Aimée Roe

Intern

Let’s chase away the Monday blues this Mental Health Awareness Day

10 October 2022

The weekend is over and the Sunday scaries have turned into Monday blues. Is your “Beer-fear” high and work morale low? Don’t panic, we’ve got you covered! Today is World Mental Health Day, and we are here to help you start the week as you mean to go on. Let’s start with some top tips for Monday morning, to take you

FROM THIS:

Mood 1

TO THIS:

Mood 2

1️⃣ Start by changing that alarm sound you hate so much…

Your alarm is the first thing you hear in the day which has a bigger impact than you might think. Sometimes we associate that dreaded alarm sound with negativity and feelings of not wanting to get out of bed. Break the cycle, and change your alarm to your favourite song. It may seem like a small change but sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference!

2️⃣ Frame your thinking, plan ahead and get organised

Often we go into Mondays with a feeling of impending doom. This is often caused by the amount we have to achieve in the upcoming week. Write a list or make a general plan for the week. Organising your thoughts and distributing your tasks evenly from day to day can make them seem more achievable.

3️⃣ Generate good vibes… put some lively tunes on

Music is said to enhance intelligence and focus, improve mental health, and boost the immune system as well as self-esteem and confidence. It can be used to relax, to boost and lift our mood, or to improve concentration. Need we say more…

4️⃣ If you can bear it, hit the (early-bird) gym, endorphins are a game changer

We know what you’re thinking… What sort of crazy person wants to get up before lectures and go to the gym? While this is an understandable question, try it once and you may surprise yourself. Besides keeping you fit, morning exercise can also:

  • Encourage healthier eating throughout the day
  • Boost your energy
  • Improve focus and cognition
  • Improve your mood
  • Help you sleep better

5️⃣ It’s ok to take breaks

This one is important so you don’t burn out too early in the week. Allow yourself to take a moment, get a coffee, go for a walk, or chat with a friend. If you do this, you’ll be far more productive when you are working and you’ll find you get a lot more done.