Do you think Mondays are the worst?
When the weekend’s over, the outlook seems bleak. In fact, some experts believe weekend behaviors can lead to social jet lag — feeling fatigued and forgetful after the weekend.
“Losing just an hour of sleep each night over the weekend can create a surge in ghrelin, a hormone which stimulates appetite, and a slump in leptin, a hormone that tells us when we’re full,” says Dr. Nanette Gormley, an internist at Advocate Medical Group in Orland Park, Ill. “Simple behaviors, like watching your alcohol intake or making sure you get enough sleep, can dramatically change your week.”
Here are five tips to beat your case of the Mondays:
- Anxious? Just thinking Mondays are bad may influence your perception and cause you to be in a bad mood. Incorporate a fun weekend activity like date night or going out to help make Monday exciting.
- Bloated? Americans consume the most carbohydrates, meat and alcohol Friday through Sunday, compared to the rest of the week. Try meatless Monday or make hitting the gym a priority.
- Dragging? Keep weekend sleep and wake times within an hour of weekday ones to keep your circadian rhythm in check.
- Stressed? Shifting from a relaxing weekend to a busy work week is stressful for your mind and body. Try a calming breathing exercise before you start your day or make a gratitude list.
- Hungover? Limit weekend imbibing to just two or three drinks a night. Make each last one hour, and enjoy them with food.
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
