Wellness With Her Club

For some of us, Mondays feel like a heavy weight; the end of a relaxing weekend and the beginning of another demanding workweek. I mean, no one is blaming you; some of us have been conditioned to hate Mondays. But what if Mondays didn’t have to feel this way? What if you could start your week feeling refreshed, focused, and even excited?

The truth is, Mondays aren’t the problem but our approach to them is. By making a few mindset shifts and lifestyle tweaks, you can turn Mondays into a day of momentum rather than dread. Here’s how.

1. Start Preparing on Sunday Evening

A smooth Monday starts the night before. Instead of letting Sunday night anxiety creep in, create a routine that sets the tone for a productive and stress-free start to your week.

• Review your schedule: Look over your calendar and to-do list to avoid any surprises.

• Plan your outfit and meals: Eliminate unnecessary morning decisions.

• Wind down early: Engage in a relaxing activity like reading, stretching, or a warm bath to help you sleep better.

The goal is to reduce morning chaos so you wake up feeling in control, not rushed.

2. Get Enough Sleep & Wake Up Early

One of the biggest reasons people hate Mondays is exhaustion. If you stay up too late over the weekend, Monday morning feels brutal. Stick to a sleep schedule that allows for 7–8 hours of rest.

Waking up earlier than usual on Monday also helps you ease into the day rather than feeling like you’re playing catch-up. Give yourself time to stretch, breathe, and start your morning calmly.

3. Rethink Your Monday Morning Routine

Instead of dreading the start of the workweek, create a Monday morning routine that you actually look forward to. This could include:

• Listening to an energising playlist or podcast

• Sipping on your favourite tea or coffee in peace

• Journaling or setting an intention for the week

• Doing a short workout or movement practice

If you begin the day with something that brings you joy, it’s much easier to feel motivated for what’s ahead.

4. Shift Your Mindset About Mondays

Many of us unconsciously carry negative associations with Mondays: stress, deadlines, or a long week ahead. But what if you viewed Monday as a fresh start, an opportunity to reset and make progress?

Try reframing how you talk about Mondays:

❌ “Ugh, I have so much to do.”

✅ “I get to start the week fresh and tackle things one step at a time.”

❌ “I hate Mondays.”

✅ “Mondays give me a chance to realign my goals and set the tone for the week.”

Your words shape your reality, so choose ones that empower you rather than drain you.

5. Prioritise One Meaningful Task

Rather than overwhelming yourself with a long to-do list, start Monday by tackling one meaningful task; something that will give you a sense of accomplishment early in the day.

Ask yourself: What’s one thing I can do today that will make me feel productive and in control?

This could be:

✔️ Completing an important work project

✔️ Reaching out to a potential client or collaborator

✔️ Decluttering your workspace

✔️ Writing down your top three weekly goals

Completing one solid task gives you momentum and makes the rest of your to-do list feel less daunting.

6. Incorporate Movement into Your Day

Movement is one of the best ways to boost your mood, especially on a Monday. Physical activity releases endorphins; your body’s natural feel-good chemicals, that reduce stress and increase energy levels.

You don’t need an intense gym session; even small movements throughout the day help:

• Take a morning stretch or yoga session.

• Walk around while taking phone calls.

• Do a short workout or dance session during your lunch break.

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

When your body feels good, your mind follows.

7. Create Small Joys to Look Forward To

One reason Mondays feel dreadful is that they lack excitement. If the only thing waiting for you is work and responsibilities, of course, you’ll feel unmotivated.

To change this, build small moments of joy into your Monday:

☕ Treat yourself to a special morning coffee or breakfast.

📖 Read a chapter of a book before starting work.

💬 Plan a lunch date or coffee chat with a friend or colleague.

🎶 Listen to a playlist that lifts your mood.

When you have something enjoyable to look forward to, Mondays become less about obligation and more about opportunity.

8. Avoid the Social Media Trap

Scrolling through social media first thing in the morning can instantly drain your energy. Seeing other people’s highlight reels or overwhelming news can trigger stress before your day even begins.

Instead, create a screen-free morning routine. Give yourself at least 30 minutes before checking emails or social media. Use this time for something that nourishes you; meditation, journaling, stretching, or simply enjoying your coffee in peace.

9. Set Boundaries Around Your Monday Workload

Mondays don’t have to be the busiest day of the week. Avoid overloading your schedule by:

• Blocking out time for deep work (so meetings don’t take over your day)

• Prioritising tasks that energise rather than drain you

• Leaving space for breaks and transitions

If possible, avoid scheduling back-to-back meetings on Mondays. Give yourself breathing room to ease into the week.

10. End Monday with Gratitude

Before you wrap up the day, take a moment to reflect on something positive.

Ask yourself:

• What went well today?

• What am I grateful for?

• What did I accomplish?

Celebrating small wins makes Mondays feel rewarding rather than exhausting. Plus, it shifts your focus from “I got through it” to “I made progress.”

So, yes- Make Mondays Work for You

You don’t have to hate Mondays… they can be the most powerful day of your week if you approach them with intention.

By preparing in advance, creating a routine you enjoy, and shifting your mindset, you can turn Mondays into a launchpad for success rather than a day to dread.

So, the next time Monday rolls around, remember: it’s not the day that’s the problem; it’s how you handle it. Try these strategies and see how they transform your Mondays (and maybe even your entire week).

Now, tell us, what’s one thing you’ll do differently next Monday?