Top 5 Reasons We Have the Morning Blues

"I need motivation, especially on Monday's," my friend's voice groaned over the phone. "Ain't that the truth." I respond, thinking about how Sundays was amazing, then the late Sunday afternoons that made life feel calming and relaxed. Then right when you think life is good.

There it is Sunday night at about 9pm, you feel that dread that surrounds you. Did you pack lunch? Did you pack lunch for your kids? Did you do homework? Did you study? Do we need to get groceries for the week? (hopefully you already do this over the weekend). The list goes on and your head spins as you lie on your bed, trying to sleep.

For most of us, work is 8-5pm and Monday's can kill you at times. Mentalfloss.com (Benjamin 2015) says there are a few scientific reasons for the Monday Blue killer:

"Body is thrown off at least 45 minutes to adjust..."

1. Sleep Patterns- If you know about sleep circadians, then you know that having a consistent sleep schedule is key to a healthy work week. If you think you need to catch up on sleep over the weekends, then your body is thrown off at least 45 minutes to adjust to you either sleeping in or staying up late. Sleeping hygiene is one of the top ways to get to Monday blues. If you can at least sleep within the range of your normal sleeping hours, you will feel a lot better on Monday.

2. Socialization - Because humans also need human connection, Monday morning blues can occur because there's this disconnection from our friends and the realization that work is ahead of us. Our jobs may require to use our professional phone skills, but the way we interact with others especially our friends and family becomes something to yearn for.

3. Sudden Change- Adapting depends on you. The sheer change from a weekend to a strict Monday at work can be difficult for some. Monday is the transition, change phase for people to get back to work and this can be difficult for people, regardless of the job. It almost feels like Tuesday should be the start of the week just to have that extra day on Monday off to adjust. Well, I guess that would be Tuesday blues then :/

4. Self-image- Mondays also calls an awakening of our weekend's perhaps gluttonous, cheat days, shopping. "Shoot did I really spend this much on ____. Man I just ate like a whole week's worth of food." A study found that people found themselves to be unattractive on Monday's because of the over indulgence they had over the weekend. "Ain't that the truth!"

5. You don't like your job. There it is. In writing as you read this last reason. Could it be that I just don't like my job? Therefore, Mondays are bad. Ok not so good logic. But consider the possibility. Are you happy where you work? Do you feel unfulfilled? If any of these questions occur more frequently on you Mondays, maybe it's time to look into something else. Gauge yourself and see if you need to change something within like changing your routine, or eating something clean. If you find yourself, clinically depressed, try exercising. It was found to be the number one way to overcome depression. Otherwise, you may want to look into a job that is more fulfilling.

The Bottom Line

What will change within yourself to help you overcome Monday blues?

The possibility is there but you may just feel like you're in a rut. While it's natural for you to feel Monday blues, consider changing your routine in the following ways:

1. Try doing an exercise in the morning (simple as pushups, ab workout, yoga)

2. Meditate for as simple as 5 minutes

3. Have a whiteboard in your room, or your kitchen and put up a quote (need ideas check out these 9 quotes to inspire, bring confidence, and elevate you)

4. Do a checklist for the day to help focus on achieving tasks and goals

5. Use a diffuser with lavender essential oil to help you sleep at night (research has shown the natural benefits of lavender including calming and soothing sensations)

6. Take a morning walk (vitamin D sunshine helps not only your body but also the sun's rays to perk your morning)

7. Team up with a friend and call them on your morning commute (if you both have long commutes and it's difficult to meet up, call friends to help boost your morning and socialization) or call them heading home

8. Play your favorite song and sing loudly in the car in the morning or evening

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