Monday is the start of the week, a new beginning and a new day, yet many of us do not like it. Even the Guinness World Records named Mondays as the most hated day of the week. Have you ever wondered why?

Monday is like just any other day of the week, but the emotional shift it carries is certainly unique.

I am not particularly fond of Monday, especially Monday morning, as I have to leave the comfort of my bed and wash my face for the day ahead. I guess it has to do with the fact that I play badminton on Saturday night with friends and the next day is spent leisurely doing nothing. Then boom ... it’s Monday morning and a work routine has to be followed. With the arrival of Monday, quizzes, assignments and deadlines also arrive. The daily hustle starts. That’s what makes the weekend more desirable and the end of it more detestable. What’s worse is that the rest of the week isn’t any better.

Tuesdays are similarly as terrible as Mondays. Deadlines need to be followed, presentations need to be prepared and we have to study for quizzes. By the time Wednesday arrives, people are already overcome with fatigue and eagerly wait for the weekend. Thursday goes about with most of us getting irritated as the mental capacity to work for the week had already been surpassed. However, the week still seems to be never-ending.

But when finally Friday comes, people are usually glad that the much-needed break is already in sight. Some people even vow to prepare and do the necessary work for the next week in advance over the weekend, so the coming week will be less chaotic. Unfortunately, all of these thoughts vanish as quickly as they are conceived — for the weekend is for unwinding.

Also, the aspect that makes people hate Mondays is the lack of fulfilment. When people do not enjoy their work, be it school work or any job, Monday comes with a dreadful reminder of that. They would have to follow the routine they dread, getting to go to the job they dislike.

Rather than hating their work, people need to find real meaning in it. Question yourself: “Why am I doing this?” If the answer reflects your career aspirations or purpose in life, then you need to remind yourself of those positive aspects about Mondays. Once you take away all the negative feelings about your work, you will find Mondays more appealing and productive than ever.

However, for some lucky ones, Monday is a mark of a fresh start, a day that will lead them nearer to their goals. And that’s exactly what it is! Monday symbolises the beginning of a new day and a new week in the journey of life, so set a new goal, or begin with renewed energy rather than starting the week on a dreadful note.

“Your Monday morning thoughts set the tone for the whole week. See yourself getting stronger, and living a fulfilling, happier and healthier life,” is a quote by Germany Kent.

So, let’s all use Mondays as a stepping stone towards our life’s goals. Let’s fill in our Mondays, and the rest of the week, with positive energy.

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 8th, 2025