Monday mornings can be tough. The alarm blares, jolting you out of peaceful slumber. Reluctantly, you drag yourself out of bed, feeling the weight of the weekend’s activities still lingering in your bones. It’s as if the world is conspiring against you with its bright, sunny rays and the sound of birds chirping outside. You trudge through the mundane routine of getting dressed, grabbing a quick breakfast, and heading out the door, all while nursing what can only be described as the Monday morning blues.
For many, Monday mornings symbolize the end of a carefree weekend and the start of another grueling workweek. The anticipation of the week ahead, the deadlines, the meetings, and the demands can easily dampen anyone’s spirits. It’s like staring at a mountain of tasks that need to be conquered, and it can be overwhelming.
As you step outside, you notice the Monday morning rush hour traffic has already begun. The streets are filled with cars, buses, and people all on their way to face the same challenges of the day. The hustle and bustle only serve to reinforce the heaviness in your heart.
Arriving at the office, you’re greeted by coworkers who also seem to be under the same spell of the Monday morning blues. The small talk is minimal, everyone still caught up in the weekend or already dreading the busy week ahead. The atmosphere is nothing short of gloomy.
The day drags on as your energy levels dip, and your motivation wanes. Concentration becomes a struggle, and even the simplest tasks seem to take twice as long. Monday morning blues can be a powerful force, sapping your enthusiasm and leaving you feeling sluggish, unmotivated, and unproductive.
However, it’s essential to remember that Monday is just another day of the week. It’s a fresh start, an opportunity to set new goals, and make progress towards them. Instead of succumbing to the Monday morning blues, try shifting your perspective. Think of Mondays as a chance to make a positive impact, to shine in your work, and to tackle obstacles head-on.
To combat the Monday morning blues, it helps to establish a routine that eases you into the week. Start your day with activities that bring you joy and set a positive tone for the day ahead. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of your favorite coffee, listening to uplifting music, or practicing mindfulness, find things that uplift your spirits and help you start the day on the right foot.
Another strategy is to break down your tasks into manageable chunks. Overwhelm can contribute to the Monday blues, so take a few moments to prioritize and plan your day. Focus on completing smaller tasks first, then gradually tackle the more significant ones. By doing so, you’ll build momentum and feel a sense of accomplishment as the day progresses.
#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Link for 40 Habits Signup
bit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth
If you’d like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here’s the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub
Remember, you’re not alone in experiencing the Monday morning blues. It’s a common phenomenon shared by many. Reach out to your coworkers, friends, or family for support and motivation. Share your struggles, but also find time to laugh and enjoy moments together. Having a network of support can lighten the burden and make Mondays more bearable.
Ultimately, the Monday morning blues are temporary. They pass as the day unfolds, and you settle into the rhythm of the week. Embrace the challenges, find meaning in your work, and focus on the positive aspects of your day. With a positive mindset and proactive approach, you’ll soon find that Mondays can be the start of something great.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
