Monday Morning Self Care Hacks and a Free Cross stitch Sampler!

So it's Monday........up at 6am,  Coffee is on.

For almost everyone, Monday means sometimes different things to people; however, there are alot of us who dread seeing Monday mornings. Whether you work outside the home or inside the home. Whether you have kids or the kids are grown or you don't have kids, Monday morning self-care can make a big difference to your week.

I've been through different seasons in my life but still Mondays seem to always mean starting over again or a fresh new start for a new week.

When I worked for the past 35 years, Monday morning meant making sure I had plenty of coffee. So,, I am re-posting one of my samplers for you this week if you like! See below at end of post.

I, like others, dreaded it in my profession because all kinds of things crop up over the weekend and then Mondays really were the busiest days, almost crazy busy because of being off 2 days. Sick people don't choose when they get sick.

However, it was not until my last place I practiced I really developed some things that helped me on Mondays. I used to think these suggestions were kinda hokey, but honestly they really do help prevent or enable Mondays (or any day of the week) to be better.

1) try to get up at least an hour before the family wakes to get a headstart on the day. Journalling positive thoughts and keeping a gratitude journal helps alot.

2) on Sunday nights prepare for Monday morning by laying out clothes, accessories, shoes and put work bag by the door with the keys. YES!  THE KEYS. I've been running around many times just to find the keys in the past.

3) Try to incorporate some form of exercise at least 4 days a week.

Walking in the evening after work is good. Yoga is great. Just something that is a routine and I promise you will sleep better and the brain loves exercise. There have been studies that compared a group who only exercised 30 minutes a day 5 days a week to a group with no exercise and taking Prozac. The studies showed the group who exercised regularly showed better improvement that the Prozac group.

4) Arrive at work at least 20 minutes early and if you have your own personal office, close the door and read a devotional or encouragement either from online or a book. If you are a Christian, pray for the day and for all the people you will encounter that day. 

This really helped me so much.

5) Try to maintain your normal sleep wake cycle over the weekend. Monday morning will not seem as harsh to wake up to. Promise. (I learned this one the hard way but it works)

6) help others but remember to take care of yourself as well. I know that sounds like common sense but I have been caught in the endless wheel of giving , giving  and more giving and put my own health last. Just creates resentment and burnout.

7) If your workplace atmosphere is chaotic and you begin to dread the people you work with, first take a step back and see where you can help the situation. If not, try to find another place of employment.

No job is worth tearing down your spirit everyday.

8)  Eat a healthy breakfast. Yes it really matters to have normal glucose levels in the body.

9) Be aware when you greet your boss and coworkers and customers, patients/ etc. that body language can really be either positive or negative. Even if you think your A OK on this, look at a few You Tube videos on body language and meaning. It will amaze you AND you will have a better sense of understanding others.

Vanessa Van Edwards has the BEST You Tube interviews and meaning of body language I've found.

10) On Fridays really do close and conclude as many things possible. It's tempting to just leave when you can early or save for later, but this one really helps if the previous weeks work is not carried over to Monday morning.

11)  Find a hobby or make time to get one. Think of things you used to love to do as a child. Then this will help you remember your creative side. If you have little time at all, try to sneak in at least once a week something you love doing just to create. This one is so important.

So, enjoy this sampler when you can!

I hope your first day of the week finds you peaceful, restful, and enjoying what you do.

Monday Mornings

copyright 2013

Feathers in the Nest-designer

thread colors and linen as desired

Here's to going for the second cuppa now!

Jennifer Fox