I just love the fresh smell of coffee (I mean inspiration) on a Monday Morning… Sometimes… Okay never (I’m more of like a 2 pm cup a joe kind of girl). For some, Mondays bring a fresh flood of empowerment and world dominating inspiration. For me, they always seem like a reminder of how behind I am on my inbox and life in general (cue the overwhelm and anxiety).
I’ve been collecting a few things recently that help me get past the Monday blues and today I’m sharing them with you!
Music
While the sun and the warm weather certainly give us an extra incentive to be active, sometimes it’s just not enough. That’s why this Get Off the Couch (or out of bed) playlist is an excellent tool for getting you moving this morning! Not convinced? Here’s how to use the power of music to gain control of your mood.
Decompress
Reached the point of no return where it’s definitely a bad day? Nothing is irreversible. “When you’re having a bad day, your muscles can be extremely tense, aggravating your frustration. If you’re at work, do a light stretch, a brief eye massage to relax from your computer screen, and drink a big glass of water to rehydrate. If you’re working from home, hit the foam roller and do a few yoga poses. Physically relieving tension is the first step to getting your mood back on track.” – Contributor Kate Stutz (here are 10 other easy ways to turn around a bad day from this gem!)
For breakfast (or lunch, or dinner). What’s even the point of being an adult if you don’t have cake for breakfast every once in a while? And if Kate Spade approves a la this thermal mug (the best $18 ever spent if you ask me) and other “Eat Cake for Breakfast” merch (there’s a watch, phone case, and sleepshirt – because cake + comfort = bliss), I’m in. Plus, every boring Monday meeting can turn into a celebration if you just bring cake, so baby be the life of the party!
Turn to Nature
Simply passing trees, plants, and greenery on your way to work can boost your mood and relieve stress. It can even be more energizing than coffee. SAY WHAT?! Don’t believe me, read this.
Make the Bed (seriously)
Nicole Amesbury, Therapist and Head of Clinical Development at Talkspace (an app that connects users digitally with a licensed therapist), encourages, “Making your bed can change your mentality in two different ways: 1) you won’t want to go back to sleep because once it’s neat, you won’t want to mess it up; 2) while you’re making your bed, you’ve already made up your mind to start the day.” Check out more of Nicole’s Gem tips in Petra Monaco’s post on structuring your day to promote strong mental health.
No matter when you’re reading this, let’s face it, Monday is coming. It’s tough, but you’re tougher and you’ve got this, Gem! <3