4 Steps To Make Mondays Feel As Good As Fridays
Here at TFD, we are keenly aware of the myth that is “doing what you love.” Even if you do love the job you go to every day, for most of us, work is still work. There are good and bad days, and at the end of it all, it’s probably not going to be the most fulfilling thing in our lives — and that’s okay. But we also know that being content in the workplace is extremely important for your mental and emotional well-being. If you let it, work stress can seep into other areas of your life. You owe it to yourself to strive for balance, and to own your time at the workplace as much as possible. We’re so excited to share this piece from the Frugal Feminista today, all about how to find your inner peace during the workday — and make your Mondays feel just like Fridays.
I don’t want to hear it! We can spend hours in conversation with our friends, moms, sisters, boyfriends, husbands, or whoever has a listening ear — giving them the pre-text, text, and post-text of “how crazy today was.” We can discuss why Sally couldn’t “do it herself,” or why is it that “I’m being called every time,” and my favorite cry “I’m not getting paid for this.” But when is enough enough? At what point do you (re)claim your entitlement to peace?
You are absolutely right, “that is not fair,” and yes, I know, “he didn’t have to say that.” But we can’t control how others behave. We can’t waste any more time analyzing what a co-worker was thinking when they made that comment. It’s unproductive, leads to a road of oscillating misinterpretation, and clogs your mind. A clogged mind is unclear and unfocused. Everyone is entitled to a sense of inner peace and a state of clarity where your integrity matches your actions.
1. Define what eliminates your peace.
Think about what actions and reactions stir up your emotions and distract you from being the best you. Write them down. Spend your conversation time analyzing these statements and find, if any, a commonality. This can help you learn more about yourself and what you can or can’t handle at the workplace — and help you find inner peace.
2. Plan your reactions.
People reveal themselves through their actions. And most of the time, their actions are redundant. Luckily for you, we can plan our reaction to these actions to eliminate bitter feelings and walk out of any situation with a peace of mind. Control yourself. You are not a puppet, guided by someone else’s action. You have a mind of your own and you have the freedom to understand that, most people’s actions are “not about you”. Unfortunately, we are victim to other people’s unhappiness, but on the other hand, we don’t have to accept that. See it for what it is, unhappiness, and leave it with that person — and walk away with peace.
3. Start to think about your future.
Most of our frustration at work comes from not being happy with what you do. Somehow people have embedded this false notion that their current situation is their future situation. If you’re not happy, you need to change it. Take the time to invest in yourself and make the proper adjustments so that you are working towards an occupation that makes you happy and implements a plan to get there.
4. Take a Lunch Break. ALONE!
Yes, with all the thoughts that run through one’s mind are enough to keep yourself company. Lunch buddies can clog our minds with work drama that we were better off just not knowing. You need time to be with yourself. It’s a great time for sorting your thoughts, enjoying your own company, and renewing your energy for the afternoon. There is power in being at peace with yourself.
Kara is the founder of the award-winning site The Frugal Feminista and author of three powerful personal finance and personal development resources for brown girls worldwide: Heal Your Relationship with Money: A Self-Care Workbook, Unmasking The Strong Black Woman, and The Wealthy Woman’s Blueprint Financial Planner.
Image via Unsplash
