Mondays are for me

planning self-care Sep 12, 2024

Who remembers Susanna Hoffs singing Manic Monday with the Bangles? BTW she’s rocking it on Instagram!

I used to dread Mondays. The weekend fun was over, and Monday symbolized the week's long to-do list of work. It often felt heavy and looming as it was overscheduled, trying to both catch-up and get a head start on the week.

But as I began architecting my life, creating more flexibility in my schedule, I decided to make Monday more meaningful- you might even say sacred.

The biggest shift was deciding that I don’t see coaching clients on Monday. I occasionally do a session or two when I have to take time off, but most Mondays are client-free. This makes the day feel more introverted- like me! I do more admin and logistics, some strategic thinking, and writing- like my first draft of this newsletter. I catch up on things like emails, texts, and messages. I also started doing Set it Up Sundays, where I spend an hour with my calendar/planner and see what actually has to be done this week, what I need to plan out, and what I can skip or delegate. This makes coming into Mondays much easier.

Years ago, Kate Northrup taught the mantra: Body First, Business Second. I take that to heart on Monday with a morning in-person pilates mat class at MatWorkz that has helped correct postural patterns, decrease pain, and increase strength and mobility. Monday afternoon, I have a standing appointment at Integrative Wellness Center, where I get a chiropractic adjustment or a network spinal entrainment. Both are designed to support my nervous system and body in dealing with stress and functioning optimally.

Since I leave the house twice on Mondays, I might also run a few errands before or after. Because I enjoy it, I like to cook a meal that takes a little more time as I listen to an audiobook or podcast.

Mondays used to be for dreading, but now Mondays are for me.

How can this apply to you and your Mondays? Is there any way to make Monday easier or add something you look forward to?

Maybe...a walk outside, a Monday night meet-up, or a call with a friend on your commute home?

Kendra Adachi makes Monday night easy when it comes to meals. It's always pasta night because in her house, it’s quick and easy, everyone likes it, and you never have to ask or worry about what’s for dinner on Monday.