Mondays are dreaded by everyone. It’s that first day back to work. Everyone is back to school. The routine starts over. No more lazy mornings, late breakfasts and lax bedtimes. It’s Monday. The start of a new week. And after your morning rush, backpacks and kids are dropped at school, the baby to the sitter and you are at your desk, working the day away. Then finally its quitting time and you’ve made it! You made it through Monday! And all that there is left to do is go home, squeeze your kids, enjoy your family supper and relax. Right? Wrong…instead you are hit with a serious case of the Mondays.
Manic Monday
Like every other Monday, after I was so fooled by the monotony of work, I was finally heading home! As I am driving home, I think of all the things that need done. The chores we left go over the weekend, homework to be done, bills to be paid, the usual! And Marlee has softball practice, Erik has a council meeting, so I have plans to catch up a little while hanging with the two boys and Vayda.
After running the plays through my head, I get home and walk in the door and there are my four grinning children, so excited to get a hug from mom and tell me about their day. JUST KIDDING! I actually walk in to hear my husband disciplining Marlee for her bad attitude, Vayda crawling around mindlessly whining, Milo is comatose on the couch and I don’t even remember where Chase was! Erik had supper on the table and a short fuse. It was apparent this was going to be another manic Monday!
Monday Curse
It seems every Monday ends up this way. We are all tired. We played hard all weekend and did tons of running. The kids were up early and to school all day. Vayda was back to the sitter and playing with her friends. Erik and I had logged 8+ hours at work and had to come home to log 5 more! Life can be overwhelming and exhausting and it just always seems to spew over on our Monday evenings.
I love the weekends, we all do! And what I wouldn’t give for a longer one! It seems each one goes by faster than the other! We all enjoy our time together so much but boy, when Monday rears her ugly head, we all count the minutes until bed time! Have you ever had a serious case of the Mondays?! It seems as though Mondays are cursed.
Helpful Tips to Ease Back into the Week
Is there a cure for this haggard first day of the week? No, unfortunately not but there are some things that I have found that help!
Morning Prayer
Begin the day with quite prayer with God. Ask him for His help to remain calm, especially at the end of the day. Pray for help that you all have a good day! Mary is great at interceding as well!
Deep Breaths
Practice breathing. Know when to walk away from a tough time, those inevitable arguments and separate your children so they can do the same. Unwind and recharge, even for just a moment.
Lower your Expectations
Plan ahead for the evening. Know everyone is going to be worn out and tired and give everyone their space.
Slow up your Sunday
Sunday is the Sabbath Day and a day of rest. Our busy lives have spilled mindlessly into Sundays and that can cause a crazy start to the week. Spend slow time as a family, especially in the evenings so everyone can unwind and relax before the week ahead.
Pray the Rosary
My husband had great habit during his 30 minute drive to work…he prays a rosary! This can be done on the way home too and will be sure to set your mind right before you walk in to reality!
The Catholic Company has great similar to my husbands that is perfect for the drive!
Good Luck
I hope my real-life story and helpful tips help to create a more peaceful week in your home! What do you all do when things in life get crazy? Do you have routines or rituals that help? If you do, please share!
