How to start the week relaxed

(even if you can't do everything)

Monday - for many of us, the day that often begins with a deep sigh. There's something magical about the start of the week: a blank sheet of paper, ready to be filled with to-do lists, meetings and ambitious goals. But if we're honest, we all know that it's almost impossible to accomplish everything we set out to do during the week. But don't panic - here's the perfect plan to get you going and get through your Monday (and the rest of the week) with ease.

Monday morning: The first sip of coffee and reality

It's Monday morning. The alarm clock rings and the urge to press the snooze button is strong. But instead of starting Monday with a guilty conscience, why not pause for a moment and focus on what's important? Start your day with a cup of coffee or tea (ideally in your favorite heart mug ), and take a few minutes to breathe deeply and structure the day in your mind.

Before you dive into the mountain of tasks that probably grew in your head over the weekend, it's helpful to get a clear overview. Grab a piece of paper or open your favorite planning app and write down everything you want to get done this week. Yes, everything - even the little things that seem unimportant.

Accept reality: You won’t be able to do everything

Now comes the important part: accept that you won't get everything done. And that's okay! The art of weekly planning is to set priorities and not be overwhelmed by the length of your list. A good place to start is to divide your tasks into three categories:

1. Must be done today: These tasks are non-negotiable. They have a deadline or are so important that they dictate the day.
2. Should be done this week: These tasks are important but not urgent. If they are not completed today, it is not the end of the world.
3. Could be done if there is time: These are the tasks you would like to accomplish, but they are not a high priority.

By breaking down your tasks in this way, you create a realistic weekly schedule that is not only doable, but also gives you the feeling of being in control - even if Monday doesn't go as planned.

The key to success: flexibility and composure

Another important tip for a successful week is to stay flexible. Sometimes things don't go as planned - the meeting takes longer than expected, the flood of emails doesn't stop, or an unexpected call messes up your entire schedule. But instead of getting stressed, remember that you've already set your priorities. Focus on what's really important and leave the rest for later.

And as for the tasks you didn't get done? Let them go. See Monday as a fresh start and not a stressful start to a chaotic week. If you take on too much, that's okay - you're only human. Realize that it's okay not to be perfect and that even small steps will lead to your goal.

A suggestion for a relaxed daily and weekly planning

To start the week relaxed and productively, here is a simple plan:

Monday morning:

• Take a coffee break and plan your week.
• Create a to-do list and set priorities.
• Tackle the most important task of the day.

Monday afternoon:

• Take a short break (yes, a real break!).
• Move on to the next priority on the list.
• Stay flexible and calmly accept unexpected tasks.

Rest of the week:

• Every morning, briefly review and adjust your daily schedule.
• Set realistic goals and celebrate progress – even small successes count.
• On Friday, take stock of the week: What have you achieved? What remains for next week?

Conclusion: Monday doesn’t have to be the worst day of the week

With relaxed and realistic planning, you can overcome the Monday blues and approach the week with ease. Accept that you won't be able to do everything and focus on the essentials. And when Monday is over, you can be proud of what you have achieved - no matter how big or small.

Remember: It's not about doing everything perfectly, it's about getting the most out of your week without losing your mind. So, take a sip from your favorite mug and start your Monday relaxed. The week is yours!