Do you ever wake up on a Monday morning with a heavy heart, dreading the start of a new week of work?
Monday mornings can be a stressful time for many people because they highlight the change from the relaxed and free weekend to the demands and responsibilities of work.
Finding your purpose through self-reflection can help you deal with feeling stressed on Mondays.
5 reasons people feel stressed on Monday
How do you feel on Sunday evenings (assuming you start work on Mondays)? Do you hate having to get up in the morning on Monday, or does it excite you?
Here are 5 reasons people feel stressed on Mondays:
Breaking Routine: The start of a new week can be stressful because it involves breaking the routine of the weekend and returning to the demands of work. People may feel as though they are losing the freedom and relaxation of the weekend.
Anticipation of the Working Week: Monday mornings can be stressful because people anticipate the demands of the working week ahead. They may feel overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do, or they may be worried about meeting deadlines or dealing with challenging tasks.
Lack of Control: Many people feel stressed on Monday mornings because they feel as though they have lost control of their lives. They may feel as though they are at the mercy of their job, their boss, or their colleagues, and this can be a source of anxiety and stress.
Commuting: For those who have to commute to work, Monday mornings can be especially stressful. Traffic can be heavy, public transportation can be crowded, and weather conditions can be challenging, all of which can add to stress levels.
Lack of Weekend Recovery: For many people, the weekend is a time to recharge and recover from the demands of the working week. But if the weekend is too short, or if people engage in activities that are overly demanding, they may not feel fully rested and refreshed for Monday.
Finding Your Purpose
Another reason these ‘Monday morning blues’ are not uncommon, is because many people struggle to find their true purpose in life.
While the thought of change can be daunting, it is important to evaluate your current situation and determine if it is fulfilling and aligns with your values.
Do you know how to find your purpose? If you asked that question to several people, the majority would probably answer no. .
People are afraid to try something new out of fear of the unknown. They often don’t know how to go about looking for what they should be doing.
In this article, we will explore the questions you need to ask yourself in order to find your purpose. We will also provide 5 action steps you should take to find your purpose
Finding Your Purpose: Questions to Ask Yourself
- Is What You’re Doing Satisfying?
The first step in finding your purpose is to assess whether your current job is fulfilling.
Forget your salary and bills for a moment, ask yourself, “do I enjoy getting up every morning to go to work?”
Do you feel apprehensive about the start of the working week? If you are doing a job that doesn’t excite or inspire you is it a means to an end? Could you turn your passion into a career?
Take a moment to reflect on these feelings in order to consider if your current job is satisfying to you.
- Do Your Values Align with Your Job?
Another problem that may make you feel stuck is doing something in which you don’t believe. Suppose you work for a company that isn’t doing right by the community. It may be legal, but you don’t feel it’s ethical. It pays well, and that is why you stick with it.
It can be disheartening to work for a company that does not match your values, even if the job pays well and you enjoy the people you work with.
For example, if you work for a betting company but have a strong moral objection to the increase of gambling addiction, you need to ask yourself if you can continue to work in an environment that does not align with your values.
Consider the impact your job has on your mental and emotional well-being and determine if it is worth staying in your current position.
- What Changes Do You Need to Make?
Once you have assessed your current situation, ask yourself what changes you need to make in order to find fulfilment.
This may involve training which could be undertaken while still in your current job by taking advantage of online training courses.
Ask yourself if you are willing to put in the time and effort to make these changes. If not, it may be best to continue on your current path until you feel ready to consider other options.
- Can You Change Your Work Routine?
Look into your current situation and determine if there are any changes you can make to your work routine. Ask your employer if there are any other opportunities within the organization that you can pursue.
If there are, it can be a great way to explore your purpose and find satisfaction in your work.
Finding your purpose can be a challenging journey, but it is worth the effort.
Take the time to reflect on your current situation, assess your values, and determine if the changes you need to make are worth it.
Remember, it is never too late to make a change and find fulfilment in your work.
5 action steps you should take to find your purpose
Reading about finding your purpose is a great way to gain knowledge and insight into the topic, but completing actionable steps is what really drives progress and personal growth.
Without taking action, what you read remains just ideas and theories, and not something you can actually use. It’s like having a map of a city but never actually leaving the house to explore and experience it.
Taking actionable steps helps put theory into practice. It helps you gain practical experience and the ability to evaluate your own strengths, weaknesses, and interests. You can also build momentum and a sense of accomplishment.
When you finish each step, you will feel good and want to keep going. It makes you more confident and motivated to reach your goals.
So here are 5 actionable steps for you to take:
- Reflect on your values and interests: Start by thinking about what values and interests are important to you. This can give you a good idea of what you are passionate about and what you value most.
- Assess your current situation: Evaluate your current job or career path and determine if it is fulfilling and aligns with your values. Take the time to think about what you enjoy and what you don’t enjoy about your current situation.
- Explore new opportunities: Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore new opportunities. This could involve taking online courses, volunteering, or trying out a new hobby. The more you explore, the better idea you will have of what you enjoy and what you’re good at.
- Seek guidance from others: Talk to friends, family, and mentors about your thoughts and feelings. They may be able to offer you support, guidance, and different perspectives. Consider working with a career coach or therapist who can help you work through your feelings and thoughts.
- Take small steps towards your goal: Once you have a clearer idea of what you want, start taking small steps towards your goal. This could involve setting small, achievable goals and working towards them over time. Remember to be patient with yourself and trust the process. The journey to finding your purpose takes time, but with effort and persistence, you can find fulfilment in your work and life.
Remember completing these action steps is what makes achieving your goals.
