Ways to Kickstart Your Monday

I’m at my happiest when I’ve had a productive day. When that day happens to be a Monday it motivates me for the rest of the week, at work and at home. Sometimes I’ll hit a mid-week funk (I’m only human after all) which is usually fixed with Roller Derby practice, a dog walk or a big slice of carrot cake. But if I can start a week well, my attitude for the rest of it is more positive and therefore productive.

I can never guarantee a good, great or brilliant day, life happens after all. But I can control small tasks, errands and routines that make me feel better at the end of it, whether it was a hard day or not.

We all have different time restraints and commitments; my ideal Monday routine may be different to yours. But hopefully you’ll find some ideas along the way that make YOU feel good that will help you kickstart your week, and motivate the days that follow.

1 | Write your work and home errands to do list on a Monday morning. Be really specific! I used to do this on a Sunday but found I’d end up thinking of work/freelance tasks when I should be concentrating on my free time instead. Lists are now written on a Friday when I’m feeling organised (?!) or on a Monday morning. 

Outcome| I feel organised and prepared for my day and week ahead.

2| Exercise. I’m not a morning exercise person, I’m not a morning person at all. I know that I’ll feel amazing afterwards but I’d rather have a little more sleep, which is healthy anyway, right? But I do run, walk the dog and play Roller Derby. I usually run in the afternoon when working from home and found it gives me a second wind if I’m flagging a little during the day.

Outcome| Annoying as it is, being active is my number 1 tip for a happier life. During excersise I’m very much in the moment (concentrating too much on the pain!) and afterwards I always feel the best version of myself. It helps with anxiety and motivates me in other areas of my life.

3| Try something new. Try a new app, recipe, hobby or call a new work contact.

Outcome| It makes us get out of our comfort zone, and helps us progress and have an open mind.

4| Wear your favourite outfit, nail colour or perfume.

Outcome| As shallow as it might sound my favourite items of clothing, makeup or toiletries make me feel confident and grateful all at the same time.

5| Listen to your very favourite music. Make yourself an ultimate happy playlist. You know, those songs that really hit the spot!

Outcome| Great music uplifts me and picks me up if I’m not having a great day. As a form of escapism, it helps me not take life too seriously too.

6| Buy a bunch of flowers to cheer up your home or work space. The environment I work and live in is really important to me so I love having a house full of plants or blooms to brighten my day.

Outcome| Flowers simply make me smile. It’s a personal thing.

7| Play with your pets. They’re a constant reminder how to live in the moment and deserve all the attention. Any time spent with Polly is precious and I’ll never apologise for it!

Outcome| Polly helps me relax and makes me laugh.

8| Post a card to a friend.

Outcome|Not only will it cheer them up when they receive surprise post mid-week but it will take you offline for 5 minutes, and give you a break from your work.

9| Prepare your evening meal in the morning. Like I said, I’m not a morning lark but I do own a slow cooker. Walking through the door on a Monday evening knowing food is pretty much sorted feels amazing!

Outcome| The house will smell amazing when you walk through the door and you’ll have more time for evening fun.

10| Have some time offline at some point during the day. Watch an inspiring film, read a book, photograph or socialise with friends.

Outcome| Time spent offline will contribute to a happier and more purposeful time online. Win win!