How often, during the week, do we find ourselves wondering, ‘Is it Friday yet?’ While the majority of us are aware of the concept of “it’s a short life, we best make the most of it,” the reality is, we typically end up living out a condensed variation of our “dream life” on the weekends.
By doing this, we don’t only miss out on the present, but we also put so much pressure on ourselves (and our loved ones) to have an exceptional Friday and Saturday night, every weekend. Yet, how can you put an end to this, you ask? Well, we at Mind and Body Counseling Associates, Reno, Nevada, have come up with 13 ways in which you can stop living for the weekend.
#1 Change Your Mindset
Learn to make a conscious effort to monitor the thoughts that come into your mind, first thing, when you wake up on a Monday morning. If it’s anything along the lines of, “Oh no, it’s Monday”, you’ve ruined your mood before even getting out of bed.
This can be tough to alter – especially if you are not happy at your job – so, here is a trick. Whenever you’re feeling happy or something great is taking place in your life, sing or hum a few lines to a happy song. Be sure to use the same song every time. Then, when you wake up on a Monday morning, or if you feel yourself getting sad, sing your happy song. It may sound silly, but it really works!
Also, try initiating a complaining ban on work. And make this a 24/7 ban – something your family and friends will most likely appreciate too.
#2 Stop Waiting for ‘That Special Moment’
Pop open the champaign you received as a gift two years ago. Better yet, drink it out of a fancy glass. Put on your best jewelry, use your special perfume / cologne, burn those candles. Stop trying to keep all of your best things for ‘that special moment’ and make every day special.
#3 Get Sufficient Sleep
Try going to bed extra early on one day during the week. Leave the dishes in the sink, forget about the dirty laundry, and disregard your to do list. Instead, put on some new bedding, take a warm bath / shower, and prioritise going to sleep.
#4 Go Out During the Week
Make plans for a night during the week. Go for dinner and drinks with some friends, or out to watch a movie. Don’t reserve ‘having fun’ for weekends only.
#5 Face the Hard Tasks First
You’ve heard this one before, but are you doing it? Reorder your to do list by prioritising the tasks you are most dreading. Then, when you’ve completed those, you’ll be fueled with both a sense of relief and accomplishment, which is bound to get you through the rest of the day.
#6 Make Time to Watch the Sunset
When we’re on vacation, we usually plan our evening activities to take place while watching the sunset. After all, what could be better than watching the sun go down while sipping on your favourite beer / cocktail? However, when we return home, we often spend this golden hour on the couch in front of the TV. Try making time, each week, to watch the sunset, instead, and bring that ‘holiday feeling’ to your work week.
#7 Be Thankful
Starting taking note of three things you are grateful for on a daily basis. Alternatively, keep a record of good memories, as they’re taking place, on your phone. That way, when you’re feeling down, you can look back at your list and be reminded of all you have to be thankful for.
#8 Make the Most of Your Breaks
Shout out to everyone sitting eating lunch at their desk. We see you! If you find it difficult to take time out from work in order to have a proper break, try to at least move away from your desk every now and then. Grab a coffee, take a walk to the other side of the office, go outside. Taking regular breaks from your work will greatly improve your productivity and your mood.
What’s more, depending on how much leave you have, take a day off every 1-2 months. Use it to sleep in, go away for the weekend, or run some errands. Don’t be like so many who have tons of unused vacation days at the end of each year.
Click here to read about the shocking truth behind “being busy”.
#9 Take Steps to Change Your Life
Undoubtedly a far bigger undertaking than the other points listed here, but the truth must be faced. If you truly despise Mondays and you find it really hard to get out of bed every morning and face the day. There is probably something – or a few things – in your life you need to change.
If you dislike your job, start looking for a different one. It just takes a small step to get going. And, the sooner you start, the sooner you will find yourself looking forward to Monday.
#10 Make Your Home a Peaceful Oasis
We recommend two ways of going about this. Firstly, reduce the time you spend on house cleaning. Hire someone to help, spend a day decluttering, and / or lower your standards. Do you really need to be cleaning every day? No.
What’s more, try to create a special atmosphere at home. Burn incense or candles, put fresh flowers in a vase, hang up some fairy lights. Then, come home, don’t turn on the TV, but put some music on and just relax.
#11 Find a Hobby You’re Passionate About
Grab hold of something that excites you. Begin scrapbooking, start taking photos, learn how to sew, set up a small business, write – the possibilities are infinite. Finding something you love doing will provide you with a sense of fulfilment you aren’t getting from your ‘real’ job.
#12 Transform your Commute
Just the thought of facing the endless amount of traffic to get to work each day can be overwhelming. Here are some ways to make the most out of your journey to and from work:
- Call loved ones while you travel
- Pack a flask of coffee and a treat
- Use cruise control
- Listen to audio books or a podcast
- Learn a new language
- Change your work hours to avoid the traffic
#13 Be Mindful
To be mindful is to be present and, meditation is one of the best ways to achieve mindfulness. Therefore, if you find your thoughts jumping ahead to your weekend plans, try to practice meditation in order to bring your focus back to the present.
