The mere mention of Monday evokes a collective groan from people of all ages and backgrounds. But have you ever stopped to think about why Monday is so universally dreaded? Several factors, including psychological, social, and cultural, contribute to the widespread phenomenon known as the “Monday blues.”
For many, the weekend is a time for relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation. The sudden shift from a restful pace to the structured routine of the workweek is always annoying. The freedom and flexibility of the weekend are replaced with the constraints of schedules, deadlines, and responsibilities, leading to a sense of loss and disappointment caused by the post-weekend slump.
Patricia Akol, a manager at an insurance company said weekend often disrupts sleeping patterns, with later nights and later mornings. This leads to a phenomenon called “social jetlag,” where our bodies struggle to adjust to the earlier wake-up times required for work on Monday. The resulting fatigue and grogginess only add to the Monday’s misery.
“It is from Friday to Sunday nights that I sleep after midnight, and then Saturday and Sunday mornings that I get out of bed after 9:00 a.m. I usually find it hard to wake up at 4:45 AM to prepare for work and set off from home early enough to beat the traffic jam. Every Monday morning, I feel exhausted and wake up while cursing, but I have no way out because I must go to work,” Akol said.
Bruce Twongyeirwe, an advocate in Mbale City, said that Monday marks the beginning of a long, stressful week ahead.
“The pressure to meet deadlines, manage workloads, and navigate office politics is often overwhelming. It is as if all emails and tasks come in over the weekend. The anxiety and fear of facing another week filled with challenges makes Monday feel like a burden, and I never want to open the door to my office,” Twongyeirwe said.
Mondays have generated phrases like “Monday blues,” a term that has been perpetuated by popular culture. From songs like “Monday, Monday” by The Mamas and The Papas to memes like “But who decided work should start on Monday? What was wrong with Tuesday?”
“Mondays should be optional.” “Shortest horror story ever; tomorrow is Monday” jokes about the horrors of Mondays, and many more, the collective culture has reinforced the idea that Mondays are something to be endured, not enjoyed.
While it is unlikely to eliminate the Monday blues, there are ways to mitigate their impact. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, setting realistic goals and priorities, and finding ways to make Mondays a good day a good day is a better way to approach the start of the week with a more positive mindset.
