Bare Minimum Monday: Is it a healthy way to beat the Monday blues?

Monday is often dreaded due to the transition from the relaxation and freedom of the weekend to the structured and demanding workweek. The abrupt shift can make you feel worse, especially if your weekend involved social activities, leisure, or simply rest. The idea of a full week of work ahead can seem overwhelming, and shoot up your stress levels. Also, if you have a backlog of tasks and emails accumulated over the weekend, it can make Monday mornings particularly hectic and challenging. So, meet Bare Minimum Monday, a a concept popularised by digital creator Marisa Jo Mayes to promote a balanced approach when it comes to a person’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 Mondays. “The concept involves setting minimal goals for the day, focusing only on essential tasks, and allowing oneself to ease into the workweek,” explains psychiatrist Dr Sapare Rohit.

During a 2020 study published in Sage Journals, participants reported lower levels of job satisfaction and higher levels of work stress on Mondays. The Bare Minimum Monday approach aims to combat Monday blues by promoting a gentler start to the week, prioritising mental well-being over productivity.

How does Bare Minimum Monday work?

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

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• Instead of tackling a long to-do list, identify a few critical tasks that must be accomplished. This reduces pressure and makes the day feel more achievable.
• Incorporate self-care activities into the day, such as taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in light physical activity. “This can help maintain your mental as well as emotional balance,” says the expert.
• Allow for a more flexible work schedule. Start the day later if possible, or take more frequent breaks to avoid burnout.
• Concentrate on high-priority or time-sensitive tasks. Push less critical work later in the week when energy levels might 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:

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 likely to feel more positive and motivated throughout the week.

3. Prevents burnout

Constantly operating at high levels of productivity can lead to burnout. “Bare Minimum Monday allows for a recovery period, helping to maintain a sustainable work pace and preventing exhaustion,” says the expert.

4. Enhances focus and productivity

Starting the week with a lighter workload may boost productivity. When stress is minimised, and tasks are prioritised, people can focus better and complete their work more efficiently.

5. Promotes work-life balance

By easing into the workweek, 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, contributing to overall life satisfaction.

6. Encourages mindfulness and self-awareness

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

Are there side effects of Bare Minimum Monday?

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

1. Perception of laziness

Colleagues or boss may perceive the practice as laziness or a lack of commitment, especially in high-pressure work environments. This could affect professional relationships and career progression.

2. Uneven workload

Spreading work unevenly throughout the week might lead to busier days later on. “If things are not managed properly, you can feel stresses and pressure rest of the days, counteracting the intended benefits of Bare Minimum Monday,” says the expert.

3. Not feasible for all jobs

Some jobs and industries require a consistent level of productivity and cannot accommodate reduced workloads on specific days. For instance, doctors or positions with strict deadlines might find it challenging to implement Bare Minimum Monday.

4. Dependency risk

Relying too heavily on Bare Minimum Monday could lead to procrastination, with people delaying tasks unnecessarily. This dependency can hinder long-term productivity and work habits.

What to keep in mind while following the Bare Minimum Monday trend?

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

• If you plan to adopt Bare Minimum Monday, communicate your intentions with your team or boss. Explain the benefits and how it can enhance overall productivity and well-being.
• Establish clear boundaries to ensure that minimal tasks are completed without compromising essential work responsibilities. It’s crucial to find a balance that works for both personal well-being and job requirements.
• To make Bare Minimum Monday effective, plan your week in advance. Allocate less critical tasks to Mondays and ensure that high-priority work is distributed evenly throughout the rest of the week.
• Regularly assess the impact of Bare Minimum Monday on your productivity and well-being, and make adjustments 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 gently, and encourage a culture of self-care and mental health awareness in your 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.