Had a busy yet rejuvenating weekend? Here’s how you can ease yourself back to work on Monday

But first, let’s understand why Mondays feel like our personal taskmasters from Hell. Psychiatrist Dr Gorav Gupta, co-founder of mental health startup Emoneeds, explained the psychological impact of transitioning from a rejuvenating weekend to the demands of the workweek is rooted in the abrupt shift from leisure to responsibility.

“The stark contrast between the freedom and enjoyment experienced during the weekend and the structured routine of work can create a mental barrier. The anticipation of the workweek ahead may evoke stress and a reluctance to resume professional responsibilities,” he tells indianexpress.com in an interaction.

To ease the transition and recharge for the upcoming week after a tiring yet enjoyable weekend, several strategies can help, he noted.

Here are some of them. (Source: Freepik)

Reflect and Set Intentions

Begin your workweek by taking a moment to reflect on the weekend. What activities brought you joy and relaxation? What lessons did you learn, and what goals did you achieve? Setting positive intentions for the week ahead based on these reflections can help frame your mindset for success.

Start with a calming ritual

First and foremost, start the day with a calming ritual, like meditation or a short walk, to ease into the work mindset gradually.

Create a task list with small, breakable tasks

Prioritise tasks by creating a to-do list, focusing on essential and achievable goals for the day. To enhance productivity and mental well-being, it’s beneficial to break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, preventing the overwhelming feeling that often accompanies large projects.

Breaks are important!

Alongside this, incorporating short breaks throughout the day is crucial to sustaining productivity and maintaining mental freshness. Moreover, fostering a healthy work-life balance is essential.

Set Realistic Goals

While ambition is commendable, setting realistic and achievable goals is key to a successful workweek. Be mindful of your workload and allocate time wisely, allowing yourself room for unforeseen challenges.

Activities like exercise, pursuing hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones can also contribute to recharging after work, said Dr Gupta. This well-rounded approach not only helps manage energy levels but also mitigates stress, ensuring a more sustainable and fulfilling work routine.