By Mianna Korben

Are you one of those people who see Mondays as their own worst enemy? If you are, keep in mind that you are not alone. Many people around the world experience a feeling of anxiety or so-called Sunday Scaries. After a long week at work comes the stress-free weekend, but Sundays can emotionally knock you down and make you question your entire existence. Before you start nodding your head, keep in mind that a change of attitude is the key solution to this problem. If you want to start off your week feeling fresh and energized, you have to take the ownership of this task. Here are some tips that will help you transform Mondays into something you look forward to.

Make a Plan

Good preparation is half the battle. While indulging in a big cup of your morning coffee, grab your planner or a piece of paper and make a plan for the week ahead. This way you can prepare for your upcoming commitments and that will save you a lot of time and frustration. Make a grocery list and do the shopping for the whole week. Schedule the appointments and important meetings. Is it time for a haircut? Write it down in your weekly planner. Use markers and colored post-it notes to set the priorities and different segments of life.  By doing this, you will lower the chances of forgetting something important, and also, you will avoid the frustration of doing things in a hurry.

Prep Your Meals

Coming home to an empty fridge after a long day at work can be a nightmare. To avoid this happening, you should make it a habit to do good meal prep on Sunday. First, open your fridge and take note of everything that’s in there. Then write the grocery list, paying extra attention to breakfast options and snacks. It will make your shopping faster, easier and more economical. The next step is preparing your meals for the week ahead. If you have a hectic schedule in front of you and realize that you won’t have any free time to spend in the kitchen, don’t worry. Meal delivery services like My Muscle Chef will provide you with a delicious, home-cooked meal and leave you time for something more fun than spending hours in the kitchen. This is a healthy and practical alternative to fast food and a perfect solution for those busy days when you need high-quality foods to keep your energy levels high.

Tidy Up

Stepping into a new week with a messy desk or a pile of dirty laundry won’t ease your Monday blues. That’s why you should devote some time on Sunday to make your apartment clean and tidy. Declutter your space, take out the trash and do the washing up. You don’t want to wake up on Monday and realize that you have no clean shirts to wear to work. Make Sunday a laundry day and while on it, make sure you wash your sheets too. Clean sheets will make your bed more inviting, and as we all know getting a good night sleep is important if you want to start your week well rested and motivated.

Treat Yourself

Sunday is the perfect time for some self-care. Going through the wringer of obligations working days put on us, even simple things like plucking eyebrows can be a challenge. So, choose Sunday to pamper yourself. Take an extra-long shower or a bubble bath. Put on a facial mask and turn your favorite music on. Jump in your favorite pair of sneakers and go for a walk around the block or even better – in nature! You will be surprised how detoxifying this can be. After all the annoying chores you had to do earlier, making this your before-bed routine will help you feel refreshed and ready for all the crazy-making Monday can bring. It may seem unnecessary, but once you see the difference in how you feel and look, this will quickly turn to a loving Sunday routine.

Try a Different Perspective

These tips will work only if you change your attitude towards them. Shift your negative thoughts about Monday to those which focus on all its possibilities. Replace your have-to-dos with want-to-dos. Start treating Monday as a door of opportunity and new beginnings. You never know what’s just around the corner and what thrilling new adventures this new week will bless you with. Always try to squeeze in some fun time with your friends during the week because it will keep you motivated and make your Mondays brighter.

Sure, it’s easy to get in the habit of dreading Monday and all its small miseries like commuting, dealing with an angry boss or meeting deadlines. It is good to know that you can fight it, and it’s as easy as focusing on the positive things every new week has to offer. By following these few tips, you will be welcoming Monday bursting with fresh ideas and with a smile on your face.