Minimal Monday: Is It a Helpful Way to Beat the Monday Blues?

Mondays are often daunting because of the transition from the relaxation and freedom of the weekend to the structure and demanding workweek. The abrupt transition can put a damper on your well-being, especially if your weekend included social activities, leisure, or just plain relaxation. The thought of an entire workweek ahead can feel overwhelming and spike your stress levels. Plus, if you’ve had a backlog of tasks and emails from the weekend, it can make Monday mornings especially hectic and challenging. So, meet Bare Minimum Monday, a concept popularized by digital creator Marisa Jo Mayes to promote a balanced approach when it comes to human well-being and productivity.

What is “Minimum Minimum Monday”?

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

In a 2020 study published in Journals of the Sageparticipants reported lower levels of job satisfaction and higher levels of work stress on Mondays. The Bare Minimum Monday approach aims to combat Monday blues encouraging a calmer start to the week by prioritising mental wellbeing over productivity.

How does Low Minimum Monday work?

“Minimum Monday” works by encouraging people to prioritize self-treatment and plan a manageable load for the first day of the week. Here's how it usually works:

• Instead of tackling a long to-do list, identify a few critical tasks that need to be completed. This reduces the pressure and makes the day more achievable.
• Incorporate self-care activities into your day, such as taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in light physical activity. “This can help you maintain both mental and emotional balance,” says the expert.
• Allow yourself more flexibility in your work schedule. Start your day later if possible, or take more frequent breaks to avoid burnout.
• Focus on high-priority or urgent tasks. Save less critical work for 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 the “Monday minimum”?

Here are some potential benefits of Minimal Monday:

1. Reduces anxiety and stress

By reducing expectations and workload, Bare Minimum Monday helps ease the anxious anticipation 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 your week with manageable workload and time for self-care can be helpful. improve mood and emotional well-being. When Mondays are less daunting and overwhelming, people are more likely to feel more positive and motivated throughout the week.

3. Prevents burnout

Continuous operation at a high level of productivity can lead to Burn out“A low-impact Monday gives you the opportunity to recover, helping you maintain a steady work pace and prevent burnout,” says the expert.

4. Improves concentration and productivity

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

5. Promotes work-life balance

By softening the start of the workweek, Bare Minimum Monday supports a healthier lifestyle work life balancewhat is necessary for your mental health. People can spend more time on personal interests and family, contributing to overall life satisfaction.

6. Promotes mindfulness and self-awareness.

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

Are there any side effects of Bare Minimum Monday?

While Low Monday has a number of benefits, it also has potential downsides!

1. Perception of laziness

Colleagues or bosses may perceive this practice as laziness or lack of commitment, especially in high-pressure work environments. This can impact professional relationships and career advancement.

2. Uneven load

Spreading your work unevenly throughout the week can lead to busier days later. “If things aren’t organized properly, you may feel stressed and pressured on the remaining days, which can negate the intended benefits of Bare Minimum Monday,” says the expert.

3. Not applicable to all jobs

Some jobs and industries require consistent levels of productivity and cannot afford to let up on certain days. For example, doctors or jobs with strict deadlines may find it difficult to implement Bare Minimum Monday.

4. Risk of addiction

Relying too heavily on Bare Minimum Monday can lead to procrastination, where people put off tasks unnecessarily. This reliance can interfere with long-term productivity and work habits.

What should you keep in mind 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 manager. Explain the benefits and how it can improve overall productivity and well-being.
• Set clear boundaries to ensure that the minimum tasks are completed without compromising core work responsibilities. It is essential to find a balance that works for both personal well-being and work demands.
• To make Bare Minimum Monday effective, plan your week in advance. Allocate less important tasks to Mondays and make sure that high-priority work is evenly distributed throughout the rest of the week.
• Regularly evaluate the impact of Minimal Monday on your productivity and well-being and make adjustments based on feedback.
• Use Bare Minimum Monday as an opportunity to develop a positive mindset at work. Focus on the benefits of a gentle start to the week and encourage a culture of self-care and mental health awareness in the workplace.

By thoughtfully implementing Bare Minimum Monday, you can have a healthier, more balanced approach to work. This can ultimately lead to increased productivity as well as improved mental health.