No matter how much you love your job (even those of us who are 100% passionate about what we do)–a slight case of the Mondays is inevitable. I’ve learned how to ease the pain over the years with a mix of the following:
1. Sunday date nights. My guy and I usually have a couple hours of work to do on Sundays. After completing our to-do lists and prepping for the week ahead we make sure to treat ourselves (lately this has meant baja tacos and Coronas at our go-to casual mexican spot–Cafe Capricio). It’s a fun way to round out the weekend and chat about the upcoming week.
2. Wake up earlier. This may not sound enjoyable, but in every job I’ve ever had I always feel best when I get in before my boss. Prepping for the day without the added pressure of seeing them around the office was huge for me. I’m also someone who loves my “me” time in the mornings so if setting my alarm 20 minutes earlier means I get to browse The Edit and read my favorite blogs while sipping my morning coffee I’ll do it.
3. Shower, style your hair, and prep your outfit the night before. There’s something to be said for starting the week off on the right note. Prepped is one thing–but it’s also key to not look like you rolled in after a weekend of partying. (We’ve all been there–wash Saturday night out of your hair). When I lived in San Francisco and commuted to Palo Alto for work, showering and styling my hair the night before was the key to avoiding a stressful morning. I also preferred to wear my favorite outfits on Mondays. Dressing your best makes you feel your best so cure that case of the Mondays by wearing an outfit that makes you feel on your A game.
4. Set up your coffee machine the night before. I don’t know when I became this person, but I need my caffeine fix as soon as I wake up. Setting up our Nespresso Lattissima Touch and making sure we have my favorite espresso capsules solves any out of coffee panic attacks. (Is there anything worse?!!)
5. Try a new workout class. I’ve been on a yoga kick for the past couple months and jump starting my day with a meditative and invigoratingly sweaty session has made me a better person overall. Half joking, but mainly serious–I’ve been recruiting my girlfriends to come with.
6. Monday morning blowouts. A few of my New York girlfriends treat themselves to Monday morning blowouts to start the week with fresh hair, and I think it’s pretty genius. For starters you don’t have to worry about styling your hair in the morning and secondly, it usually lasts a few days so you’ve got stylish hair working in your favor for half the week.
7. Treat yourself. If you pack your lunch give yourself something fun to look forward to in that brown bag. Maybe you treat yourself to a pressed juice on Mondays, splurge on that bagel and cream cheese, or a flavored latte to sip during your commute. When at ELLE I always let myself buy breakfast on Monday mornings–getting in early and enjoying my egg sandwich while browsing my favorite fashion sites was always a highlight.
The Look | Zady Tee. IRO Pants (similar) + Booties (also here use code: GIVEME50 for 50% off). Celine Bag.
8. End the day on a high note. Having something to look forward to on Mondays (or Sunday nights) is key. This doesn’t have to be trying a new restaurant–but think more about mini highs. In New York this meant I would often treat myself to a Sunday or Monday evening manicure to start the week off. My guy and I miss our NYC evening walks home from work and started going for evening walks here in Sacramento around the neighborhood before dinner. I love catching up with him and unwinding from the day.
Photography by Ashley Maxwell