Mondays have a reputation for being tough. After a weekend of rest, diving back into emails, meetings, and deadlines can feel overwhelming. However, with the right approach, Mondays don’t have to be a drag. We spoke to professionals in a range of office support jobs in London to find out how they make the most of the start of the week.
· Prepare on Friday
A common theme among those we spoke to was preparation. Being ready for Monday can make all the difference. Barbara, an accounts assistant, said, “I always tidy my desk and draft a to-do list before leaving on Friday. It helps me hit the ground running on Monday without wasting time figuring out where I left off.”
Similarly, Penny, who works in HR, shared, “If I have any tricky emails to send, I draft them on Friday. That way, I don’t start Monday feeling overwhelmed.” A little forward planning can prevent Monday from feeling like a shock to the system.
· Start the Day Right
How you begin Monday morning can set the tone for the rest of the day. Malik, a customer service representative, swears by his morning routine, saying, “I wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual on Mondays so I can take my time with breakfast and a short walk. It helps me feel more in control before the workday begins.”
Sofia, an office administrator, takes a similar approach, adding, “I always wear something I feel good in on Mondays. It sounds simple, but when I feel confident in my outfit, I feel more motivated to tackle the day.”
· Prioritise Connection
Many professionals find that social interactions improve their Mondays. Eleni, a receptionist, makes a point of chatting with colleagues first thing, and always making Monday an office day. “Catching up with people makes the office feel welcoming rather than daunting. A quick chat over a coffee helps me ease into the day.”
Carlos, a facilities coordinator, agrees, saying, “I schedule a short check-in with my team every Monday morning. It keeps us all aligned and gives us a chance to start the week positively.”
· Set Achievable Goals
Jumping into a massive workload first thing on a Monday can be overwhelming. Alice, a payroll officer, finds that setting realistic goals makes the day more manageable. “I pick three key tasks to focus on. That way, I feel accomplished without feeling overwhelmed by lunchtime.”
Tomás, who works in recruitment, adds, “I avoid scheduling big meetings on Monday mornings. Instead, I use the time to plan and prioritise for the week ahead.” Having a clear but flexible structure can help ease the transition into the working week.
· Make Mondays Enjoyable
Finally, adding something to look forward to can change the way you see Mondays. Yasmin, a PA, shared, “I always plan something nice for Monday evening, whether it’s a dinner with friends or just watching my favourite show. Having a reward makes the day feel less daunting.”
Ben, an IT support technician, has a different tactic: “I treat myself to a fancy coffee on Monday morning. It’s a small thing, but it puts me in a good mood. I look forward to it every week.”
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