Should You Partake in Bare Minimum Mondays? Here's What a Career Expert Says

Bare minimum Mondays are the idea of prioritizing yourself and your self-care over your job or career every Monday.

The term was coined by TikTokker Marisa Jo Mayes. Career expert Travis Lindemoen, founder of Enjoy Mondays, says that "the concept of bare minimum Mondays is simple: invest time in what brings joy and replenishes energy."

As our culture shifts away from being focused only on productivity, and moves into the importance of caring for oneself, it makes sense that we would also shift how we manage our time. "In recent years, more people have been adopting a new approach to work-life balance and stress management that's been gaining popularity," explains Lindemoen. On whatever day it occurs—including a weekend— he says that "by dedicating one day per week to oneself, without any contact with work, it's an opportunity to step away from the rush of life and take time for self-care."

Is a Bare Minimum Monday right for you? We'll examine what one involves, why it's beneficial, and how to make it work. We'll also take a look at whether this is a safe move for your career, and how you can ensure your job doesn't suffer for it.

What Does a Bare Minimum Monday Look Like?

A Bare Minimum Monday looks noticeably different from a typical workday. You won't be starting your day by checking your email, and you won't be tying up your loose ends for work over your dinner. Instead, you'll be focusing on you.

Lindemoen says that BMM activities can include "sleeping in, catching up on favorite TV shows, going out for lunch with friends, or honing one's craft." Where you'd normally get up early for work on a Monday, in this instance you' may choose to awaken naturally, whenever that occurs. Rather than getting ready to go to work, or to log in to your remote position, you might spend the morning taking care of yourself instead. And as the day goes on, you could choose to continue these activities.

Bare Minimum Mondays don't have to be all or nothing. If your work requires you to be present for much of the day, your version will instead incorporate whatever self-care actions you can into your day while still performing however many of your job's duties you need to. You can have a Bare Minimum Monday (or other day) by prioritizing yourself yourself throughout the day, having less focus on work productivity, and more focus on doing "good enough" for yourself.

The goal of a Bare Minimum Monday is very straightforward: You're looking to feel energized and cared for. "Distractions such as email and social media should be avoided during this time to fully experience the benefits," says Lindemoen. He adds that "the outcome is an improved mental clarity, creativity, and productivity throughout the week, resulting in higher levels of happiness overall." Any activities you choose to pursue throughout the day that will lead to this outcome are the right ones for you.

As a freelancer who makes her own schedule, I've opted for Bare Minimum Fridays frequently for years. I find the idea of not starting my week fully on Monday a bit stressful, so I've focused instead on completing my work tasks by Thursday. When cooking for my private client, I'll do that on Thursday morning then write any outstanding pieces for the week in the afternoon. That way, my Friday is clear.

On my Bare Minimum Fridays I will sleep in, have a leisurely morning, online shop, and/or go to lunch or happy hour with a friend. Having a three day weekend makes me feel like I'm on a mini-staycation.

Why a Bare Minimum Monday Is Helpful

If you're a victim of the Sunday Scaries, which is the term for when stress and fear about the upcoming week ruins your Sundays, Bare Minimum Mondays may be right for you. "One of the advantages of implementing a Minimum Monday into your routine is reduced stress levels," says Lindemoen. High stress directly impacts our ability to be productive, and those who experience high levels of stress at work are less satisfied with their jobs.

That means that during the days when you are invested in your work, you'll likely do a better job at it. Taking the time to care for yourself can lead to an improved level of happiness, and less stress, improving your quality of life overall.

It's also important to remember that numerous countries employ a four day work week with a three day weekend. The concept is popular in Japan, Canada, Portugal, Australia, South Africa, the Netherlands, and more. Research has found that a shorter work week minimizes burnout and increases workplace productivity overall.

How to Make It Work

How a Bare Minimum Monday will work for you is wholly contingent on whether or not it is a match for your job.

For Jobs That Support BMMs

If your workplace is one that accepts Mondays off, a reduced workload for the day, or allows a partial day off, then you'll have an easier time making a BMM work. You can begin your day later, end it earlier, or spend the entire day on self-care, depending on what your workplace allows.

For Jobs That Do Not Support BMMs

Some workplaces aren't supportive of a shorter work week. If your job does not allow any time off on Mondays, instead focus on how you can best support yourself while doing your job.

If possible, schedule meeting for Tuesday to Friday. Perform the easier tasks for your work, rather than the hardest ones, on Mondays. When you take short breaks, such as to use the restroom, give yourself an extra moment to breathe. Buy yourself a treat at lunch, go to lunch with a coworker instead of eating alone, or take a few minutes out of every hour to give yourself some downtime.

Things to Consider

Admittedly, the concept of a Bare Minimum Monday is rooted in a position of privilege. People who perform manual labor for a living, hourly workers, and anyone who is paid based on completion of tasks performed will have a harder time making this concept viable. Additionally, even if you are in an office environment, your job simply may not allow downtime. Above all else, you want to make sure that you aren't sacrificing your good standing with your place of employment in order to make Bare Minimum Mondays happen.

"It's important not to go overboard and jeopardize a job or career," Lindemoen tells us. "One should only set aside enough time to gain headspace, but still remember responsibilities." And while he notes that "ample participation in 'Minimum Mondays' should not impact career growth significantly," it's something to keep an eye on.

Provided your workplace supports it, Bare Minimum Mondays can lead to an enhanced quality of life. Says Lindemoen, "if you're looking to manage workloads successfully while maintaining a level of comfort and peace of mind, Minimum Mondays may be worth considering as a part of a work-life balance solution."