Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Does a Bare Minimum Monday Look Like?Why a Bare Minimum Monday Is HelpfulHow to Make It WorkThings to Consider

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Does a Bare Minimum Monday Look Like?

Why a Bare Minimum Monday Is Helpful

How to Make It Work

Things to Consider

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Bare minimum Mondays are the idea of prioritizing yourself and yourself-careover your job or career every Monday.

Is a Bare Minimum Monday right for you? We’ll examine what one involves, why it’s beneficial, and how to make it work. We’ll also take a look at whether this is a safe move for your career, and how you can ensure your job doesn’t suffer for it.

The goal of a Bare Minimum Monday is very straightforward: You’re looking to feel energized and cared for. “Distractions such as email andsocial mediashould be avoided during this time to fully experience the benefits,” says Lindemoen. He adds that “the outcome is an improved mental clarity, creativity, and productivity throughout the week, resulting in higher levels of happiness overall.” Any activities you choose to pursue throughout the day that will lead to this outcome are the right ones for you.

On my Bare Minimum Fridays I will sleep in, have a leisurely morning, online shop, and/or go to lunch or happy hour with a friend. Having a three day weekend makes me feel like I’m on a mini-staycation.

Not everybody has the ability to do this, of course.

If you’re a victim of the Sunday Scaries, which is the term for when stress and fear about the upcoming week ruins your Sundays, Bare Minimum Mondays may be right for you. “One of the advantages of implementing a Minimum Monday into your routine is reduced stress levels,” says Lindemoen. High stress directly impacts our ability to be productive, and those who experience high levels of stress at work are less satisfied with their jobs.

It can also lead to a higher concentration level when studying for exams, working on projects at home or in the office.—TRAVIS LINDEMOEN

It can also lead to a higher concentration level when studying for exams, working on projects at home or in the office.

—TRAVIS LINDEMOEN

That means that during the days when you are invested in your work, you’ll likely do a better job at it. Taking the time to care for yourself can lead to an improved level of happiness, and less stress, improving your quality of life overall.

It’s also important to remember that numerous countries employ a four day work week with a three day weekend. The concept is popular in Japan, Canada, Portugal, Australia, South Africa, the Netherlands, and more. Research has found that a shorter work week minimizesburnoutand increases workplace productivity overall.

How a Bare Minimum Monday will work for you is wholly contingent on whether or not it is a match for your job.

For Jobs That Support BMMs

If your workplace is one that accepts Mondays off, a reduced workload for the day, or allows a partial day off, then you’ll have an easier time making a BMM work. You can begin your day later, end it earlier, or spend the entire day on self-care, depending on what your workplace allows.

For Jobs That Do Not Support BMMs

Some workplaces aren’t supportive of a shorter work week. If your job does not allow any time off on Mondays, instead focus on how you can best support yourself while doing your job.

If possible, schedule meeting for Tuesday to Friday. Perform the easier tasks for your work, rather than the hardest ones, on Mondays. When you take short breaks, such as to use the restroom, give yourself an extra moment to breathe. Buy yourself a treat at lunch, go to lunch with a coworker instead of eating alone, or take a few minutes out of every hour to give yourself some downtime.

Admittedly, the concept of a Bare Minimum Monday is rooted in a position of privilege. People who perform manual labor for a living, hourly workers, and anyone who is paid based on completion of tasks performed will have a harder time making this concept viable. Additionally, even if you are in an office environment, your job simply may not allow downtime. Above all else, you want to make sure that you aren’t sacrificing your good standing with your place of employment in order to make Bare Minimum Mondays happen.

“It’s important not to go overboard and jeopardize a job or career,” Lindemoen tells us. “One should only set aside enough time to gain headspace, but still remember responsibilities.” And while he notes that “ample participation in ‘Minimum Mondays’ should not impact career growth significantly,” it’s something to keep an eye on.

Provided your workplace supports it, Bare Minimum Mondays can lead to an enhanced quality of life. Says Lindemoen, “if you’re looking to manage workloads successfully while maintaining a level of comfort and peace of mind, Minimum Mondays may be worth considering as a part of a work-life balance solution.”

2 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bui T, Zackula R, Dugan K, Ablah E.Workplace stress and productivity: a cross-sectional study.Kans J Med. 2021;14:42-45.Research.4 Day Week Global.

2 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bui T, Zackula R, Dugan K, Ablah E.Workplace stress and productivity: a cross-sectional study.Kans J Med. 2021;14:42-45.Research.4 Day Week Global.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Bui T, Zackula R, Dugan K, Ablah E.Workplace stress and productivity: a cross-sectional study.Kans J Med. 2021;14:42-45.Research.4 Day Week Global.

Bui T, Zackula R, Dugan K, Ablah E.Workplace stress and productivity: a cross-sectional study.Kans J Med. 2021;14:42-45.

Research.4 Day Week Global.

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