Bare Minimum Monday: Is It a Healthy Way to Beat the Monday Blues?

Monday is often dreaded because of the transition from the relaxation and freedom of the weekend to the structured and demanding workweek. The abrupt shift can leave you feeling worse, especially if your weekend consisted of socializing, free time, or just plain rest. The idea of ​​a whole workweek ahead of you can seem overwhelming and send your stress levels skyrocketing. And if you have a backlog of tasks and emails from the weekend, it can make Monday mornings especially hectic and challenging. Enter Bare Minimum Monday, a concept popularized by digital creator Marisa Jo Mayes to promote a balanced approach to one’s well-being and productivity.

What is Bare Minimum Monday?

Bare Minimum Monday is a trend where people consciously choose to reduce their workload and stress on Monday. “The concept involves setting minimal goals for the day, focusing only on essential tasks and allowing yourself to start the work week calmly,” explains psychiatrist Dr. Sapare Rohit.

In a 2020 study published in Wise magazinesparticipants reported lower levels of job satisfaction and higher levels of work stress on Mondays. The Bare Minimum Monday approach aims to combat the Monday blues by promoting a calmer start to the week, prioritizing mental well-being over productivity.

How does Bare Minimum Monday work?

Bare Minimum Monday works by encouraging people to prioritize self-care and schedule a manageable workload on the first day of the week. Here’s how it typically works:

• Instead of tackling a long to-do list, identify a few critical tasks that need to be completed. This will take the pressure off and make the day feel more achievable.
• Incorporate self-care activities into your day, such as taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, or light physical activity. “This can help maintain both your mental and emotional balance,” the expert says.
• Provide a more flexible work schedule. If possible, start the day later or take more frequent breaks to prevent burnout.
• Focus on high priority or time-sensitive tasks. Push less critical work to later in the week when energy levels may be higher.
• Reduce the number of meetings and avoid scheduling intensive projects on Mondays. This creates a calmer, less interrupted work environment.

What are the mental health benefits of Bare Minimum Monday?

Here are some potential benefits of Bare Minimum Monday:

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1. Reduces anxiety and stress

By lowering expectations and workload, Bare Minimum Monday helps alleviate the anticipatory anxiety that often accompanies the start of the week. “This reduction in pressure can lead to lower stress levels and a more relaxed approach to the workweek,” says Dr. Rohit.

2. Improves mood

Starting the week with a manageable workload and time for self-care can improve mood and emotional well-being. When Mondays are less daunting or overwhelming, people are more likely to feel positive and motivated throughout the week.

3. Prevents burnout

Constantly working at a high productivity level can lead to burnout. “Bare Minimum Monday provides a recovery period, which helps maintain a sustainable work pace and avoid burnout,” says the expert.

4. Improves focus and productivity

Starting the week with a lighter workload can increase productivity. When stress is minimized and tasks are prioritized, people can focus better and complete their work more efficiently.

5. Promotes work-life balance

By starting the workweek gently, Bare Minimum Monday supports a healthier work-life balance, which is essential for your mental health. People can spend more time on personal interests and family, which contributes to overall life satisfaction.

6. Promotes mindfulness and self-awareness

The practice of setting minimal goals and prioritising self-care encourages mindfulness and self-awareness. It allows people to listen to their needs, make conscious choices and manage their time more effectively.

Does Bare Minimum Monday have side effects?

While Bare Minimum Monday offers several benefits, it also has potential drawbacks!

1. Perception of laziness

Coworkers or bosses may view the practice as laziness or lack of dedication, especially in high-pressure work environments. This can impact professional relationships and career development.

2. Uneven workload

Spreading work unevenly throughout the week can lead to busier days later. “If things aren’t managed well, you can feel stressed and pressured for the rest of the day, which negates the intended benefits of Bare Minimum Monday,” the expert says.

3. Not feasible for all jobs

Some jobs and industries require consistent levels of productivity and cannot accommodate reduced workloads on specific days. For example, physicians or roles with strict deadlines may find it difficult to implement Bare Minimum Monday.

4. Dependency risk

Over-reliance on Bare Minimum Monday can lead to procrastination, where people put off tasks unnecessarily. This reliance can hinder productivity and work habits in the long run.

What should you pay attention to when following the Bare Minimum Monday trend?

You can follow this trend, but keep the following points in mind:

• If you plan to adopt Bare Minimum Monday, communicate your intentions to your team or boss. Explain the benefits and how it can improve overall productivity and well-being.
• Set clear boundaries to ensure minimal tasks are completed without compromising essential job responsibilities. It is crucial to find a balance that works for both personal well-being and job demands.
• To make Bare Minimum Monday effective, plan your week ahead. Assign less critical tasks to Mondays and make sure high priority work is evenly distributed throughout the rest of the week.
• Regularly evaluate the impact of Bare Minimum Monday on your productivity and well-being and adjust your planning based on feedback.
• Use Bare Minimum Monday as an opportunity to cultivate a positive mindset towards work. Focus on the benefits of starting the week calmly and encourage a culture of self-care and mental health in your workplace.

By implementing Bare Minimum Monday in a thoughtful way, you can have a healthier, more balanced approach to work. This can ultimately lead to higher productivity and improved mental health.