5 Tips for Starting The Week with Ease and Intention

Not a Monday person? Us too. It can be a difficult transition to go from a fun weekend to getting back into the weekday routine. A few years ago, we started incorporating these practices into our daily routines and have seen tremendous growth, a more positive outlook and less overwhelm when Mondays roll around.

1 - Prepare Mindfully

• Plan Ahead: Take time on Sunday evening to review your schedule and prioritize tasks for the week. What are the things you absolutely need to do? What are others you’d like to do? And what can you take off your plate? Try not to overschedule, and make sure you leave time to relax and decompress.
• Organize Your Space: Declutter your workspace to foster focus and productivity. Check out this other blog post on the benefits of spring cleaning here.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Get ample rest, engage in relaxing activities, and nourish your body with nutritious meals. We’ve been using the Oura ring lately, and this has really helped with keeping our sleep, activity and rest in check.

2 - Start with Intentions

• Set Clear Intentions: Before diving into tasks, set an intention for the day to guide your actions and mindset. Feel free to write it down on a piece of paper, open a note in your phone, or just saying it in your head.
• Practice Gratitude: Begin your day with gratitude, focusing on the positive aspects of your life and work. Try using a gratitude journal and writing down the top 3 things you’re grateful for. They can be as little or as small as you like!

3 - Build Momentum with Small Wins

• Begin with Manageable Tasks: Start your day by tackling small, achievable tasks to build momentum and confidence. Make a to-do list and write down the top things you want to accomplish this week and the others that would be nice to achieve, but not necessarily.
• Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate each accomplishment, no matter how small, to boost morale. When you check something off the list, take a short break, play your favorite song, and dance! Who says you can’t have a little fun in the day?

4 - Prioritize Self-Care Throughout the Day

• Take Breaks: Incorporate short breaks to rest and recharge, preventing burnout and maintaining focus. Instead of checking the email inbox after hitting snooze, start the day with a guided meditation on the Calm or Headspace apps.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and maintain cognitive function. Invest in a reusable water bottle, like a Swell or Stanley, so you don’t have to refill constantly.
• Move Mindfully: Incorporate movement into your day to combat sedentary behavior and enhance well-being. Try starting the day with a few minutes of stretching or if time allows, go for a quick walk or run outside.
• Indulge in some R&R: Wind down on Sunday night with a warm bubble bath. Slip into your favorite robe, cozy PJs and Luna slippers. 

5 - Reflect and Adjust

• End-of-Day Reflection: Take time to reflect on your day, noting accomplishments, challenges, and areas for improvement. What are 3 things you are proud of? What could have gone better? What do you want to do tomorrow differently?
• Refine Your Approach: Use insights from reflection to adjust your strategies and set yourself up for success in the days ahead. By taking time to reflect, you become more mindful about your intentions and how you are aligning with those goals.

This is simply a guide to help you get through the week and live your best life. Don’t feel you have to do everything in order to live a life full of intention, purpose and joy. Try incorporating some of these into your daily routines and you’ll start to see a positive impact.