The Secret to Making Monday Your Most Productive Day of the Week
If even just thinking about Monday makes you feel drained, it’s time to take your life back. A few easy productivity tips can make a world of difference in combatting the Monday blues. The secret is that Monday productivity actually starts over the weekend. Instead of struggling through another week of putting out fires, do a little strategic planning and organizing ahead of time.
“Spend time on Sunday in the late morning or afternoon reviewing and prepping for your upcoming weekly events,” says Amelia Meena, owner of Appleshine Organization + Design. This leaves Sunday evening for unwinding, and Monday morning for jumping into work with the least resistance possible.
Setting yourself up for success will make it easier to start work and less tempting to procrastinate. “You’ll not only improve your productivity on Monday, but you’ll also create a more structured, efficient work routine for the rest of the week,” says organizing expert Rachel Rosenthal, owner of the professional organizing firm, Rachel and Company. “Organizing your time, workspace, and tasks helps you reduce stress, stay focused and maintain a higher level of accomplishment throughout the entire day.”
Here's how to plan ahead for a smoother start on Monday, and a more productive week overall:
Do a Sunday reset.
Set yourself up for success on Monday by prepping on Sunday. “I handle practical tasks like packing my work bag, prepping my daughter’s school items, loading the dishwasher and setting up the coffee machine,” says professional organizer Laura Kinsella of Urban OrgaNYze. “These small actions create a calm morning, freeing up my energy for work priorities and handling any unexpected hiccups.”
RELATED: Things Organized People Do Every Sunday to Have a More Productive Week
Prioritize tasks.
But don’t be too hard on yourself. “Just because it's Monday doesn’t mean everything on your list is going to get handled,” says Ann Lightfoot, cofounder of Done & Done Home. “Figure out the three most important things that need to be addressed, and focus on those.” Prioritizing will make it easier to jump into your work, as well.
RELATED: Things Professional Organizers Do Every Day to Be More Productive
Declutter your workspace.
Getting rid of clutter is always a good thing! “A clutter-free environment can significantly boost your focus and overall productivity,” says Rosenthal. “Before you dive into your work, organize your workspace by clearing away unnecessary items, filing paperwork, and eliminating distractions. A clean and organized desk promotes mental clarity and helps you stay on task.”
RELATED: The 14-Day Declutter Guide
Tackle the biggest chore first.
Focusing on the big stuff helps you achieve a sense of accomplishment that fuels your momentum for the rest of the day. “When you take care of the most difficult item early on, everything else feels easier in comparison,” says Rosenthal. Knocking out the biggest task will mean you have nothing to dread for the rest of the day. Set a timer to stay on track, close unnecessary tabs, turn off notifications and silence your phone to eliminate distractions.
Or start with the smallest task.
On the other hand, some people feel more productive when they tackle little jobs first. A sense of accomplishment early in the day can drive the rest of your work. “Not every Monday begins with boundless motivation,” says Kinsella. “When my energy feels low, I start with small, quick wins, like responding to a simple scheduling email. These bite-sized tasks help build momentum for tackling bigger projects.”
Schedule the big stuff for Tuesdays.
Push big deadlines back by a day. Instead of putting the pressure on yourself on the first day of the week, "leave Monday as a day for prep and productivity, without the stress of performance,” says Meena. “It will be much easier to get stuff done without trying to cram it in before a big appointment.”
Consider getting a head start.
Sometimes the quiet of early morning can be just what you need to feel more balanced as you start the week. “If Mondays really cause you a lot of stress, you may want to wake up a little earlier than usual,” says Lightfoot. “Even a half-hour may give you the jumpstart you need to feel in control for the rest of the day and week.”
Eat a good breakfast.
Maybe it seems like a little thing, but you can’t focus if you’re hungry and tired. Take care of you, which means getting to bed on time and eating right — not just grabbing a cup of coffee on the way out the door. “If you struggle to have a positive attitude at the beginning of the week, make sure you take the time to have a nourishing breakfast and hydrate throughout the day,” says Lightfoot. “Little things can make a big difference in your outlook.”
RELATED: Easy Breakfast Ideas for Even the Busiest Mornings
Limit distractions.
While phones and email are essential tools, they can quickly become productivity traps. “I set clear boundaries based on the day’s demands,” says Kinsella. “For example, on client days, I check email only twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. On work-from-home days, I designate email check-ins between tasks. I also silence social media notifications.” By controlling what’s constantly demanding your attention, you’ll be more efficient.
Take breaks.
If you’re feeling unfocused or have a case of the Monday blues, stop and take a deep breath. “Step outside for fresh air, or adjust your approach,” says Kinsella. “Productivity naturally ebbs and flows, and embracing breaks is essential for maintaining long-term efficiency and avoiding burnout.” Forcing yourself to work when you really just need a break won't help anything.
Reward yourself.
Pick a Monday night reward for your super-productive morning. “Leave work early, plan dinner with friends, get to a workout class, turn off your phone and take a hot bath,” says Meena. “Do something restorative at the end of the day, giving you motivation to make the most of the morning.”
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