Even for those of us who love our jobs, the Sunday night blues are for REAL. I’ve noticed that especially when I’ve had a fun and carefree weekend, the transition back into the structure of the work week can be a tough pill to swallow. In an effort to take back my Sunday nights, I asked some of the happiest and most productive people I know how they set themselves up for Monday morning success, and turns out, there are a handful of habits that pop up again and again. Keep scrolling for 8 power moves I’ve been incorporating into my routine, and I’d love to hear in the comments how you prep yourself for the week ahead!
1 – Spend some quality time with your calendar.
As someone who loves feeling organized, I actually look forward to sitting down with my calendar at the beginning of a new week and taking stock of what’s on the agenda. I set priorities, check my childcare plan, schedule in workouts, and make sure I have a couple pockets of time for myself. The 20 minutes it takes is a huge investment towards feeling calm and productive all week long.
2 – Clean out your purse.
Isn’t it crazy how messy the inside of your purse can get by weeks’ end? (Please say it’s not just me.) Those business cards, gum wrappers, hair ties, and empty granola bar wrappers can certainly pile up, and that’s the last thing you want to carry with you into a new week. I take a few minutes on Sunday to clean out the inside of my purse and make sure I’m prepared with the necessities I’ll need for work the next day.
3 – Create a meal plan.
If I don’t take time on Sunday to make a meal plan for the week ahead, the chances of it happening later are slim to none. I’ve noticed that on the weeks I map out our dinners each evening, not only do I save time by only shopping once, we actually eat healthier and spend less money because we’re not ordering takeout at the last minute.
Once you’ve mapped out your meals, make a shopping list to take with you to the store (or place your grocery order if you use a delivery service.) Bonus points for washing and prepping your veggies to make meal prep throughout the week even easier.
4 – Do something meaningful.
Make the most of your Sunday by doing something that feels meaningful to you. Spend quality time with people you care about, take a walk in nature, do an art project, or go to a yoga class that gets you in the right mental state. There’s nothing like relaxing and enjoying the moment to recharge your batteries and start the week feeling inspired and clear-headed.
5 – Plan your outfits for the week.
I realized lately that I waste tons of time in the morning trying to figure out what to wear, so I’ve started making a major effort to give my week’s outfits some thought on Sunday. I check my schedule so I know whether I’m planning for a business meeting or an athleisure day, then try on my options so I know that I actually like the pieces together. When I can make this happen, my mornings are infinitely smoother and my outfits feel more chic because I’ve put some thought into them.
6 – Skip the alcohol and eat a healthy dinner.
I know, I know, skip that Sunday evening glass of pinot? Only if you want to avoid the Monday morning brain fog that comes from heavy meals and wine. I’ve been trying to eat a super clean, nutrient-dinner on Sunday night followed by herbal tea at bedtime to wake up feeling energized and ready to crush my Monday morning spin class.
7 – Review your goals, and think about the big picture.
The weekend is the perfect time to step out of the daily grind and think about what’s really important to you. Revisit the goals you’ve set, and reflect on your hopes for the future. If you’re unhappy with certain elements of your life, pull out your journal and write down ideas for change. Studies have shown time and again that those who regularly review their goals are way more likely to actually achieve them.
8 – Go to bed early.
My number one surefire way to start the week right is with a solid night’s sleep. I start my evening routine early so I know I’ll be turning off the light at a decent hour. The result of a good sleep is the clear mind and peaceful vibes that I need to start the week feeling my very best.
