Feeling the Monday blues after a relaxing holiday is totally normal but there are ways to ease back into your routine without dragging your feet. As someone passionate about growth in Human Resources, I’ve realised that managing our own mindset is just as important as managing people.

Here are some heartful and simple tips I use to reset my focus and start the week with calm, fresh energy especially after a long break:

1. Start Your Morning with Gratitude & Calm

Instead of jumping straight into stress, take a moment after Fajr prayer to breathe, reflect, and reset your mindset.

💬 Say to yourself:
“Alhamdulillah, I had a good rest. Now I’m back, ready to bring good energy and barakah into my day.”

📿 Do your zikir, even just a few times:

• “Subhanallah”
• “Alhamdulillah”
• “Allahu Akbar”

📖 Or read a short surah like Surah Al-Inshirah to remind yourself: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”

💡 While sipping warm water or tea, you can sit by the window, take a deep breath, and quietly list three things you’re thankful for even something simple like “I slept well,” “I have breakfast,” or “The sky looks peaceful today.”

2. Dress to Feel Fresh & Confident

Your outfit can boost your mood! Choose something you feel good in clean, comfy, and a color that lifts your spirit.

✨ Add a spritz of perfume, or wear something new (even a new pair of socks or scarf can make you feel like it’s a new beginning!).

💡 Maybe you received a gift during your holiday try wearing or using it on Monday. It’ll remind you of that happy memory and give you a positive vibe throughout the day.

3. Eat a Power Breakfast

You’ve heard the saying: “Breakfast like a king!” So give your body something hearty and happy.

🍳 Whether it’s nasi goreng or even simple bread and fruit, choose a breakfast that fuels your mood.

💡 Prepare your ingredient to cook the night before. Easy for you to cook it in the morning and enjoy it slowly while listening to soft music or a podcast. When your tummy is satisfied, your brain will thank you too!

4.Plan Something Enjoyable at Work

Monday doesn’t have to be boring. Bring in small joy!

🎁 Pack a little treat like your favorite candy or some cookies to share with colleagues.
😊 Start your day with a kind smile or compliment someone’s outfit or effort.
🗂️ Begin with a task you enjoy before diving into the heavier workload.

💡 If you like organising, maybe spend the first 15 minutes cleaning up your desk or arranging your to-do list nicely. It gives you a sense of control and peace.

5.Set Just 3 Main Goals for the Day

Don’t try to do everything. Just write three simple and achievable goals.

📝 Keep them visible on your phone, notebook, or sticky note.

💡 Example:

1. Reply to top 3 important emails.
2. Finalize the schedule for the week.
3. Greet each team member personally.

Ticking off these small goals builds momentum and confidence for the rest of the week!

6. Avoid Negative Triggers

🚫 Don’t touch your emails or work chats the moment you open your eyes. Give yourself space to wake up positively.

📴 You can even turn off notifications the night before and set a “start time” for when you’ll check work messages.

💡 Instead of checking your phone, do light stretching or say a short doa: “Ya Allah, make my day easy and full of goodness.” Then only after breakfast, check your work updates.

7. Have Something to Look Forward To

🔋 Motivation needs fuel so plan a small reward at the end of your Monday.

🎉 It could be a treat like bubble tea, a walk at the park, a phone call with a friend, or watching your favorite YouTube video or drama episode.

💡 Tell yourself, “If I finish these 3 goals, I’ll order my favorite dinner tonight.” This gives you a gentle push to stay motivated all day long.

Final Thought 💛

You don’t need to force Monday to feel amazing. But with the right mindset, comfort, and kindness to yourself, it can feel a little lighter. Start small, stay grateful, and move forward with calm energy.