Rethink Monday: Soul-Crushing Emails?

Brant and Sherri, two of our favorite radio hosts, joked about a survey that discovered many people feel bummed at work due to “soul-crushing emails.” The way they described it made us laugh, but we also get that there are people who seriously start their workday dreading their inbox. Maybe not at soul-crushing levels, but they get a little sad when that desktop notification bell dings.

Mondays can often feel like a hurdle standing between us and the sweet bliss of a relaxing Friday evening. But fear not, because today, we're sharing three practical ways to transform your Mondays into the springboard for a joyful week!

Now, these might be things that you already know, but there is a huge difference between knowledge and application. There are tons of people who intellectually know how to improve their lives, but they aren't actually doing anything with what they know. We want you to improve your Mondays, which will compound over time to improve your entire workweek and ultimately your life. 

Keep reading below for our time-tested tips for trading in the soul-crushing for a bit of joy. 

Set the Tone for Success First Thing in the Morning

First things first, let’s talk about mornings. How you start your day can set the tone for everything that follows, and this is even more true on Monday mornings. Begin your week in a way that energizes and grounds you. Whether it’s a few minutes of meditation or prayer, a brisk walk in the fresh morning air, or a Whitney dance party in your living room, find what makes you feel alive and create forward momentum that keeps you positive! 

Whatever you add to your morning routine to boost your mood, music is a tremendous help. Try creating a morning playlist filled with your favorite upbeat tunes. Music lifts our spirits and boosts our motivation. Pair the tunes with a delicious, healthy breakfast, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a morning routine that’s both invigorating and enjoyable.

This is super practical because it gives you boost of positivity you need that can propel you to not only a great Monday, but a wonderful week overall. Please, DON'T overthink it. Just find ways to fill your mornings with things that genuinely make you happy. That dopamine boost is critical to you tackling those soul-crushing emails at the office. 

Be Boringly Intentional with Your Weekly Goals (in all areas of your life)

Next up, let’s get organized. Planning your week with intention can transform your Monday blues into a powerful launchpad. Take a few minutes to jot down your goals for the week, and then create a solid plan. But here’s the twist—ensure that plan has a good mix of personal AND professional aspirations that are achievable. 

Here at El and Al, we are all about creating harmony between your work and your life. In a perfect world, you would have a complete separation between your work life and your home life, but that isn't realistic. Does that mean you should be poring over reports at 10:00 PM every Friday night on your couch? Absolutely not! But what it does mean is that you are prepared and not stressed out if something happens at work that occasionally calls you away from free time unexpectedly. 

Planning is practical. It is never going to be the fun thing. It can often feel like a boring slog to do. However, when life starts lifing and you face situations that test you, solid plans will keep you from falling apart. Trust us: a plan for how to handle Mondays empowers you in ways that will blow your mind. 

Before you plan, visualize your tasks for the week ahead. Include appointments, deadlines, and yes, moments of self-care. When you have a clear picture of what your week looks like, it becomes easier to stay focused and motivated. Plus, checking off completed tasks is incredibly satisfying!

Now that you have the vision of what you want to do, go do the boring part. Plan out your week (plug: we have some good planners if you need them). Do you actually have soul-crushing emails waiting for you? Well, then you definitely need a plan for how to combat those so you can fight for your soul. 

Remember, it’s all about harmony where all the areas of your life are cooperating so you avoid burnout. If you plan, you can make time to sprinkle in those fun moments that recharge and refuel you. 

While you’re planning that big work presentation, also pencil in time for a coffee date or an evening walk with friends. These little joys you share with others are essential in keeping your spirits high throughout the week. 

ALWAYS Practice Gratitude 

Last, let’s talk gratitude, the best tool for keeping you from soul-crushing emails (seriously). When it comes to fighting for your joy (and soul), gratitude is a MUST. This simple yet powerful practice can shift your perspective and help you maintain a positive attitude all week long. Take a moment each day, perhaps during your morning time or before bed, to reflect on things you’re grateful for.

This can be as simple as a being grateful for a traffic-free commute, a delicious meal, or a kind word from a coworker. The key is to truly savor these moments, allowing them to fill you with warmth and appreciation. This practice not only boosts your mood, it also helps to reduce stress and anxiety.

By embracing gratitude, you create a positive feedback loop that propels you through the week. This isn't empty motivational talk. Gratitude legit transforms your brain and life. Living in a state of gratefulness gives you the boost you need to tackle challenges and remain resilient. For instance, it is hard to focus on emails crushing your soul when you are grateful for the sunrise, your beautiful family, and that paycheck coming on a regular basis. 

If you are routinely beginning your week with a negative mindset, it is almost guaranteed that you have a deficit of gratitude in your life. Before you deal with the inbox, make sure you have primed your brain by giving thanks for as many things as you can. 

And there you have it! By incorporating these three practical habits into your routine, you’re setting yourself up for a week filled with positivity, productivity, and plenty of joy. Remember, Mondays are just the beginning, and with the right mindset, they can become a purpose-fueled launchpad for your entire life. 

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you have any Monday tips for maintaining a positive attitude and avoiding soul-crushing emails? Share them with us and the Rethink Monday community by filling out our comment form. Know someone that struggles on Mondays? Be sure to share this blog with them to keep their soul uncrushed and their Mondays positive. 

Have a a wonderful week ahead!