Ah, that dreaded Monday afternoon motivational slump. Notorious for bring down the vibe whether you’re working from an office, your kitchen table or even the most inspiring of co-working spaces. If you often find yourself struggling to stay focused and energized at 3pm on a Monday (especially those days when the to-do list is long!) we’ve got just the remedy for you: A few tips to keep those Monday blues at bay, reinvigorate your afternoon and advice to help you power through the rest of your day like a the superwoman you are. Let's get into it!
Power Up with a (Healthy) Snack 🍏
Nothing makes a better distraction from our laptop screens than the urge to get up and browse the snack cabinet. Overcoming a serious case of the munchies is not an easy task, especially on a mundane Monday afternoon. That’s where some planning ahead can seriously help, rather than simply relying on willpower. Instead of reaching for a sugary snack that will send you crashing later, opt for a healthy pick-me-up like a handful of nuts, some fresh fruit or a hard-boiled egg (make sure to season it up with some salt and pepper!). Not only will these healthy snacks will give you the energy boost you need, but you’ll feel better about avoiding a mindless sugar-induced roller coaster ride and can indulge in something even more tasty for dinner later.
Get Up, Get Moving (and Maybe Even Get Dancing) 🕺
Instead of staring at your little square on Zoom, take that afternoon call from your headphones and do a few laps around the building or your neighborhood. Not only will you get some steps in, but you’ll get the creative juices flowing. Or, if you have a meeting-free afternoon (blessed), treat yourself to an iced coffee run or quick stretch session in the grass outside. Whatever you choose to do, just getting your legs moving is a great way to wake yourself up from the inevitable afternoon coma.
And have some fun with it — maybe even throw in a few dance moves to also boost your mood if you're feeling particularly groovy. Just simply getting up from behind your computer screen and getting your body moving is enough to get your blood flowing — your body will be more alert because of it, avoiding that late afternoon energy crash.
Embrace Positive Procrastination 🐌
Yep, you read that right – positive procrastination. If you're finding it hard to focus on your main task, tackle some smaller, less intimidating tasks first. Knocking out a few quick wins can give you a sense of accomplishment and the motivation to tackle the big stuff later. The momentum of getting things done is bound to snowball, and finally when you feel ready to tackle that big task, you just might realize it wasn’t so bad as you were imagining it to be in your head.
Chance Up Your Surroundings 🌳
Mondays are only boring because the monotony of your same old weekly routine is back. So why not mix things up? Next time you start to feel an afternoon slump coming on, step outside and take a mini adventure somewhere around your workplace or neighborhood. Explore a new hallway, chat with a colleague you haven't caught up with in a while, or discover a hidden nook for a quick change of scenery. A little change can go a long way in boosting your energy and motivation.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate 💦
It sounds simple, but water really is like a magic potion. Dehydration — which most of us constantly are — can make you feel sluggish and tired. So make sure to keep a water bottle handy and make a habit of constantly sipping on it throughout the day. Bonus points if you add some fresh lemon or cucumber for a refreshing twist!
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So there you have it – five simple ways to stay focused and energized on a Monday afternoon. Sure, we’d all prefer to be lounging at the beach, but with these tricks you’ll be better prepared to push through those idealistic daydreams that have you nodding off at your desk. Remember, keeping things fun and lighthearted is the secret — that goes for Monday afternoons and for life in general! Mondays may be a challenge, but with the right mindset and with these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be able to conquer them like a champ. Here's to a productive and energized rest of the day, you’ve got this!
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Thanks for checking out The Deep Clean, Tidy Plan's blog full of tips and advice to help you declutter your mind and build good habits. We're all about self-care, productivity, organization, and are here to assist you on your personal growth journey to become your best self!
