Work hack: How to make Mondays less manic

An overflowing inbox. Back-to-back meetings. A never-ending to-do list. There’s a reason we hate Mondays. Apart from signalling the start of the work week, it means getting down to the grind (again) and tackling the long, long list of pending tasks. A 2021 poll by YouGov, an international online research data and analytics technology group, found that Monday was the most hated day of the week for 58% of Americans. For us in India too. TikToker Marissa Jo Mayes popularised Bare Minimum Mondays, a way to do less, not more, on a Monday to avoid burnout.

Optimise the workspace. Start the day with a clean and organised desk. “A tidy environment promotes focus and efficiency,” says Kaur. Spend a few minutes in meditation, do deep breathing exercises, or mindful journalling to cultivate a sense of calm and clarity. “This will help promote a more balanced start to the day.”