Do you struggle to find your ‘Monday chill’? Do you feel stressed already when you wake up on Monday mornings? Try listening to relaxing music instead of the usual alarm clock. It will help you unwind before starting your day.
But I have more tips, let me show them all below.
Start with a morning routine
A morning routine helps set the tone for your entire week. If you start your day by getting ready for it, it will help you getting through easier. It means that you are more likely to make better decisions throughout the day and the week. Simply, because you prepared yourself beforehand. It helps a lot, especially if you have a stressing workplace.
Meditate to boost your Monday chill
Meditation has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Even though I am not doing it actively, my mate is meditating every morning. According to him it helps him getting started. It means in general starting the day, the work, taking the dog, everything. He is doing it actively. According to him it may be from several minutes to even an hour. I believe it is up to person and how stressed he or she is. Anyways, I guess worth trying out.
As an alternative I did yoga for long. Though I would say, yoga helps you slowing down instead of pumping up. So personally I would say, do yoga at night, before sleep.
Go to the gym or do sports
This is my menu. Instead of morning meditation, I hit the gym. Not only Monday chill is better but in general every day when I go to the gym. After that I feel less stressed, regardless what day I have.
Have a healthy breakfast, the key of Monday chill
Indeed. After sport, or yoga or anything: before you start the day, you need to breakfast. If it is possible, do not start with coffee. Let that be your day-starter after breakfast, or ideally later around 8-9 AM.
With regards to what to eat, that is not my table. I am not a dietetic guy. But what works for me is rice. Pretty simple. Half asleep I start the rice cooker and if I’m lazy I’m eating it alone. If I have more time, I add some mushrooms, or vegetables that makes it better. I tend to drink green tea with it.
Take a walk, if you have time
Try not to go by car to your place if you can. That is already a stress factor seeing the many cars pushing in the lines, driving mad to get to their places. What for?
Take a walk, bring a coffee with you and enjoy fresh air. Again, it helps you preparing yourself for the day. Try it for a couple of weeks, you will see how relaxed you can be with this trick. I work 20 mins from my home. I could easily take the tram or other solutions to accelerate my journey. Yet, I walk 20 mins (est. 2 kms) to the office and back every day.
That helps me preparing my mind onwards and forgetting (leaving behind) my stress after work. On top of that it creates a chance to talk to my parents and mates on the journey. Occasionally, I take photos in the streets or play Pokémon Go.
Lastly, listen to music to enjoy Monday chill
Preferably with chill music. I mean, morning is a perfect opportunity to focus on yourself, therefore to listen to instrumental beats. No disruptive vocals, no lyrics. Easy, plain melodies will help you plan your Monday and prepare your mind for a stressful (or now less stressful?) week.
