What do you do at the start of the work week to prioritize your mental health?

14 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 27,2023 at 9:46PM UTC

   I schedule my down time, my meditation practice and my exercise . I also schedule my alone time.

2. AnonymousMarch 27,2023 at 11:17PM UTC

   I've been reading about this trend called "soft Mondays." People have been prioritizing Mondays to set up the work week; this could look like no meetings on Mondays, blocking out time to read up on emails that were missed the end of previous week, making your to-do list for the week, handle any personal administrative tasks, making time to read, and organizing time on your calendar for down time for yourself.

   Since I work remotely, I have a "fake commute." The time I would use to commute to the office, I repurpose it to meditate, read devotional content and do yoga/breathwork. I also like to carve out time to journal. Once a week I treat myself to a coffee shop run!

   If you can't commit the whole day to easing into the week then I would at least carve out the first two hours in your Monday AM (or you can do it everyday of the week) uninterrupted focus time. Then, I'd take any meetings in the afternoon.

   Of course, set your calendar based on what works for you! If you know you're more productive and focused in AM, then tackle your big work in the AM and keep your afternoon light.

3. Barb HansenMarch 28,2023 at 1:32AM UTC

   I try to end my previous week well so my Monday's are calmer which helps me

   If I have a big project that I'm starting on Monday, or a report due or a meeting that requires my attention early in the next week, I find time on Friday to prepare. Sometimes preparing can be writing an outline for a project or just spending some time mentally preparing or writing some notes to myself.

   I try to schedule between 30 minutes and an hour on my calendar Friday afternoon to do this preparation work.

   Some weeks, I don't get this time but the weeks that i do, my Monday's always go better, and I feel less stressed and more in control.

4. Carolyn HipkinsMarch 29,2023 at 12:38PM UTC

   That's a great idea!

5. MislynMarch 29,2023 at 1:53AM UTC

   Actually it feels so good not to have to do anything now to prepare for the next work week. Once you find the right job you can go in Monday morning fresh relaxed with no anxiety or stress looming above your head. Your job should never be so bad that it affects your mental health.

6. AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 12:42PM UTC

   I bullet journal, recite some daily affirmations for 5minutes.

7. Kimberly GrahamMarch 29,2023 at 3:19PM UTC

   Yes! Bullet Journals are so effective!

8. Georgia ComptonMarch 29,2023 at 2:27PM UTC

   Exercise, prioritize a good night's rest (8 hours is best for me), and meal prep to make sure I am filling my body with healthy foods to keep my brain and body feeling good!

9. M Elizabeth IngramMarch 29,2023 at 2:44PM UTC

   I block off time to focus for the rest of the week and try to knock a couple of quick but important items off my list so I start feeling accomplished.

10. Courtney AndersonMarch 29,2023 at 4:09PM UTC

    I block off the first half-hour of every day to drink coffee, look through emails, and plan for the day without distractions.

11. Michaela ClintApril 19,2023 at 10:18AM UTC

    That first half hour is critical! I need that first half hour to “regroup” and ease into the day. Have people been respectful of that block?

12. AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 11:11PM UTC

    I look at my weekly schedule and plan my trips to the gym. I put “unavailable “ for that hour.

13. AnonymousMarch 30,2023 at 10:48AM UTC

    I block time in my calendar not only for tasks I have to do but breaks and “log off” time. The worst thing is having too many meetings scheduled eating up your whole day and overriding self care and time to do tasks

14. Kerry HoganMarch 30,2023 at 6:10PM UTC

    I block out time on my calendar for work tasks and make a to do list in my planner for personal tasks. It gives me a feeling of control over my work and home priorities for the week. This allows me to save some time to take care of myself and my family, which makes me happier in work.