Monday’s can either be the best day of the week or the worst and really, it doesn’t seem like there is ever any in-between. How our Monday goes can make or break our week, but if you want to get the week started off with a bang, this 5-minute mental health check-in is worth every second.
Set your intentions for the week
The best way to get your week started is to spend a few minutes focusing on what you want to accomplish this week. That’s only half of the battle here, however — you know what they say, a goal without a plan is just a wish. Set up realistic goals and checkpoints throughout the week of things you want to accomplish or work towards. This is a great way to clear your mind and get focused for the rest of the week, and with little checkpoints, you can feel accomplished towards your goal every day of the week — which is great for your mental health, especially on days where you aren’t as productive as you would like to be.
Schedule some time for yourself
Before your eyes roll back in your head — I know, scheduling time for yourself is one of the hardest things we can never really manage to do. Instead of setting aside a huge chunk of time during the week that you are sure to have ruined by chores, kids, dinner, your car breaking down, or any other unexpected task that seems to keep us from checking in on ourselves, there is something much easier. Skip the huge chunk of time and set aside 10 to 15 minutes every day, on schedule, that you can have to just yourself. Heck, lock yourself in the bathroom if you have to. Stretch out your neck and arms, put your phone away, and just take some deep breaths. You deserve it, and it will boost your mental health every day this week.
Check-in on your own mental health
You’re probably one of those people who is always concerned about how everyone else is doing, but chances are, you don’t make the time to check on yourself. Take a few minutes to close your eyes and think about how you’re feeling, both physically and emotionally. Is your body stiff and in need of a few minutes of stretching? Have you had enough water to drink today? How are your current stress levels, and are you doing anything to help relieve your stress or treat yourself after a long day at work?
Monday doesn’t have to be the worst day of the week, in fact, it has the potential to set a positive and productive tone for the rest of your week. In fact, if you spend a few minutes each day focusing on your mental health, you may be surprised by how much better your week can be.
