5 Steps to Stop Hating Monday Mornings

I'm sure at some point we have all experienced feelings of gloom as Monday is approaching. When the thought of having to go back to work and face all of the worries that you shoved aside on Friday creeps in, it can be really hard to deal with. A couple of months ago I realised just how much this feeling was getting me down and I decided to see what I could do to fix it. These are some of the things that really helped me, and I hope they will help you too!

1. wind down

As the anxious feelings often start to set in on Sunday evening, it's important to make this time as relaxing as possible. Some things you can do to help wind down include:

- going for an evening walk to burn off any excess energy that might keep you awake

- eating an early dinner so your body has time to digest it properly

- taking a long bath with either bath salts (these ones are amazing) or something soothing and bubbly (I'm loving this lavender bath bomb right now)

2. Sleep Well 

This is something you will have heard countless times before, but it's so important to get a good nights sleep. I know that this can be easier said than done (especially for an ex-insomniac like myself), but some things that can help include:

- Spray calming scents such as lavender around your bed which have been proven to help to relax the mind, this pillow spray from This Works is great
- don't use your phone or laptop for at least half an hour before bed
- invest in a "body clock" which mimics a natural sunset to trick your mind into feeling ready for sleep, I use this one from Lumie

3. Be Prepared

On a Sunday I like to lay out my clothes for the next day, pack my bag with my purse, keys and oyster card, and lay out the makeup that I plan to wear, just to limit the decisions that I will have to make in the morning, and it really helps! Another tip is to make sure your space is clean, I clean the whole house on a Sunday morning as I can't relax properly when I'm surrounded by mess. Ideally all of this should be completed before 5pm or it will be more difficult to wind down for sleep. 

4. Enjoy

You should always make sure that you're eating a healthy and tasty breakfast to kick start your day, but it's extra important on a Monday. This overnight oats recipe from Oh She Glows is a great option as it doesn't require too much prep in the morning. I find that watching youtube videos whilst I do my makeup helps to stop my mind from wandering to the days worries, I watch makeup tutorials with the occasional documentary, but you should watch whatever makes you happy! Where possible, wearing new clothes or makeup on a Monday morning will make you feel better about yourself, it can also give the feeling of a fresh start.

5. plan something fun for the week

This one is obvious, if you have something coming up that you're looking forward to then you'll dread the start of the week a lot less! Even if it's something small like a Tuesday night trip to the cinema, or the more budget friendly "movie night in" option with your favourite film and a bucket of popcorn, it'll give you something to focus on other than work woes.

I hope these tips are helpful! Though I wouldn't exactly call myself a "Monday person" yet, since making these changes I definitely feel better about starting my week, and let's face it, Mondays are never as bad as we expect they will be. Let me know if you have special routines that you use to kickstart your week.

Fx