Why Mondays Aren’t as Bad as You Think (Or Maybe They Are)

Posted on January 6, 2025January 6, 2025 by gigis ramblings

Ah, Monday. The most dreaded day of the week.

For many, it feels like a harsh jolt back to reality after the weekend. But is Monday really as bad as we think? Or have we built it up in our heads to be worse than it is? Let’s break it down.

The Case for Mondays

First, let’s give Mondays a little credit. They’re not all bad. In fact, they can actually be a great day to reset and refocus.

A Fresh Start: Mondays are like mini New Year’s Days. They give us a chance to wipe the slate clean and start the week with new energy and intentions.
Structure Returns: After a relaxed or chaotic weekend, getting back into a routine can feel oddly comforting.
Productivity Boost: Studies show that people tend to be more motivated on Mondays. It’s the perfect time to tackle goals or start new projects.

The Case Against Mondays

Of course, Mondays have their downsides too.

The Sunday Scaries: Anticipating Monday can ruin an otherwise relaxing Sunday evening.
The Alarm Clock: After sleeping in on the weekend, that early alarm can feel especially brutal.
The Workload: A full inbox or a packed schedule can make Monday feel overwhelming before it even begins.

Why It’s Not All in Your Head

There’s actually some science behind why Mondays feel tough. Our bodies and minds take a little time to adjust from the weekend’s rhythm. When we disrupt our sleep patterns or routines over the weekend, Monday mornings hit harder. It’s not just mental—it’s physical too.

Tomorrow’s Monday, and It’s a Big One

Tomorrow is Santiago’s first day back to work in two weeks. It’ll be an adjustment, but hopefully, we can get back into the swing of things quickly. The good news? Mondays are like a reset button, and this could be the perfect chance to ease back into a routine.

Tips to Make Mondays Better

If Mondays feel like a chore, there are ways to soften the blow:

Plan Something to Look Forward To: Schedule a lunch date, watch a favorite show, or treat yourself to something small.
Ease Into It: Don’t overload your Monday with back-to-back tasks. Give yourself room to breathe.
Prepare on Sunday: Set out clothes, meal prep, and plan your day ahead of time to reduce stress.
Shift Your Mindset: Instead of dreading Monday, view it as a day to jumpstart your week.
Prioritize Self-Care: Get enough sleep, eat a good breakfast, and take breaks as needed.

Mondays Are What You Make Them

At the end of the day, Mondays are just another day. They can be a source of stress or an opportunity to start fresh. It’s all about perspective.

So, the next time you hear someone groan about Monday, remind them: it’s not all bad. And if it is, well, there’s always Tuesday.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

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January Is for Lists: How I’m Planning My Year Without Overwhelm

Posted on December 30, 2024December 30, 2024 by gigis ramblings

There’s something about January that makes my inner list-maker rejoice. The fresh start of a new year, the blank slate of possibility—it’s a perfect opportunity to pull out my favorite pens and brand new planner and start plotting out everything I want to accomplish. And when I say everything, I mean everything. I’ve been a list maker for as long as I can remember. Grocery lists, packing lists, to-do lists, gift idea lists—if it can be written down, I’ve got a list for it.

But let’s face it, the beginning of a new year can also bring an overwhelming amount of pressure. There’s a temptation to overplan and overpromise, which can quickly turn the excitement of goal setting into a whirlwind of stress. So this year, I’m leaning into my love of lists but with a twist—I’m focusing on simplicity, intentionality, and fun. Here’s how I’m planning my year without overwhelming myself:

1. Start with a Brain Dump

I begin by clearing out the mental clutter with a brain dump. This is where I jot down every single thing swirling around in my head—from big goals like “plan a family vacation” to small tasks like “replace the batteries in the smoke detectors.” No item is too big or small to make the list. It’s like giving my mind a chance to exhale.

2. Create Categories

Once I have my master list, I start organizing it into categories. For example:

Home: Projects, repairs, and decluttering tasks.
Work: Content ideas, deadlines, and professional goals.
Personal: Books I want to read, hobbies to explore, or self-care practices to prioritize.
Family: Activities, traditions to continue, and new memories to create.

Breaking everything into sections helps me see where my energy needs to go and makes the big list feel more manageable.

3. Prioritize with the 3-Item Rule

To avoid overwhelm, I’ve adopted the 3-item rule. Each week, I pick three main tasks to focus on. These are the “big rocks” that will move the needle on my goals. Everything else becomes optional. This approach keeps me from feeling like I need to do it all at once and helps me celebrate small wins.

4. Make It Fun

One of the best parts of being a list maker is that I can make the process as enjoyable as possible. I use colorful pens, stickers, and washi tape to brighten up my planner. Sometimes, I’ll even make a playlist or light a candle while I work on my lists. It’s all about turning planning into a self-care ritual instead of a chore.

Check out my Planner Pinterest Board

5. Leave Room for Flexibility

Life happens, and plans will change. This year, I’m reminding myself that my lists are guides, not rigid contracts. If I don’t get everything done, it’s okay. The goal is progress, not perfection.

6. Celebrate Progress

Instead of waiting until December to reflect on my accomplishments, I’m taking time every month to review what’s been checked off and what’s left. It’s a chance to celebrate progress and adjust my lists as needed. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to see how much I’ve already accomplished.

Why January Lists Are the Best

There’s just something magical about this time of year. January lists feel full of potential, like planting seeds for a beautiful garden. By taking a mindful and intentional approach to planning, I’m setting myself up for a year that’s productive, balanced, and, most importantly, joyful.

If you’re a list maker like me, I’d love to hear how you’re planning your year. Are you trying something new or sticking to tried-and-true methods? Let’s inspire each other to make 2025 our most organized and fulfilling year yet!

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

New Year, New You: Realistic Resolutions

Posted on December 27, 2024December 27, 2024 by gigis ramblings

Image by Annette Meyer from Pixabay

The start of a new year brings the promise of fresh beginnings. It’s the perfect time to set resolutions, but let’s be honest—life gets busy. Sticking to grand goals can feel impossible when you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between. That’s why realistic resolutions are the way to go. They’re attainable, flexible, and can still make a big impact. Here are some ideas to help you kick off the year with achievable goals.

Prioritize Self-Care (Without Overhauling Your Routine)

Self-care doesn’t have to mean a spa day or hours at the gym. It can be as simple as drinking more water, setting aside 10 minutes for deep breathing, or reading a chapter of a book before bed. Small, consistent acts of self-care can make a world of difference.

Get Moving—Your Way

You don’t need to commit to a daily two-hour workout. Instead, find ways to move that fit your lifestyle. Take the stairs, park farther from the store, or do a quick stretch session in the morning. Movement isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

Image created with Canva Magic Studio

Declutter One Space at a Time

A tidy space can do wonders for your mental clarity, but decluttering your entire home feels daunting. Start small. Tackle one drawer, one shelf, or one corner each week. Over time, those small victories will add up to a more organized space.

Practice Gratitude Daily

Gratitude is a game-changer. It helps shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. Keep a journal and jot down one thing you’re grateful for each day. Too busy for that? Take a mental note instead—the impact is just as powerful.

Image by Cindy from Pixabay

Plan Your Meals, But Keep It Simple

Meal planning can save time, money, and stress. Start by planning just a few meals each week. Choose recipes that are quick and simple. Pre-chopping veggies or prepping ingredients the night before can also make weeknight dinners a breeze.

Strengthen Connections with Loved Ones

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to lose touch with friends and family. Set a realistic goal to reconnect. Maybe it’s a monthly phone call, a quick coffee date, or even sending a thoughtful text. Little gestures go a long way.

Image by Bob Dmyt from Pixabay

Learn Something New—Bit by Bit

Always wanted to learn a new skill or hobby? Make it happen this year, but don’t overwhelm yourself. Dedicate 10 minutes a day to your new interest. Whether it’s knitting, cooking, or learning a language, small steps lead to big results.

Set Boundaries to Protect Your Time

Saying “no” can feel uncomfortable, but it’s essential for your well-being. Protect your time by setting boundaries. Prioritize what truly matters and don’t feel guilty about declining commitments that don’t align with your goals.

Image by NeShea Jenifer from Pixabay

Celebrate Small Wins

Resolutions don’t have to be all-or-nothing. Celebrate every small win along the way. Finished that book you’ve been meaning to read? Give yourself a pat on the back. Made it through a week of meal planning? Treat yourself to a night off cooking.

Remember: Progress Over Perfection

Life is unpredictable, and resolutions won’t always go as planned. That’s okay. Focus on progress, not perfection. Each small step you take is a step toward a better you.

Wrapping It Up

Realistic resolutions are about creating a better life without adding extra stress. They fit into your existing routine and make positive changes feel manageable. This year, give yourself grace, aim for progress, and celebrate every step forward. Cheers to a happy, healthy, and realistic new year!

Why You Should Create a Vision Board for 2025

Posted on December 23, 2024December 19, 2024 by gigis ramblings

My personal 2025 Vision Board created with Canva

As we step into a new year, there’s something magical about imagining all that lies ahead. For me, creating a vision board has been a tradition I have been doing for about 10 years now. Whether it’s a physical board or a digital one, it’s not just an artsy activity—it’s a way to set my intentions, visualize my goals, and hold myself accountable.

If you’ve never made a vision board, 2025 might just be the perfect year to start. Here’s why it’s such a powerful practice and how it can help you achieve your goals while adding a little fun to the process.

A Tangible Reminder of Your Goals

We all have dreams, but it’s easy to lose focus in the hustle of daily life. A vision board—whether hanging in your office or saved as your phone wallpaper—keeps your goals front and center. Every time you see it, you’re reminded of what you’re working toward—like paying off that car, upgrading to that new truck, or planning those long-dreamed-of travel adventures.

Keeps You Accountable

For years, I’ve included both realistic goals and a big dream or two on my vision board. This mix keeps me motivated and grounded. For instance, I’ve added paying off my car and saving for home upgrades or moving to the country to my 2025 board, alongside aspirations for new travel destinations and my vain desire for dental implants. By having these goals visualized, I’m reminded to take steps toward them, even on days when motivation runs low.

Inspires Creativity and Positivity

Making a vision board isn’t just productive—it’s fun! You can choose to create a physical board with magazines, glue, and scissors, or go the digital route using tools like Canva. I’ve started using Canva to create my boards, and it’s a game-changer. You can quickly drag and drop images, quotes, and text to design something inspiring and personal.

If you’re not sure where to start, I even created a Canva template you can download and simply add your own pics to make the process easier. Whether physical or digital, each piece of your board reflects a unique part of your vision and serves as a daily source of inspiration.

Helps You Manifest

Call it visualization, manifestation, or just setting a clear intention—whatever term resonates with you, there’s power in focusing on your dreams. A vision board acts like a magnet for positivity, helping you align your thoughts and actions toward making your goals a reality.

How to Create Your Vision Board

Creating a vision board is simple, but the process can be deeply personal and meaningful. Here’s how to get started:

Reflect on Your Goals: Think about what you want to achieve in 2025. Be realistic, but don’t be afraid to dream big.
Decide on Physical or Digital: Choose whether you want to create a physical board, a digital one, or both.
Gather Inspiration: For a physical board, gather magazines, scissors, glue, and a poster board. For a digital board, use tools like Canva to find images and templates.
Create Your Vision Board: Arrange your images, quotes, and symbols to represent your goals. If you’re using Canva, simply drag and drop your elements into a design.
Display Your Vision Board: For physical boards, hang them where you’ll see them daily. For digital boards, set them as your phone or desktop background.

Why Not Give It a Try?

Whether you’re dreaming of personal growth, professional success, or simply more moments of joy, a vision board can be your guide. There’s no right or wrong way to create one—it’s all about what resonates with you.

For me, my 2025 board features the same staples as always: financial freedom, travel dreams, blessings over my marriage and business, and that ever-elusive Blue Ford Raptor! With both a physical board and a digital version saved on my phone, I’m ready to stay focused wherever I go.

Whatever your dreams are, seeing them on a vision board might just be the push you need to make them happen. So, grab those scissors, open Canva, and make this the year your vision truly comes to life!