How to keep midweek blues at bay

As the week progresses, it’s common to start feeling midweek blues. Why? Well, it doesn’t take much time for the excitement of the weekend to wear off, does it? Before one knows it, the workload has piled up and that feeling of being drained has taken over. However, it’s important to push through and maintain productivity.

Midweek blues is characterised by fatigue, lack of motivation, and a general sense of being stuck in a rut that many people experience in the middle of the workweek. It often sets in on Wednesdays or Thursdays when the weekend is still a few days away and the momentum of the beginning of the week is lost. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as work-related stress, burnout, lack of sleep, poor work-life balance, or simply a feeling of being stuck in a monotonous routine.

Sumal Abraham Varghese, director and CHRO, Transys Global, says “One of the most significant factors contributing to midweek blues is the lack of work-life balance. This is often a result of individuals placing too much emphasis on work and neglecting other important aspects of their lives, such as family, friends, hobbies and personal well-being. This can eventually lead to burnout and decreased motivation, making it harder to maintain productivity throughout the week.”

“One of the most significant factors contributing to midweek blues is the lack of work-life balance.”

Sumal Abraham Varghese, director and CHRO, Transys Global

By taking proactive steps to care for one’s physical and mental well-being, breaking up one’s routine, and setting achievable goals, it is possible to overcome midweek blues and stay motivated and productive throughout the week. Here are some steps that can be taken:

Take breaks

It’s important for employees to take breaks throughout the day to recharge themselves. They can do so by stepping away from the desk for a few minutes, taking a walk outside, or simply doing some stretching exercises. This will help them feel refreshed and energised to tackle the rest of the day.

Set small goals

Setting small goals throughout the day can help stay motivated and focused. Employees can break their workday into smaller, more manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. This can help prevent employees from feeling overwhelmed and boost their motivation as they complete each task.

Get sufficient sleep

At least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night is essential to ensure that employees are well rested and ready to tackle the challenges of the day ahead.

Change your routine

Sometimes, a change of scenery can help improve mood and productivity. Employees can try working from a different location, taking a different route to work, or even changing their work schedule.

“By giving people more control over their tasks and goals, they are more likely to feel invested in their work and motivated to perform well.”

Mukul Chopra, CHRO, Convegenius

Achieve work-life balance

Varghese strongly believes that to address midweek blues and maintain a healthy work-life balance, it is important to engage in activities outside of work.

This could involve networking with colleagues, attending professional development events, or simply taking part in social activities. “These activities can provide a fresh perspective, helping to reinvigorate motivation and increase productivity,” says Varghese.

Varghese also suggests another way to combat midweek blues — by exploring new initiatives and programmes. Instead of solely focusing on routine tasks, it is important for employees to consider taking on new projects or responsibilities. This can help keep things interesting and exciting, providing a much-needed boost to motivation and productivity.

Midweek blues can be a significant obstacle to maintaining productivity and motivation throughout the week. However, by prioritising work-life balance, engaging in activities outside of work, and exploring new initiatives and programmes, it is possible to overcome this challenge and maintain a healthy and productive work-life balance.

However, Mukul Chopra, CHRO, Convegenius, is doubtful about midweek blues being a widespread occurrence. He believes that most employees are happy and enjoy their work. However, he does acknowledge that people tend to look forward to Fridays and the weekend, which can make the middle of the week feel like a drag. 

To tackle this, Chopra suggests reframing midweek activities to make them more enjoyable and less of a chore. “Instead of making it seem like a company-mandated obligation, focus on making it a positive experience that employees will look forward to. For instance, organisations can propose team-building activities on Wednesdays, which can help break up the workweek and give people something to look forward to,” he advises.

Chopra also emphasises the importance of employee engagement and ownership over their work. Chopra adds, “By giving people more control over their tasks and goals, they are more likely to feel invested in their work and motivated to perform well.”

“By taking the time to celebrate my achievements in this way, I find that I’m better able to maintain my motivation and stay focused on my long-term goals.”

Sujiv Nair, global CHRO, Re Sustainability

Sujiv Nair, global CHRO, Re Sustainability shares his own insights on how he tackles midweek blues. He starts by planning out his week with specific goals in mind. This helps him stay on track and focus on what he wants to accomplish.

If he ever finds himself stuck or struggling with a particular task, he takes a break and switches his focus to something else. 

Finally he adds, “When I’ve successfully completed my goals for the week, I like to reward myself by doing something I enjoy, such as playing a sport, watching a movie, or cooking a delicious meal.” 

Nair opines that “By taking the time to celebrate my achievements in this way, I find that I’m better able to maintain my motivation and stay focused on my long-term goals.”

Tackling midweek blues requires a combination of physical, mental and emotional strategies. By taking breaks, setting bite-sized goals, indulging in some hobby or relaxing activity, connecting with colleagues, getting enough sleep, and by changing their routine employees can overcome midweek blues and stay productive throughout the week.