Do You Hate Mondays? It's Not You - Here's How to Fix it

Do you hate Mondays?

For years, I dreaded them. The beginning of the work week always felt like I was running into a brick wall. And this was after a weekend that was supposed to be all about resting, relaxing, and recovering.

But no matter how much I tried to "unwind," Mondays always came with the same feeling:

Exhaustion.

For a long time, I couldn't figure it out. I was following the script—taking time off, putting work aside, and doing everything the world told me I was supposed to do.

Yet continuously, week after week, I felt burned out before the week even started.

What was I missing?

The activities that had once brought me relief on the weekends just weren't working anymore.

So, I decided to seek help.

Through counseling, mentorship, and a ton of self-reflection, I realized that my weekends were missing one crucial element: re-energizing.

The Missing “R”: Re-Energizing

What does it mean to re-energize?

It’s about more than sleeping. Re-energizing requires engaging in activities that actively restore your physical, mental, and emotional reserves. It's a conscious process of feeding yourself with things that spark joy, motivation, and vitality.

Once I made this shift, it was like a lightbulb turned on. I started structuring my weekends not just around rest, but around restoration.

By doing so, I wasn’t just recovering from the past week — I was preparing myself for the week ahead.

What Re-Energizing Looks Like

Re-energizing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

It’s personal, and we all have different activities that can recharge our batteries.

• A movie night with my family, where we disconnect from the world and enjoy each other’s company.

• Dinner with my wife, sharing meaningful conversation and deepening our bond.

• Writing and working on new projects that ignite my creative energy.

• Watching football with great food and laughter, immersing myself in the energy of the moment.

• Hiking with my daughter, and enjoying the fresh air and mountain top views.

These activities aren't just downtime — they are essential for refueling.

They remind me of what matters and give me the energy to face the coming week with renewed purpose.

A Healthy Work-Life Balance: It’s Not a Luxury

We often hear about the importance of work-life balance, but it's easy to dismiss it as something reserved for the lucky or the lazy.

The truth is, a healthy work-life balance is neither a privilege nor a sign of weakness. It’s a right — a fundamental part of being human and responsible.

Balancing your life doesn’t mean you’re taking the easy way out. It means you’re setting yourself up for sustainable success.

The Ripple Effect of Re-Energizing

When you make the time to re-energize, it doesn’t just benefit you — it impacts everyone around you. Your renewed energy will spill over into your relationships, both personal and professional.

People notice when you show up engaged, focused, and ready to give your best. In contrast, burnout has the opposite effect. A drained leader, a tired parent, or an exhausted friend can’t be their best for those who rely on them.

So, when you take time for yourself, remember that you’re not just investing in your own well-being. You’re investing in your ability to serve others, too. Re-energizing benefits everyone who depends on you.

Don't become the "Absentee Leader"

Your Weekend, Your Re-Energizing Ritual

So, what’s re-energizing you this weekend?

Is it time with loved ones? A creative hobby? A good book, a long run, or a relaxing meal?

Whatever it is, find your own re-energizing rituals and build them into your weekend routine.

This isn’t a once-in-a-while strategy — it’s an ongoing practice. Each week, ask yourself:

What do I need to do to restore my energy? And each weekend, commit to giving yourself that time and space.

In doing so, you'll transform not just your Mondays, but your entire approach to work and life.

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ABOUT ME

Noel DeJesus is a decorated combat veteran with multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is an internationally published author and the founder of "Pocket Sized Leadership®," providing concise, actionable insights for busy professionals. As a certified training facilitator and renowned speaker, he blends his military expertise with a passion for personal and professional development. Noel is a distinguished member of the LTG (Ret.) James M. Dubik Writing Fellowship for the United States Army and holds a Master of Arts in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma.

Learn More: www.noeldejesus.com