Monday Motivation: Lazy Summer or Learning Summer?
This article was originally published on July 20, 2020 at https://gritdaily.com/monday-motivation-lazy-summer/
Monday motivation, we need you! Oh, we can feel that summer sunshine and the power of sunbeams luring us outside and away from everything that we’re supposed to be doing inside. Here’s a pick-me-up to launch your week on the right foot. Studies show that your morning mood affects your productivity all day. Grit Daily is here to get your work week off to a good start. Pump your fists – it’s time for Monday motivation!
Tempted by a sunbeam
It’s so easy to be drawn in by the promise of summer; its sunshine, warmth and the idea of frolicking carelessly on the beach jumping through the waves (masks on and six feet apart, of course!). Everything about summer speaks to being carefree. The essence of the season transcends the boundaries and burdens imposed upon us by realities like work, chores, studying and everything else on our plates.
One sunbeam and somehow, everything that we learned through Monday motivation goes out the window! There’s no winter gloom. Everything is in bloom and our skin is tantalized by the feeling of the sun beaming upon it.
And that’s what vacations are for! We need to get out there, use our PTO, safely socially distance ourselves but go bask in the sunshine. In Japan, people practice the art of “shinrin-yoku” which is also known as “forest bathing.” Nature has healing powers and connecting with the outdoors, its sounds, sights and smells does wonders for our physical and mental health.
“Sweet, sweet burn of sun and summer wind, and you my friend, my new fun thing, my summer fling.” ~K.D. Lang
Monday motivation tips to be lazy AND learn
Oh … but we have work to do. And guilt is nagging away at us from the inside. Shouldn’t I study first? Or do some laundry or other chores? My boss expects me to get this project done so I can’t take any time off until it’s finished.
Those are some of the thoughts that nag us and challenge us to defy everything that we’re trying to gain from Monday motivation with the hopes of carrying our lessons on through the week. Here’s the thing – we don’t have to feel guilty about languishing in a lazy summer. Nor do we have to put pressure on ourselves to spend the whole summer learning. It’s all about balance for summer health!
#1 – carve up your day and week into “parts”
They don’t call it “Sunday funday” without reason! However, you elect to carve up your day or your week, it’s essential to have at least one full day to unplug. Whether it’s your mental health day, bubble bath day, hike day or whatever it is, indulge yourself in all that the day has to offer. No guilt. No judgment. Just enjoy it for all that it’s worth.
If you’re lucky enough to carve out a bit of time the other six days of the week, all the better! Even as little as 5 minutes of personal meditation time daily can have a positive effect.
#2 – make the time – then take the time
Schedule it. Taking a daily walk, bicycle ride, jog, yoga class or whatever else you can do should also be added to your calendar. Treat that time as you would any other appointment, meeting or mandated activity. It’s too easy to get caught up in whatever else is going on that day. Hold that blocked time as special and impossible (well, you may have to bend occasionally – but only occasionally!) to interrupt.
#3 – set a small learning goal
In the summer, you’re going to be more tempted than in any other season to want to go and play outside instead of doing whatever it is that you have to do. Summer school has always been dreaded. But you don’t have to look at learning as something painful. Recognize that this is an opportunity to upskill and gain some new insights from others who know a given topic better than you do. The learning experience will also offer you some insights about yourself.
Don’t be surprised if you find out that you actually LIKE learning! Maybe you want to learn a new language? Or learn about the Masterpieces by the world’s leading artists. Perhaps you are in school and you have to complete a course. If you can limit your learning days (and stick to them – no skipping!), you’re more likely to feel more optimistic and happier because you’re not learning everyday.
If you like podcasts, well, wouldn’t you know, we’ve got those, too! Three of them, in fact: 1) Like a Boss with snappy insights; 2) wine down and chill; and 3) Monday motivation. All three are available on all streaming channels including Apple, iHeart Radio, Spotify and more. Tune in! Finally, if you like my writing, check out my new novel, The Battle for Humanity, it’s a thriller you won’t be able to put down.
Have a fabulous week!
Photo by Nick Wehrli from Pexels