Five ways to make Mondays work for you

What does it actually mean to Love Mondays? 

The truth is, it’s different for everyone. It’s the feeling you get when you love your job and look forward to going into work. It could be finding your purpose, or gaining the skills you need to progress your career – and getting paid what you actually deserve. 

It could be working with colleagues who are more like friends or finding flexible hours to fit around you and your family. Whatever it looks like (and whatever day of the week you work), you can find a job you’ll love on Reed.co.uk. 

As part of our mission to help everyone Love Mondays, we surveyed 2,302 UK workers to find out what would make Mondays work for them.

Here’s what they had to say…

 

1. Getting more sleep

A whopping 36% of people said their Mondays would be more bearable with a lie-in. Sleeping well can also keep you healthier overall. Mind, the mental health charity, found that sleep and positive mental health are closely linked. So, if you’re struggling to get your 8 hours, here are Mind’s top tips on how to improve your sleep

While we can’t push your 9 am meeting back, you can hit the hay earlier on Sunday nights to ensure you’re getting more Z’s. And if that’s not possible, a lunchtime coffee run may be in order.

 

2. Coffee and kindness

Speaking of coffee, a fresh morning brew came in second, with 30% of people saying it would make their Mondays better, along with random acts of kindness (30%).  

Science also backs up the benefits of random acts of kindness (and who can argue with science?). Studies show that the giver and receiver both get a boost of oxytocin and serotonin – the love and happiness hormones – creating a positive feedback cycle. So why not brighten someone’s day? Chances are they’re feeling the same morning struggle as you. We recently gave a little something back to one of our Twitter followers…

 

3. Tunes and tea

Music makes everything better, according to 25% of UK workers. Whether you’re climbing the stairs to ‘Eye of the Tiger’ or skipping to show tunes (we see you Hamilton soundtrack), everyone has their favourite playlist. 

If you’re a lover of hot drinks, you’re in luck. Research shows that tea can offer similar productivity boosts as coffee. 

And if you’re in the mood for a tune…

 

4. Free food

Who doesn’t love freebies, especially when it comes to food? Last night’s leftovers just won’t cut it for Mondays – and one in five (20%) people say a free lunch would brighten their day. If you’re looking for something delicious to eat and keep your wallet happy, apps like Too Good to Go can provide budget bites whilst minimising food waste. So you can save your cash and the planet too. 

 

5. Unprompted compliments

Well, hello, you’re looking fabulously fresh this Monday morning. That’s us, complimenting you. But you don’t need us to perk you up. Take a leaf out of Lizzo’s self-love book and give yourself a boost. Say it together, I am doing a great job.

Much like random acts of kindness, compliments benefit both the giver and receiver, as focusing on the positive helps to put you in a good mood for the day – and 20% of people agree that an unprompted compliment would brighten their Monday.

 

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