Today was a long one, folks. I am currently sitting in a company vehicle locked out of my own home because I left my keys and garage opener in my personal car and the keypad to the garage picked today to poop out.
I went in early today and was really looking forward to being home before five. The driveway will have to suffice. I have Taco Bell so there is hope.
Mondays.
We could get philosophical about Mondays and how there is no reason to dislike the day more than any other unless you dislike your job. I believe I am speaking to the masses (A recent Forbes article says that 53% of Americans are dissatisfied at their jobs) when I say we often feel lack-luster coming off of a weekend high.
If you are like me, life is currently playing out a complicated plot line and right now, so my job is where I am and planning for the future is the best I can do. And that can feel really tough. It is easy to have a bad taste in our mouths, but we are responsible much of our own happiness.
And there are things we can do to uncover some joy in even the worst of days. For example, I just ate the tacos I promised my husband. It sure made sitting in this car not so bad, but I will have to explain myself later.
I have been battling the Monday blues for months now, reporting to a job where I am not experiencing the satisfaction I want. To stay sane and keep a smile on my face, I have found these five things to be extremely helpful:
- When I start to spiral into negative thoughts, I pull out some blank paper and write down things that I am thankful for until I feel better. Some times, this can be accomplished after one or two recent memories come to mind. Other times, I am close to running out of paper before I feel some relief from the gloom. It is so healthy to encourage your brain to sit in a positive space. Think of it like a timeout or a rebooting period; we all need them, and there is no shame in taking that time for yourself to improve your mood.
- If that doesn’t work, I have to stand up. My body needs to move and experience a different kind of challenge than my negative emotions. This could be a quick walk, going to visit someone at work who you know makes you smile, or for the crazier people a series of ten squats/ten leg raises/ten desk push-ups. Physical movement can be a great energizer and will hopefully jog your subconscious out of whatever funk it was in. Pun intended.
- Phone a friend! Or your momma! Step away from your coworkers and your desk and take a ‘five minute productivity break’ to get back on track. This one is great, because your friend or relative may also need a tele-communicated hug. Stay obnoxiously positive for this conversation and carry that mindset with you back to your work space. For example, calling someone and opening the conversation with “man, I am just having a rough day and need to talk” will not be as helpful for you as saying “hello, I am thinking of you and really wanted to say hi!”.
- Surround yourself with things that make you happy, especially on days where you know this might be challenging. I have pictures that my little sisters colored for me hanging in my office and a stash of my favorite munchies for desperate times. If it is Monday morning and you are three mini-disasters in to your day, go get the specialty coffee drink or double Burger King breakfast sandwich that you love now and may or may not regret later. Wear your cutest or most comfortable outfits on your hardest days.
- If you are a praying person, pray. God works in unexpected ways to help those who ask for it. Be cautious not to work your negative thoughts into your relationship with God: I am guilty of praying and quickly finding bitterness in what feels like Him failing to acknowledge my struggles. Prayer is a humble reminder to us that even when we are frustrated or depressed, there will be fruition from our pain. Specifically, pray for patience and understanding from God as you go through your day and ask for reminders that you are loved. Sometimes a little love on a Monday is all we need, and there is no better than the Grace of God!
I hope these things are useful for you. Constant vigilance! Fortify your mind! Do your very best not to let your own emotional responses dictate your day. Our smiles are far too valuable to be masked by the monotony of Monday.
