Motivation Monday: A Weekend Perspective

Each Sunday night I'm faced with the harsh reality of Monday and thus a busy work week, responsibilities and chores. And with that, my anxiety levels rise with the thought of an important meeting to prepare, or a difficult conversation to be made with a volunteer, or more to do than hours in the day.

But today I realized I need to change my perspective and treat each day like a weekend. The weekend lies ahead with so many possibilities - friend, family visits, new restaurants, adventurous hikes and relaxation. So, why not treat each day like it's the weekend. And if that's not possible, face each day like it's a Friday, preparing for the weekend.

Here are some easy, tangible ways to make the best of your work week and turn it into a 'TGI-whatever day of the week' perspective. So, on any given day, treat yourself. Try to avoid the routine - work, working out, errands and chores - while all necessary plan something fun each day as well. Here are some ideas!

• Pamper yourself. Maybe get your nails/toes done, or hair cut, or a massage. Take an hour for yourself to de-stress, process and digest the day
• Explore. Maybe go to happy hour with co-workers at a new restaurant/bar. Or, tour an upcoming neighborhood. Or, shop at a new store. Give your self time to unwind while taking in a different scenery.
• Red Box it. Search Red Box online, reserve and pick up your movie to watch solo, with a friend(s) or with your partner. Grab your favorite movie snack to indulge. 
• Game night. Invite friends or maybe just play for two. Instead of watching your favorite t.v. show, turn your attention to some competitive fun.
• Walk. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through your neighborhood. Make certain to absorb your surroundings, soaking in different sounds and smells.
• Disconnect. Turn off your cell phone, computer and television. Just enjoy being - embrace silence/break from technology. Maybe read a book, talk to your partner/friend/roommate and/or just sit. 
• Easy menu. Try appetizers for dinner - simple, yummy (yet healthy) and fun.

Bottom-line is that life is too short to stress about Mondays; so, why not enjoy each day as if it were the weekend. And soon enough the notion of weekend and weeks just merge together!