A better way to start a Monday
Monday feels heavy because we arrive at it unprepared. A short Sunday routine changes the mood.
For many people, Monday morning brings a small wave of dread. Part of the reason is not the work itself, but the sense of being behind before the week has begun.
A little preparation the day before can change that.
The Sunday ten minutes#
On Sunday evening, take ten minutes to look at the week ahead. You are not working. You are getting a picture of what is coming.
- Look at your calendar. Note any appointments and deadlines.
- Choose three priorities. The three things you most want to finish by Friday.
- Spot the hard day. Notice if one day is overloaded, and see if you can move something.
- Write it down. A small note on paper, or in your notes app.
Knowing what the week holds makes it feel less like a surprise.
Prepare the practical things#
Small chores matter. Lay out clothes, pack a bag, check you have what you need for the first day. Each of these removes a decision from Monday morning, when you have the least patience.
Make Monday kinder#
- Start with something easy. A short task that gives a quick win.
- Protect your first hour. Do not open email straight away. Use it for the most important task.
- Plan something to look forward to. A lunch with a friend, an evening walk, a show you want to see.
Be gentle#
It is fine if the week does not go to plan. The point of the Sunday routine is not control. It is calm. If you can walk into Monday knowing roughly what to do, you will probably feel less hurried.
Try it for three weeks. If Monday still feels heavy, adjust the routine. Often the problem turns out to be that we start the week without any plan, and that is easily fixed.