How to survive the most uncomfortable Mondays of the year

Does it feel to you like it's already January 72? Seriously, why does January always feel like one stretched-out Monday that never ends? Of course, we enjoy cozy weekends and recovering from the overstimulation that the holidays bring, but let's be honest: January will never become our best friend. In an attempt to survive this month without too much depression, I have been looking for the way to prepare yourself for the – emotionally – 23rd Monday of this month. Fortunately, science has an answer for everything, and this is what experts have to say about our collective problem.

1. Go to bed early on the weekend
I recently heard a brilliant saying: ‘you shouldn’t want to summer during the winter’. In other words: you just shouldn't want too much. Summer is for going out, being social, sitting on terraces, and meeting new people. Winter is for rest and calm. The rest will come back. So make sure you get enough sleep this month by adjusting your evening routine to the time of year. Crawl in early and leave your screens behind, TikTok can wait.

2. Plan your Monday
The undersigned is regularly laughed at for her old-fashioned paper planner, but it is my lifeline. By writing down what needs to happen on Monday before the weekend, you will enter your weekend and your new week a lot more relaxed. And yes, scheduling breaks is part of this too.

3. Do something fun with friends
Especially the friends who can make you laugh until your stomach hurts. I am lucky that my boyfriend manages to do this every day (note to all single ladies: find a funny man, you won't regret it), but this will help you see these dark days a lot sunnier. Additionally, people who laugh a lot are smarter and they also live longer, so that's three times bingo.

4. Burn off some energy
Yes, I get it: exercising is the last thing you want to think about. Yet, I floated home from ballet class last week out of joy. Whatever you do, make sure you move. The endorphins our body produces during exercise are exactly what we need to become and stay cheerful.

5. Take the pressure off
Everyone is different, so if you let out a deep sigh of frustration while reading all of the above, just leave it behind. Just make sure you do things that make you happy, and remember: spring will come back on its own.

Source: Psychology Today