Monday mornings—the mere thought of them is enough to induce groans and sighs. As the alarm clock blares, we reluctantly drag ourselves out of bed, dreading the long week ahead. The problem? The notorious “Sunday Scaries” syndrome, where our motivation hits rock bottom, and our productivity seems to vanish into thin air.
And we weren’t expecting the concept of bare minimum Monday to be a viable solution to this recurring ordeal. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Bare Minimum Mondays and how it can be managed to transform lackluster Mondays into days of triumph and productivity.
What is Bare Minimum Monday?
Bare Minimum Monday is about giving yourself the time to replenish your drive and not letting your work overwhelm you. Let’s face it, Mondays can be slow with employees feeling more relaxed after spending two days with no work. But it doesn’t mean that you’ll be neglecting your duties and slacking off just because it’s Monday.
Instead, give yourself permission to gain momentum as you go through the week. If there are some essential tasks you can’t avoid, go ahead and accomplish them before diving into more complex or time-consuming assignments.
But give yourself some breaks and focus on smaller tasks later in the day. After all, the goal is to minimize your stress as you recharge your batteries, giving you time to focus on more challenging tasks later.
What Triggered Bare Minimum Mondays?
GenZers and Millennials make up the most vocal set of people in the workforce. From the emphasis on mental health to speaking out on workplace flexibility, these individuals are known for advocating better work-life balance to escape burnout and pressure from work.
Like the great resignation and quiet quitting, the bare minimum Mondays trend started when Marisa Jo Mayes, a Tiktoker and self-employed millennial, mustered up the courage to say,
“Hey, why don’t we take it easy on Mondays? Let’s have a day where we do the absolute minimum.”
The idea caught on like wildfire because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want an excuse to take it easy every now and then? People started sharing their plans for Monday, and the enthusiasm was infectious.
Social media feeds were filled with hashtags like #BareMinimumMonday and #LazyVibes. Memes were created, poking fun at the struggles of Mondays and celebrating the joy of doing as little as possible.
Before you knew it, the trend became a weekly tradition and a beacon of hope for all those weary souls trudging through the beginning of the work week. It became the day to unapologetically prioritize self-care, relaxation, and indulgence in the simplest pleasures.
How Do Employers Feel About It?
According to a recent survey, 60 percent of employers are aware of the concept of Bare Minimum Mondays.¹ However, their feelings about it might surprise you.
While some employers might see the trend as a major headache, others take a more light-hearted approach. In fact, 45 percent of employers surveyed admitted to having a good laugh about it. They understand that Mondays can be challenging, and sometimes employees just need a little extra time to get back into the swing of things.
On the flip side, about 17 percent of employers confessed to being unsure of the concept. They see it as a missed opportunity for productivity and worry that it sets the wrong tone for the rest of the week. After all, Mondays are the starting point for a successful week ahead, and having employees operate on autopilot might not be the ideal way to kick things off.
What Are the Benefits?
Picture this: you wake up on a Monday morning, and instead of diving headfirst into a hectic schedule, you decide to embrace the magic of doing the absolute minimum. This is a game-changer, and here’s why:
1. It increases productivity.
By intentionally slowing down at the start of the week, you give yourself time to recharge and gather your thoughts. It’s like pressing the reset button on your brain. When Tuesday comes around, you’ll find yourself refreshed and ready to tackle your tasks with renewed energy and creativity.
2. It boosts your mental health.
We all know Mondays can be a real drag. But when you adopt this mindset, you’re permitting yourself to recharge mentally. By prioritizing your workload and commitments, you allow your mind to ease up before dealing with heavy loads of work.
3. Allows creative juices to flow.
When you release the grip of a jam-packed schedule, your mind is free to wander and explore new ideas. It’s amazing how a little breathing room can lead to big bursts of inspiration!
4. Embraces imperfection.
Nobody’s perfect—and on Bare Minimum Mondays, imperfection is celebrated! It’s a day to let go of the pressure to have everything perfectly organized and under control. So what if your to-do list is a bit shorter?
Embrace the imperfections, laugh at life’s little hiccups, and enjoy the freedom of being wonderfully human.
The Drawbacks of the Bare Minimum Monday Approach
While adopting this approach has benefits, you should also consider the potential drawbacks of bare minimum Mondays.
1. Procrastination Prodigy
If your goal is to do the absolute minimum, it’s too easy to succumb to the siren song of procrastination. You convince yourself that you can do the work later, and before you know it, you’re knee-deep in a YouTube rabbit hole or binge-watching a week’s worth of episodes of your favorite series in one night.
The hours slip away, and suddenly, you’re left with a mountain of unfinished tasks and a nagging sense of guilt.
2. Delayed Deadlines
If you consistently prioritize only the minimum tasks on Mondays, it could lead to delays in completing other important assignments or meeting deadlines.
This approach might work for a short-term period, but it could accumulate tasks and cause a heavier workload later in the week.
3. Missed Team Collaboration
By focusing solely on your own well-being, you might neglect important team-related activities, such as communication, coordination, or supporting your colleagues. This lack of collaboration could impact team dynamics and overall productivity.
4. Potential Incomplete Picture
You might overlook the bigger picture or fail to see the interconnectedness of different responsibilities.
Specific tasks that may seem non-essential on Mondays could have implications for subsequent days or impact other projects, resulting in potential inefficiencies or missed opportunities for synergy.
Finding a Middle Ground: How to Balance Bare Minimum Mondays With Your Job Responsibilities
1. Choose quality over quantity.
Rather than fixating on the number of tasks you complete, shift your focus to the quality of your work. Allocate sufficient time and attention to each task, ensuring you deliver your best effort.
By focusing on producing high-quality results, you can showcase your dedication and professionalism.
2. Take strategic breaks.
It’s okay to incorporate some moments of relaxation into your Monday routine. Schedule short breaks throughout the day to recharge your mind and avoid burnout.
Just make sure these breaks are intentional and limited in duration. Use them to clear your mind, enjoy a cup of coffee, or engage in a brief, refreshing activity. Remember, breaks should be rejuvenating, not a shopping spree in the mall.
3. Communicate and manage expectations.
Be proactive in communicating with your colleagues or supervisor.
Share your intentions to create a more manageable Monday routine that balances productivity and sets you up for success later in the week. By openly discussing your goals and progress, you can manage expectations and ensure that your dedication to your work remains clear.
SEEKING A BETTER WORK-LIFE BALANCE? PORTFOLIO CREATIVE IS HERE TO HELP!
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Work part-time, go remote, or rock a compressed workweek—we encourage choices!
Find the perfect work-life balance you’ve always desired. Contact us today, and let’s help you kick burnout to the curb!
References
1. “Nearly 45 Percent Embraces and Endorses Bare Minimum Mondays”, Real Researcher, 27 March 2023, https://realresearcher.com/media/nearly-45-percent-embraces-and-endorses-bare-minimum-mondays/
