Monday: the word that has become synonymous with dread, drowsiness, and despair. No, the idea of waking up to the realization that another week full of classwork and studying is beginning isn’t always appealing (especially when you have an 8 am!!), but the only way a new week of adventures can start is with a Monday morning. Besides, it’s pretty hard to absolutely despise Mondays when everyone knows that Monday night is Bachelor night! Luckily, it doesn’t take rocket science (or a ton of time, or money) to ensure that your Monday goes a little smoother. Follow these five simple steps to give yourself the best odds possible of having a wonderful week by giving the first day of the week a much needed boost.
Go. To. Bed. Early. Sunday. Night.
Of course, it’s tempting to stay up until two in the morning marathon-watching New Girl on Sunday night since you’re finally all caught up on your coursework, but you are going to be far more productive in the long run if you put the Netflix (or cell phone, or laptop) down before 12 am, and actually get the sleep you deserve and need to make waking up the next morning easier. It’s also advisable that you don’t save your homework until Sunday night (which, who DOESN’T?) and spread it out over the weekend (like doing a reading or two Saturday morning when you wake up) so you don’t have to stay up late Sunday night. Easier said than done, though. Start small. Start by simply laying out your outfit for Monday morning before you go to sleep Sunday night, or at the very least, plan it out mentally, so when your alarm sounds and another week begins, you’re sure you’re going to look put together. When you feel composed, you’re already starting the week off on the right foot.
Make a cup of tea before you head to class.
Who doesn’t love tea? Renowned for a wide variety of flavors, its flavorful taste, and an ever-growing list of medical benefits, tea is a girl’s best friend. According to studies published on the topic by the United States National Library of Medicine, “Drinking the beverage tea has been considered a health promoting habit since ancient times. The modern medicinal research is proving a scientific basis for this belief. The evidence supporting the health benefits of tea drinking grows stronger with each new study that is published in the scientific literature.” By brewing a cup of this delectable drink before class (which you can customize to your specific taste buds by adding sugar, honey, and more), you’re going to kick not only your Monday, but your entire week, off to a healthy start. Furthermore, tea helps give you that little extra bit of energy you need to take on the morning, without being as aggressively caffeinated as coffee is. If you have time, you can drink your cup before you leave your dorm room (bonus points if you use a cute mug!), but if you don’t have time (and let’s be honest – Monday mornings are hectic, so who does?), put it in your favorite to-go cup, and head to class!
Check your horoscope…why not?
No, maybe there’s not any scientific basis for horoscopes, so they’re by no means accurate predictors of precisely what’s going to happen in the upcoming week. However, it’s pretty fun to read what astrologists claim “the stars” predict will happen to you this week! Why not start your Monday morning by checking out your weekly horoscope? The Free People blog puts one out every Sunday that is typically eerily accurate, but Astrostyle is another website to check out for sure! Just remember not to read too far into your horoscope; yes, they’re fun to look at and compare with your friends, but they’re not backed by facts, and they’re just an interpretation.
Make time for yourself to relax.
Mondays can be stressful! Chances are you’ve just been thrown into another week of quizzes, homework, and other tasks that need to be completed in an accurate and timely manner, which isn’t always an exciting thought, but a fact of life. If possible, carve some time out in your busy Monday schedule to relax, by either hitting the gym with pals, reading your favorite book (if you don’t have a favorite book, I have two words for you: READ GATSBY), or chatting on the phone with your family back home. You’ll instantly feel more chill. Promise.
Make plans to do something later on in the week.
You’ve successfully braved Monday morning, so you deserve to treat yourself. Make a plan with your friends to grab coffee, go see a movie you’ve all been obsessing over, or decide to take a trip to the city later in the week. You’ve earned it!