Steer clear of the familiar dread, says Sharmadean Reid, by making the most of weekends and nailing your Monday morning

Ah, the all-too-familiar dread. The working week is about to start again, and as you lie in bed at the end of the weekend, you start visualising yourself as a rat on a wheel. But I like to think that, actually, the problem is not the Sunday night blues, it’s your morning routine.

I always try to nail my Mondays. I get up at 6.30am, run for 20 minutes (I bought a cheap treadmill), have a big breakfast and listen to a children’s story podcast with my son. I make sure I listen to bouncy tunes such as Michael Jackson on the way to work. That way, my week is off to a great start before I’ve even got to my desk.

Weekends are sacrosanct for me. I don’t believe in burning the candle at both ends; I am much more productive when I have used the weekend to completely recharge. But I have found myself getting a bit blue – not because of work dread, but because of loneliness. As a single woman, there is nothing to make you feel more like a loser than dodging beautiful couples eating brunch every Sunday. Make the most of your weekend: schedule things that make you happy. Scour listings, book events in advance and invite a friend, or start a breakfast or dinner club.

How to make a big career change Read more

I decided to host a weekly Friday night dinner at my home for people I want to spend time with. I used an online planning tool (calendly.com), then sent everyone the link to book themselves in. It made me feel loved and that, although I am so busy at work, I could still connect with people meaningfully.

Or perhaps you are happiest in nature: make time to go for a big park walk. Pack your weekend with friends, family, food and nature, and you will go to bed on Sunday with a blissful gratitude.

• Sharmadean Reid is the founder of WAH Nails and beautystack.com