Monday Motivation: 8 January

Got the Monday blues? Reclaim the day and set the tone for the entire week with these helpful, motivational tidbits:

“I love the writing. I love the idea of typing and seeing it on the computer and printing it out myself and, you know, moving sentences around” – Carol Burnett, US comedian

We’re two weeks into the new year, and there’s already three holidays to celebrate on 8 January – as you can tell from this quote by Carol Burnett, today is World Typing Day!

We make use of typing in our everyday lives, such as typing a simple text message to a friend, writing an email to a colleague or capturing thoughts in a mood journal. It’s a way to communicate AND a way to express ourselves, whether it be recording our experiences or listing our goals/dreams. It’s also a creative tool, a stress reliever, and a means to build up your brain for the better.

If you think that typing is a slog, remember that there are others who don’t share the same privilege – this could be as a result of illiteracy, a learning or mental disorder such as dyslexia, or a physical defect. Be grateful for your typing abilities, and be sure to use them for the betterment of yourself and those around you!

“Do you know what I find? A tidy workspace encourages a tidy mind” – Dr Anne Wilson Schaef, US clinical psychologist

Today, we’re also celebrating National Clean Off Your Desk Day! And believe it or not, keeping your work desk tidy and organised is integral to your work performance and overall productivity.

Firstly, it will help keep you on top of your workload. Secondly, it can increase your concentration levels, decrease your stress levels and keep you motivated. However, a cluttered desktop can lead to feelings of overwhelmingness, which in turn can hinder your concentration, encourage procrastination and increase your anxiety.

So, remember to sanitise the surface of your desk; consider using draw dividers to store your supplies and keep them separate from each other; get into the habit of clearing your desk of coffee cups, bottles, devices and stationery at the end of each workday; and keep your desk decor as simple as possible.

By putting these methods into practice, you will be able to keep on top of the clutter in no time. It will also improve your overall mood, productivity and long-term work performance.

“I believe in the power of a good bubble bath to wash away the stresses of the day” – Unknown

Break out the scented candles, foam wash and bath bombs, ‘cause you can’t end 8 January without celebrating National Bubble Bath Day.

Showers may be quick and efficient, but baths are relaxing and oh-so-soothing – and bubbles are an added bonus!

Experts say that bubble baths are good for your physical and mental health, as they offer a deep cleanse to your skin, relax sore muscles, improve blood circulation, reduce stress and boost your mood, among other benefits.

So, once you’ve done typing away and cleaning your desk, now’s the perfect time to lie back and relax among some scented bubbles (with a magazine or music to amp up the peaceful atmosphere!).