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How to Stop Dreading Mondays

Ebony James


Does Monday feel like a slap in the face after a weekend of peace and quiet? For many business owners, the start of the week looms like an insurmountable mountain of tasks, emails, and meetings. But here’s the thing: Mondays don’t have to suck. In fact, with a few mindset shifts and actionable strategies, Mondays can set the tone for a productive and (dare I say) enjoyable week.



stressed out man on a Monday


Keep reading to learn how to stop dreading Mondays and start seeing them as a fresh start instead of a looming storm.


SN: I’ve been implementing my TEEA CEO Planning Session early AM on Mondays and they have truly been a blessing to my life and my business. 


Step 1: Plan Your Week on Friday

One of the biggest reasons Mondays feel overwhelming is the uncertainty of what’s waiting for you. Spending 20-30 minutes every Friday afternoon to map out the week ahead can remove that anxiety. Think of it as a gift to your future self. By the time Monday rolls around, you’ll know exactly where to start and what to focus on.


📌 Action Step: Before closing out on Friday, list your top three priorities (or big rocks) for Monday and block time in your calendar for them.


Step 2: Redefine Your Monday Morning Routine

Dragging yourself out of bed to face a flood of emails isn’t exactly motivating. Instead, create a Monday routine that starts your day with intention and calm. This could mean taking 30 minutes for a quiet coffee, reading, or even a quick workout, whatever makes you feel ready to tackle the day.


📌 Pro Tip: Set a non-negotiable Monday morning routine that helps you ease into work instead of diving straight into disorganization.


Step 3: Tackle the “Big Thing” First

We’ve all got that one task that looms larger than the rest. Instead of letting it cast a shadow over your entire day, make it the first thing you tackle on Monday. By knocking it out early, you’ll feel an immediate sense of accomplishment and free up mental space for the rest of your week.


📌 Action Step: Identify your most critical task for Monday and commit to addressing it before noon.


Step 4: Schedule Something to Look Forward To

Let’s face it: Mondays get a bad rap because they’re all about work. Break the monotony by scheduling something fun or rewarding. This could be lunch with a colleague, an afternoon walk, or even treating yourself to your favorite snack. When there’s something to look forward to, Mondays feel a little less daunting.


📌 Pro Tip: Build a recurring Monday routine that brings you joy, whether it’s a midday coffee run or a short creative break.


Step 5: Protect Your Time and Energy

Mondays aren’t the day to overload your schedule with back-to-back meetings or try to tackle every single item on your to-do list. Be realistic about what you can accomplish and guard your time like it’s your most valuable resource (because it is).


📌 Action Step: Block out focus time on your calendar for Monday mornings to prioritize deep work before distractions set in.


The dread of Mondays often comes from feeling unprepared, overwhelmed, and stuck in a never-ending cycle of “just getting through it.” By planning ahead, prioritizing what matters, and carving out time for joy, you’re not just surviving Mondays, you’re setting the tone for a productive and fulfilling week.


These strategies aren’t about overhauling your life; they’re about making small, intentional changes that shift how you approach the start of your week.


Take Back Your Mondays

Mondays don’t have to feel like a punishment. With a bit of preparation and a fresh perspective, they can become a day you actually look forward to. Start by implementing just one of these steps this week and notice the difference it makes. Before long, you’ll be kicking off every Monday with confidence and clarity.


📌 Action Step: Choose one strategy from this list and put it into practice next Monday. Your business, and your mental wellness, will thank you.


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