The nights are well and truly drawing in, it's getting colder and we seem to be suffering from a LOT of wet weather at the moment. It can be hard to stay motivated at this time of year; going to work in the dark and coming home from work in the dark can be very draining and uninspiring, especially on a Monday when the weekend feels a million miles away!

Here are some tips on how to boost your motivation and to have a Happy Monday!

1. Rest and Relaxation
It might be tempting to try and cram in as much social activity as possible into your weekends but it's important to make sure you find a good balance and allow some time to rest and relax properly;maintaining regular sleep patterns and taking the time to "put your feet up" will really help recharge your batteries leaving you fresh as a daisy for Monday morning.

2. Know your purpose
Your commute into work on a Monday morning is the perfect time for reflection on your job role, try to remind yourself of what appealed to you when you first accepted the role you are doing, what makes you care about your job, what do you find particularly rewarding? Understanding the true purpose behind your role can be very fulfilling and make you re-evaluate how you feel about your career.

3. What do you want to achieve?
If you're struggling with the Monday blues on a regular basis it could be you've lost your sense of direction. Feeling stagnant in a position or company can have a negative effect so taking time to think about a clear path and idea of progression can really help with feeling motivated, what do you want to achieve? What's your long-term goal? What can you do to get there? Be proactive in speaking with your employer to see what they can do to help you achieve your goals.

4. Be specific
If you're consistently feeling negative about your job, it's important to assess the root of your unhappiness. Are you feeling stressed and overworked or undervalued and not challenged?
If concerns are left unaddressed, they may continue to grow and only add to your disengagement with your work. Employers will want you to be happy, motivated and productive and a good employer should take any issues seriously and help to rectify them with your input.

5. Consider a change
If Monday morning represents an ongoing problem for you, perhaps it's time to consider a career move. Speaking to a recruitment specialist could help you to identify what you're looking for in your career. A chat with one of our consultants could help you to take the necessary steps towards achieving job contentment. Call the office now on 01509 211 211 or email your CV to [email protected]