Got a case of the Monday blues?

It's Monday again and you are weary and depressed at the thought of another working week. Often referred to as Mondayitis, it's so common it even warrants its own page on Facebook.

So, what causes it? A Sydney University study(1) found people are generally happier when they are free to choose their activities compared to when they are engaged in paid work. And after one or two days of freedom during the weekend, we find the thought of the structured work day especially difficult.

However, Australian research on the opposite coast found the famous Monday mood dip is not totally psychological in origin. Scientists at Adelaide's Flinders University(2) found this feeling may be related more to sleeping patterns than thought processes.

This study suggests it's our cherished Saturday and Sunday morning lie-ins that are our undoing. Extra sleep during the weekend may help us with the sleep deficit accumulated during the week, but on Monday we may experience feelings of tiredness and fatigue. This is because a change of sleeping pattern temporarily resets our body clock, throwing our sleep system out of kilter.

What can you do to make Monday a positive start to the week?

Hop out of bed the moment you wake or when the alarm goes, don't linger in bed. Exercise in the morning to get your blood pumping and to release feel-good endorphins. Be prepared for the coming week. Anticipate your Monday on a Friday afternoon by leaving your desk tidy and writing a 'to do' list. Don't sleep in during the weekend. After all, weekends are precious. Why waste them sleeping? Plan something special for Monday night - meet a friend for dinner or rent a DVD. The day will be easier to get through when you have something to look forward to.

Many of us experience Mondayitis, so take comfort knowing you are not alone if the Monday blues bring you down occasionally. If however you are lethargic or depressed beyond Monday or more frequently, it might be wise to think about seeking medical advice.

1. Faculty of Economics and Business Study, University of Sydney, 2008.
2. Flinders University study, 2006.

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