Are you ready to shake Monday morning slumps?

These four easy fixes are sure to have you starting your week feeling rejuvenated, productive

I used to experience this sickly, low, unshakable mood around 4 or 5 p.m. every Sunday. I couldn’t get rid of it. A movie could soothe it a little, so could a big order of pad Thai or a pepperoni pizza. But it became the predictable low point of my week — and I dreaded it.

Even people who are obsessed with their career don’t always bounce out of bed on a Monday morning. These days I work for myself, so Mondays feel like any other day, and I’ve come to realize that they are.

We so unfairly associate Mondays with misery that we’ve come to resent and fear them — just because everybody else does. But there’s another way!

So if Monday ain’t your friend, here are some tips on how to at least not make it your foe. Savour that Sunday sleep The only thing worse than waking up on a Monday morning is waking up on a Monday tired. And with a headache-y, guilt-fuelled start to the week. Sundays, if you let them, are a great day to maybe do a bit of meal prep, catch up on some reading, plan what you’ll wear tomorrow and get your work gear ready to go. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even select the uplifting podcast episode that’ll see you through your morning commute.

And once in a while, why not have a bath or long shower and get into those cosy PJs for an early night? Come 8 a.m., you’ll be so smug that you did. Have a hit list Having a list of five or so action items to complete during the week will help you feel in control and focused on Monday morning. What do you need to complete? Who do you want to see or reach out to? What’s lingering on that notes section of your phone full of recent reminders? Creating a short list of what will make your week satisfying helps you stay on track. Being proactive feels powerful; being reactive feels rotten. Infuse Monday with a little fun! Someone asked me the other day, “How do you like to spend your weekend?” I answered, “My life’s a weekend!”

Why? I treat all days pretty equally. Some writing. Some correspondence. Definitely some fun! Why not make Monday the new Thursday? Go to a movie. Have sushi with a friend. Have your co-worker over for a glass of wine and a little cheese — what’s the real difference? Mondays feel way different when your week is punctuated with pleasure. Because “living for the weekend” is depressing — and frankly, a little dated. Make a change In many cases rest, coffee and music will have you back on track. If not, your emotions are a great indication for a shift you need to make. One way or another, Mondays can become bearable. Your happiness is not dictated by a calendar, it’s dictated by you.