Fight the Monday Blues: Try These Quick Pick-Me-Ups Now
Unfortunately, starting each new week isn’t always easy – especially when you’re coming back from a long weekend or an amazing vacation. If you’re worried about how you’ll fight those Monday blues when you return, these pick-me-ups could help improve your mood and provide the Monday motivation you need to get through your first day back.
Eat wisely
When you’re feeling tired or a little rundown, sugary and starchy foods can seem like the most appealing options because of the instant energy boost they provide. In reality, the sugar crash they create a few hours after eating them can make you feel worse than you did in the first place.
For optimal results, plan to eat a well-balanced breakfast full of protein, whole grains and healthy fats. Contrary to popular belief, breakfast isn’t the time to scrimp on calories, so eat a hearty breakfast even if it’s larger than you’d normally eat during the week. Not only will this strategy provide you with the energy you need to make it until lunch without snacking, but it will also make it easier for you to avoid the heavy lunch fare that will bring down your energy levels in the afternoon.
Caffeinate responsibly
While drinking a cup of coffee or strong tea first thing in the morning can be an excellent way to get the quick pick-me-up you need to get going, it’s too easy to let that first cup of coffee turn into a tenth cup of coffee in the afternoon, which can disrupt your ability to sleep well at night. Before you go for a refill, consider trying other energy boosters first.
Enjoy superstar scents
In some cases, energizing scents can provide just as much energy and vitality as the food you eat. Although everyone has different scents that they love, starting with any of the scents on this list could give you the energy boost you need most:
- Cinnamon
- Citrus
- Lavender
- Mint.
Incorporating these scents into your day can be done through a variety of methods. You could chew a piece of cinnamon gum, eat an orange with breakfast or light a candle. Once you know which scent works best for you, you can keep a small bottle of its essential oil in your desk so that you can get the little pick-me-up whenever you need it.
Tickle your funny bone
Let’s face it; nothing is able to chase away a case of the Monday blues quite like laughing. Since forcing yourself to laugh can feel strange, you may want to create a playlist of funny video clips or snippets of comedy routines that you can’t see without cracking up. Taking as little as five minutes out of your day to laugh can turn your entire outlook around and make you more productive.
Get moving
When all else fails, get up from your desk and get moving. Try doing a lap around the building or walking up and down a flight of stairs. If you’re in an office where you can close the door, jogging in place or doing a few jumping jacks can be enough to get your heart pumping and encourage your brain to release those feel-good endorphins. If you’re planning to take an extended activity break, be sure you’ve got a playlist of the most upbeat songs you know so that you can reap even more benefits from the exercise.