7 Tips To Defeat A Bad Case Of The Mondays

Posted by Sudy Bharadwaj on Aug 20, 2012 in Blog, Job Search | 16 comments

Whether you’re an underemployed recent graduate or a seasoned professional looking for work, on days when you’re just not able to give 100 percent to your job search, you’ve most likely been accused of having a case of the Mondays. With a tedious and often frustrating job search as your main priority, a case of the Mondays can flare up any given weekday, increasing your chances of allowing great job opportunities to slip by.

So how do you keep your job search on track when start-of-the-week sluggishness reigns supreme? Try these 7 tips to defeating a bad case of the Mondays.

1. Get Plenty Of Sleep, But Don’t Oversleep
Weekends are the ideal time for job seekers to catch some Z’s, especially for those who wake up especially early to exercise or run errands. But minor shifts in people’s sleep patterns on the weekends like staying up late and sleeping in can affect their the memory and reaction times come Monday morning. As unexciting as it may sound, to avoid feeling groggy on Monday, get plenty of sleep, but always set an alarm to keep your internal clock functioning properly.

2. Wear A Favorite Outfit
What’s a sure-fire way to feel great about yourself any day? Donning a favorite outfit, of course! In the job search, it’s common to simply want to roll out of bed and casually browse the Internet for new positions in your pajamas. But actually getting up and getting dressed for the job you want to find is a great way to amp up your excitement! Set out a favorite outfit to wear for your job search during your nightly routine Sunday evening. That way, you’ll look and feel great without feeling like you’re getting all dressed up with no place to go.

3. Avoid Melancholy Friends
Friends who need to report to work at 8 or 9 a.m. Monday may be just as miserable as you staying at home. As the saying goes, misery loves company, but to defeat a bad case of the Mondays, it’s essential to avoid friends who are just as certain this weekend was even shorter than the last. Instead, grab a coffee with a perky friend or neighbor. A 2008 study showed that surrounding yourself with happy people actually increases the likelihood that you’ll be happier by 15 percent.

4. Get Your Unpleasant Work Done First
Is there a part of the job search you really dislike? Perhaps following-up with hiring managers after sending your application? Everyone has unpleasant tasks that need to be accomplished in the job search. To keep a bad case of the Mondays at bay, always tackle your most unpleasant work early in the day. Doing so may seem like a chore at the time, but it’ll brighten your afternoon exponentially. And on Fridays, don’t let excitement for upcoming weekend events be reason enough for postponing your least favorite tasks until Monday.

5. Tune Out
If you’re looking for work on your computer at your favorite coffee shop, but you can’t take another minute of the baristas’ loud chatter or you’re at home and can’t seem to ignore your bed’s undeniable attractive comfort, take a few minutes to tune out with some music. A recent New York Times article revealed that workers who listen to music completed their tasks more quickly and came up with better ideas than those who didn’t simply because the music improved their mood.

6. Read Up On Industry News
Instead of getting distracted by a friend’s real-life drama that’s playing out in her Facebook posts or sucked into the vicious cycle that is watching adorable animal videos on YouTube when you need a 10-minute break from your job search, read up on some of your industry’s latest news. While this does take time away from your job search, a recent Forbes post illustrates that, in order to stay afloat or locate jobs in their industries, workers must continually refine their skills.

7. Take A Quick Break
If re-focusing with music or industry news just isn’t curbing your bad case of the Mondays, take a quick, energizing break. Walk outside for 15 minutes or meet a friend for a coffee and a quick chat. Just remember to avoid reminiscing about the weekend!

How do you overcome your case of the Mondays? Share your tips in the comment section below!