Holden Associates – Accountants & Business Advisers Blog

Not often, in fact it’s the first time I have made a posting on a weekend, but this one can’t wait until Monday 21st, this posting is something to hopefully pick you up this coming Monday.

Heather Bestel, a stress management consultant, who actually took her own advice, has on her website given some advice on how to beat the Monday blues, made all the more meaningful as Monday 21st is officially the worst day of the year!

Heather writes:

The festive feeling is wearing off, you’ve fallen off the wagon and given up on the nicotine patches as you fail to keep the last of your New Year’s Resolutions – added to which the debt of Christmas has caught up with you and there’s too much month left at the end of the money.

The dark, wet and cold of January do nothing for our motivation and we are increasingly talking ourselves into taking a duvet day.  It is true that GP’s see more people for depression and anxiety in the winter months – but it doesn’t have to be this way.

Heather has given a ten point plan to help you get through Monday 21st:

1. On waking, take a moment to focus on all the things that you are grateful for:  good health, beautiful family, loyal friends etc
   
2. While you’re in the shower, visualise the day ahead and see yourself coping confidently and calmly with stressful situations.  See yourself enjoying the day ahead
   
3. Make sure you have a balanced breakfast.  Healthy eating reduces stress, boosts concentration levels, improves mental performance and prevents mood swings and depression.
   
4. Driving to work – be courteous to other road users.  Let them in if there is a queue – remember everyone has to get through the day.  Take the opportunity to do some stretches or simple exercises when stopped at the traffic lights. Listen to calming music as you drive. If you really are a road rager, try to work from home.
   
5. At the office – take regular breaks.  For 5 mins take a virtual holiday – Visualise yourself on holiday, use all your senses, really focus on making the experience as real as you can (your central nervous system does not differentiate between a real or imaginary event) so when you ‘come back’ your body will feel as though it really has been on holiday.

For the rest of Heathers help and advice you will just have to visit her website, but get there quick, otherwise those Monday blues just may get you!