Does the following sound familiar?

It’s Monday morning and you’re drowning yourself in copious amounts of coffee in an attempt to get through the day, the weekend has passed, and you’re already on countdown to Friday.

If that resonates with you, you’ll relate to the third Monday in January, which has been crowned the most ‘depressing day of the year.’  It’s said to be down to the lack of money we have post Christmas, the constant downer following the time we’ve had off from work, and the pressure we put ourselves under to maintain New Year’s resolutions.

To help battle this day, and all the other Monday blues, Small Business Prices has put together five top tips to help you make Monday your favourite day of the week.

1. Get yourself in a routine

Routines are the best way to maintain a healthy work-life. It may seem obvious, but many of us spend our evenings scrolling through our phones or watching television until late. By setting yourself a bedtime and getting up at the same time everyday you can combat the hatred you feel towards your alarm sound when it goes off on a Monday.

On the weekends you can still laze around, just don’t get up in the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday and expect your body to be able to get up at 6am the following morning.

2. Fuel your mind

‘Breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ is something we have all heard many times before. But it really is! Breakfast stops the fasting period that our body goes through overnight. By waking up, drinking water and having a healthy nutritious breakfast you are setting your day up in the best possible way. If you really want to make yourself feel better on a Monday morning you can also make yourself your favourite breakfast which will promote the release of the feel-good hormone ‘dopamine’ and definitely give you a glow on your first meeting of the week.

3. Out of clutter, you’ll find clarity

Organisation is the best way to feel that you aren’t overloaded with work before the week has even begun. By writing a to-do list for the week ahead on the Friday you can allow yourself to fully switch off over the weekend, not think about work, and come back organised, prepared and motivated to tackle all your tasks. You’ll feel like you have more clarity on what you are doing and when you want to achieve them. Lists are also a great way to feel a sense of accomplishment and free us from any feelings of anxiety as they can visually present us with all the tasks we have done and need to do.

4. Look the Part

Confidence is a feeling that you can generate by dressing in your favourite outfit, wearing that power suit or simply just doing your hair in your favourite style. If you dress in a way that makes you feel more powerful, able, and strong in your job then you will be more driven to reach your goals. It is important to remember that how others see you is a reflection on how you view your inner self, so show everyone what a boss you are – dress to impress!

Getting up that little bit earlier and putting the effort into your appearance, will also make you feel mentally ready for the day, as you are tricking your brain into thinking you are more ready for the day than you actually are. Put on that dress you love rather than throwing on your favourite tracksuit that you wore all weekend, and watch your confidence glow.

5. Reward yourself

Everything’s better when you know there will be a reward at the end of the day. So, why not treat yourself to that luxury hot chocolate or extra biscuit which you shouldn’t really have. Although these seem small in the grand scheme of things, appreciation and reward for efforts have a positive psychological effect on the brain. In fact, according to The Rewards Report, 68% of employees said recognition of their work with a reward motivated them in the workplace.

It is definitely worth it to have that extra chocolate bar and caramel latte if you know that it will motivate you to work harder, and of course these little treats will sweeten up your Monday and help battle those blues.