Why is it that people dread Mondays so much? Every start of the week, my twitter feed is filled with longing for the weekend and dread for the week ahead. I know I might be in the minority, but I look forward to Mondays. Yes, I know I’m on summer vacation now so I shouldn’t be talking much about the working world these months, but I look forward to Mondays even during the school year.

Mondays are great because they’re so busy. During the school year, Mondays are full of potential for the week ahead, excitement for the lessons ahead, the subject matter I’ll be teaching. Busy days mean they fly by and are over with faster. Dragging through a work day is the worst. It’s much better when you look up at 5 o’clock and realize it’s time to go home. Heading into the week with this mindset makes it so much easier to face the alarm after a wonderful two-day break.

If you don’t share this mindset and facing Monday is a bit tougher for you, there are ways to turn it into a good day. Of course, nothing beats a Saturday night of fun and a Sunday morning of sleeping in, but Monday doesn’t have to be the worst thing.

How To Beat the Monday Blues:

Schedule something fun. Why do Saturday and Sunday get all the fun? Mondays can be fun too. Whether it’s a nice lunch date or a yoga class with friends after work, planning something to look forward to makes the day so much better. Make your whole week fun with little treats here and there. Add a delicious creamer to your coffee. Use your lunch break to read a good book. See a movie – some theaters offer discounts on certain weekdays. Even the smallest things make a big difference when you’re facing a long week ahead.

Speaking of treats, reward yourself with something nice. If you’ve just completed a big project or deadline, celebrate your wins with something nice. Plan a wine night out or a little bit of pampering like a pedicure or a facial. Another nice idea is to buy yourself some jewelry online, or better yet order it the week before so that it arrives on Monday, if you’re the planning type. There’s nothing like checking the mail and seeing something sparkly! Much better than boring bills or junk ads that’s typical for a Monday, right? Consider getting a monthly subscription box to come home to every once in a while. Sometimes you can choose when you want them to be delivered, so choose Mondays as your day!

Host a dinner. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive, but instead a time to get your girlfriends together to watch reality TV or a rom-com and eat a nice, home-cooked meal. Spaghetti or tacos are a hit among everyone and are so easy to make. A potluck means that everyone can bring a dish and share it buffet-style. Wanna make it completely stress-free? Order a pizza.

Hit the gym! Heading to the gym often gets met with groans, but getting your workouts in at the beginning of the week will make you feel better. You’ll feel more energized, better rested, and accomplished. If you’re tired of the same routine, shake it up with a spin class, join a running club, or gather up a few friends for a long walk after work. Doing the same thing over and over can make it seem boring, so don’t be afraid to try something new.

Relax. If you’re anything like me, sometimes the weekend is filled with all the things you weren’t able to do during the week. You’re busy running errands, doing laundry, and cleaning the house when really you just need some time to relax. Draw yourself a hot bath on Monday evening and indulge in a glass of wine. Put on some soothing music and catch up on your personal emails or reading through your fashion magazines. Watch your favorite television show and hit the hay early.

No matter what day of the week it is, it’s important to make time for yourself. Whether that’s 30 minutes or a few hours, there should be always be time to take care of you. This will help you feel energized throughout the week and make facing a Monday morning that much easier.

The thing about a Monday is that no matter how much we resist, they’re going to happen anyway. The good news is that we can take control of how we handle it. A positive attitude and a little bit of perspective can get your week off to a fantastic start. And obviously, a fabulous new outfit always helps. Mondays will never take place of looking forward to a weekend, but you can still sneak in a little fun and make the day all about you!