THUNDER BAY – LIFE & WELLNESS: “Just another manic Monday…” The 80s pop song wasn’t lying. For many people, Mondays feel like the hardest day of the week—especially after a relaxing (or hectic) weekend.
But what exactly makes Monday such a mental hurdle?
Whether you’re heading to work downtown, back to class at Lakehead or Confederation College, or facing a new week of caregiving or shift work, Mondays in Thunder Bay can feel extra heavy.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
The Psychology Behind “Manic Mondays”
Research shows that Monday anxiety is more than just a cultural meme. It’s often caused by:
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A drastic shift in routine between the weekend and the workweek
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Poor sleep patterns over the weekend (late nights, socializing, or oversleeping)
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An overloaded to-do list waiting on Monday morning
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Emotional whiplash, especially if weekends are a source of joy, freedom, or productivity
According to the American Psychological Association, people report lower mood and motivation on Mondays, especially if they don’t feel in control of their schedule.
What Makes Mondays Tough in Northwestern Ontario
Here in Thunder Bay, Mondays can hit even harder due to:
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Long winters and dark mornings, making it harder to get going
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Remote work fatigue or isolation, which lingers in many industries
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Commuting challenges, especially when road or weather conditions worsen
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The Sunday Scaries, made worse when there’s limited weekend daylight or unfinished tasks
In short, Mondays aren’t just “bad vibes”—they’re a perfect storm of physical, emotional, and environmental stressors.
Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
If Mondays are dragging you down, here’s how to ease the pressure:
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🕰️ Plan your Monday on Friday. Before signing off for the weekend, jot down 3 priorities for Monday. This reduces anxiety.
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😴 Stick to a weekend sleep schedule. Staying up until 2 a.m. on Saturday can ruin your Monday energy.
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💧 Hydrate and move. A short walk (even around Marina Park or your neighbourhood) and water first thing can do wonders.
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🍳 Make Mondays easy. Prep breakfast or lunch the night before. Choose comfortable clothes. Keep your morning as smooth as possible.
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📵 Delay the doomscroll. Avoid diving into stressful news or emails until you’re mentally ready.
Monday Rituals That Set the Tone for Your Week
Turn Mondays into a launchpad, not a wall:
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Coffee with purpose: Sip your coffee with intention—review your goals, journal, or listen to a motivating playlist or podcast.
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Mini milestones: Plan something to look forward to on Monday evenings—a fitness class, a call with a friend, or a walk by the water.
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Gratitude check: Start the week with three things you’re thankful for. It helps reset your mindset.
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Local treat: Swing by Bay Village, Calico, Sweet North, or UpShot for a Monday pick-me-up to give the day a positive association.
Don’t Dread It—Dominate It
Mondays might always carry a bit of weight—but they don’t have to knock you down. By reframing your approach and controlling what you can, you can turn Monday into a day of intention, not irritation.
And remember—in Thunder Bay, Mondays mark one step closer to hiking season, BBQs, campfires, and Lake Superior sunsets.
So breathe deep, sip that coffee, and own the day. You’ve got this.
