8 Easy Ways to Survive the Work Week

Written by: Nikki Marie Evan- Cosmopolitan Online

#1

Exercise in the A.M.

If you're like us, hitting the gym at the crack of dawn sounds about as appealing as jumping into an icy lake in mid-February. But there are real benefits to squeezing in an early workout. You get it out the way so it's not hanging over your head, you feel more energized all day, and it frees up your evenings for plans with friends. Plus, exercise releases endorphins, which improve your mood.

#2

Relish Your Mornings

Whether you make it to the gym or not, try getting up 15 minutes earlier than usual and having your coffee and breakfast at home while listening to music, reading the paper, or watching the news. When you start your morning in a calm and relaxed way, it sets the tone for the rest of the day.

#3

Make Weekend Plans in Advance

Start scheduling your Saturday and Sunday activities on Monday. Spending the first few days of the week talking to friends about cool stuff to do on the weekend builds anticipation and makes the week fly by.

#4
Send an E-Joke

Every once in a while, shoot your friends or a few select co-workers a funny (yet work appropriate) e-mail. Sharing a link to a piece of celeb gossip or a hilarious YouTube clip allows you to mentally check out for a couple of minutes a day.

#5

Take an Actual Lunch Break

Eat with co-workers instead of scarfing down an energy bar and a bag of chips at your desk. It will give you an opportunity to recharge your batteries, you’ll enjoy a proper meal (so you won’t be tempted to hit the vending machine at 4 p.m.), and you’ll bond with colleagues.

#6

Head Out on Wednesdays

Why save all the fun for Thursdays? Going out on Wednesday gives you something to look forward to on those dismal Mondays and Tuesdays. Hit a bar for happy hour or invite friends over, pop open a few bottles of wine, and order pizza.

#7

Connect with Friends

Social networking sites can be addicting (ya think?) and can seriously interfere with your work. But sneaking a little time online can be a nice way to break up an endless afternoon and catch up with pals. Allot yourself 15 minutes a day to log on to Facebook and MySpace or any other site you like.

#8

Start a Weekly Tradition

Whether it's watching Gossip Girl with your friends or having Thursday date night with your guy, delegating one evening a week to a specific activity will ensure that you always have something to look forward to. People are less likely to cancel on a standing event, so you'll never be left with nothing to do.