Asking AI: Beating Monday Blues

 This morning I woke up feeling really upset. I did not have a good night's sleep and this may be in part to some anxiety rolling around in my head.  

So, in view of the recent craze we all seem to have with AI and AI-generated text, I asked ChatGPT to generate an article on beating Monday Blues. 

Here it is with some (a lot!)  of my personalised adaptations and suggestions.

Beating Monday blues involves adopting strategies to start the week on a positive note and alleviate any feelings of stress or reluctance. Here are some tips to help you overcome Monday blues:

A Daffodil in the wild


  1. Plan Ahead on Friday: Ensure that you wrap up your tasks on Friday and create a to-do list for Monday. This helps you have a clear plan when you start the week. It's easy to lose track when picking up some 3 days later!


  3. Positive Mindset: Approach Monday with a positive attitude. Instead of focusing on the beginning of the workweek, think of it as an opportunity for a fresh start. Create your own mindset: if you focus on how bad you're feeling, that's exactly what you will get: more bad feelings.

Focus instead on the 5 days of new opportunities you have to make a difference.

  1. Yellow daffodil


  2. Create a Relaxing Morning Routine: Give yourself extra time in the morning to ease into the day. Enjoy a healthy breakfast, engage in some light exercise, or practice mindfulness to set a positive tone for the day.

I try to wake a little earlier, spend time with my cats or just chill around my house so that I can have that sense of time and space before I head into the office.

  1. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: If you have a large project to tackle on Monday, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can make the workload seem less overwhelming.

I also look back on the list I made the week before and knock off the easier ones first.

  1. Take Breaks: Throughout the day, take short breaks to stretch and relax. This can help improve your focus and productivity.

It's good to start Monday with a bang but if you feel a little less energised, you can build that energy up by finishing off the easier tasks from last week. It gives a sense of achievment that will propel you further into the week with a more positive attitude. Rest in between: remember that you're coming from a weekend away, into full-on office mode. You may need some time to adapt.

  1. Listen to Uplifting Music or Podcasts: Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs or listen to motivational podcasts during your commute to boost your mood.

Of course, this may not always be possible but it does help. If you can find a 10-minute podcast to listen to in the car or as you're getting dressed it may well improve your mindset.

  1. Celebrate Small Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate small accomplishments throughout the day. This positive reinforcement can motivate you to stay productive.

Crossing things off a task list is in itself rewarding.

  1. Connect with Colleagues: Spend some time talking with coworkers, either in person or virtually. Socializing can help create a positive work environment.

You may need to be mindful of others' schedules but it works wonders for the sense of the team.

Connect with colleagues


  1. Plan Something Fun for Monday Evening: Have a plan for something enjoyable at the end of the day, whether it's a hobby, exercise, or spending time with loved ones. It can serve as a positive incentive.

Monday hobbies tend to make the work week more bearable - at least you have something to look forward to at the end of Monday.

  1. Prioritize Self-Care: Ensure you get enough sleep on Sunday night and take care of your physical and mental well-being. A well-rested and healthy body and mind can better cope with the challenges of the day.

You may need to have an early night or arrive home during the early evening. Have a nice meal at home, take a bath, watch a nice film.

  1. Set Realistic Goals: Be realistic about what you can achieve on Monday. Setting achievable goals can help you feel more accomplished by the end of the day.

Creating a list as long as your arm, when you know you cannot complete it, will only exacerbate Monday blues. Review realistically what can and cannot be done today, and focus on that which you can actually achieve today.

Cat with Hat


Remember, everyone experiences Monday blues to some extent, but adopting a positive mindset and incorporating these strategies can help make the transition into the workweek smoother and more enjoyable.

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