Sheila Grosdidier
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You've just wrapped up a relaxing weekend free from emergencies. On Saturday you chilled, read a book, and watched a movie.
On Sunday you trounced your kids in a rousing game of Wii Sports. Now it's Monday, your least favorite day of the week. Every
Monday morning, you drag yourself out of bed, snarl through your first cup of coffee, and scoot through the practice doors
with just minutes to spare. You're in a funk the entire day. You're suffering from the Monday blues, and you're definitely
not alone.
But Mondays don't have to be a complete buzz kill. Consider these tips to bring a little sunshine to the beginning of your
workweek. Then brainstorm your own ideas for how to greet every morning with a smile.
1. Start preparing for Monday on Sunday night. What will you eat for breakfast? Plan something rewarding that will energize you. For instance, this might be the one day
of the week you stop by a coffeehouse on the way to work. Or maybe you treat yourself to a hot breakfast at home.
What will you wear? If you lay out your clothes the night before, you should be able to indulge in an extra 15 minutes of
sleep. You'll also avoid the stress of scouring your closet for the right shirt. 2. Start a tradition. Energize your co-workers by asking for their ideas to make Mondays special. For example, you could take turns bringing treats
to work, like donuts, veggies and dip, hot chocolate, or ice cream sundaes.
3. Vary your schedule so you have something to look forward to. You might arrange your yoga or Pilates class for Monday night. Or why not make
Monday your designated day to meet a friend for lunch or to go out with some of the gang from your practice?
4. Center yourself. Too often, there simply isn't time for all the work you need to do. Despite your super efforts, tasks and issues pile up.
And feelings of stress from the previous week often linger through Monday morning.
So take a few minutes at the beginning of the day to center your thoughts and feelings. Take a deep breath and slowly exhale,
releasing the tension in your shoulders, neck, and back. Tell yourself today is only one day and you're just one person. You
may not get everything done, but there will be more time tomorrow. Remind yourself that it's better to complete tasks correctly.
Take a few more deep breaths. As you let the air out say, "I'll accomplish amazing things today, and tomorrow is a new day."
5. Leave your problems at the door. Set up a bowl inside the practice doors and attach a sign that says, "Leave your problems in this bowl. They'll be here for
you to take when you go."
Then think about what you'll do during the day to help pets live longer, healthier lives. Take a vacation from life outside
the practice and focus on what you're doing at work. This will cut stress and increase satisfaction during those challenging
Mondays.
6. Get happy. If you start the week off right, your attitude will be better, and you may help others along the way. Visit http://happyposts.com/, a Web site with uplifting content. It will remind you to smile. And instead of greeting people with comments like, "Of course
this happened, it's Monday," or, "Don't you hate Mondays?" say, "Good Monday!" with a smile. What you say sets the mood for
your co-workers.
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