Starting the week with a bang can be a herculean task, especially for those of us navigating the entrepreneurial landscape with ADHD. Mondays often feel like an uphill battle—transitioning from the easy-going weekend vibes to the demanding work mode can be tough. But guess what? We’ve got the drive, creativity, and tools to make Mondays work for us. Here’s how I turn my Mondays into power-packed productivity sessions.
The Challenges We Face
1. Transitioning Blues
Weekends are our playgrounds, filled with spontaneity and relaxation. Come Monday, our brains crave that same stimulation, making it hard to switch gears.
2. Time and Task Management
Prioritising tasks and sticking to them can feel like herding cats. With so many ideas and so little time, staying on track is a challenge. For more on this, take a look at my blog on the Pomodoro technique.
3. Anxiety Overload
The thought of the week ahead can be overwhelming. Anxiety and stress kick in, leading to procrastination or avoidance behaviours.
4. Balancing Creativity with Productivity
ADHD brings bursts of creativity but maintaining focus for long periods? That’s a different ball game.
My Go-To Strategies for Crushing Mondays
1. Brain Dump Before Bed
To clear my mind and prepare for the next day, I often do a brain dump before I go to sleep. This ensures that all the things swimming around in my head are noted down, allowing me to wake up with a clearer focus.
2. Start with a Routine
Routine might sound like a snoozefest, but trust me, it works wonders. I kick off my day with a quirky mix of rituals. Hydralite (two, because one just tastes bland), a green powder drink for health, and bone broth for gut goodness. I sip these while scrolling through TikTok for news and entertainment—a guilty pleasure that lets me procrastinate while still doing something productive.
3. Time-Blocking
Time-blocking is a game-changer. It helps me allocate specific periods for work, breaks, and tasks. This stops me from getting derailed and keeps my day structured.
4. Prioritised To-Do List
I’m all about the to-do list, but with a twist. I prioritise tasks, tackling the most important or challenging ones first when my energy levels are at their peak.
5. Exercise
Physical activity is non-negotiable. My Peloton sessions—whether stretching, cardio, weights, or yoga—boost my mood, reduce stress, and sharpen my focus. A post-workout protein shake ensures I’m fuelled and ready for the day without committing to a full meal in the morning (I’m not a breakfast person).
6. Mindfulness
When anxiety strikes, mindfulness and grounding techniques pull me back to the present. I also proactively set two afternoon alarms on my phone to remind me to take breaks and stretch.
What My Mornings Often Look Like
Even though we ADHD folks might hate routines, they’re my secret weapon. My morning ritual serves as my anchor for the day. I begin with three (yes, three!) essential drinks: Hydralite to rehydrate after a night’s sleep, a green powder for overall health, and bone broth to support gut health. I enjoy these while scrolling through TikTok, allowing me to multitask and feel productive (win). After that, I transition into my workout routine. By the time I’ve showered, walked to the bakery for coffee and fresh sourdough, I’m in work mode. This routine means I probably only work six hours a day, but I’m far more productive and focused. I’ve tackled my procrastination head-on and prioritised my health.
Mondays Can Be Manageable
ADHD solopreneurs, Mondays don’t have to be your nemesis. With the right strategies, you can turn them into your most productive day. Remember, it’s about finding what works for you and sticking to it. Embrace your unique brain wiring, harness your creativity, and channel it into productivity.
Stay bold, stay productive.
