I’ve had a great Monday, so I thought I’d share 10 steps to have a great start to the week!

Step 1: Wake up at 7am

Even though you think you could use an extra hour in bed, you will get so much more out of your day if you wake up early. Stop hitting snooze and drag yourself out from under the duvet, ’cause you’re about to kick today’s ass.

Step 2: Exercise

Do yourself a favor and get the gym out of the way so you don’t have to keep putting it off until the evening (like you always do). Oh, but do take a mental note of how crowded the gym is around 10am and maybe shoot for 12-2pm next time.

Step 3: Walk through town

Your legs feel a bit like jelly after that workout, but you’re not ready to head home just yet. Take your time walking back home so you can pop into the shops to pick up that one thing you keep forgetting to buy. Browse a bit and wonder if you should get yourself something before you head home.

Step 4: Shower

It’s time to wash off that dirt and sweat from the gym! And go ahead and use a deep conditioning hair mask while you’re at it. Your hair will thank you.

Step 5: Work on your to-do list

Slap on some good tunes or listen to a podcast while you do a few loads of laundry, clean the bathroom, organize the wardrobe, or wash the dishes. The time will practically fly by and before you know it you’ll be enjoying the fruits of your labor. That, and you’ll have a few less items on your seemingly endless to-do list.

Step 6: “You” time

Make a cup of tea, snuggle up on the couch with your cat, and scroll through tumblr for the next hour and a half. Fill up your queue with things that make you smile, laugh, or feel inspired.

Step 7: Bake a cake

Throw equal parts sugar, self-raising flour, and margarine, into a bowl along with 3 large eggs and a half teaspoon each of baking powder and vanilla extract. Add a pinch of salt and mix until combined. Bake in a preheated oven at 180ºC until golden brown. When the cake cools completely, drizzle with lemon sugar icing and decorate with sprinkles.

Step 8: Make a delicious vegetarian stir-fry

Be amazed at how simple and tasty your creation is alongside a couple of gin mojitos. Get someone else to chop up the onions, and make a little more than you need so you can have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

Step 9: Put something on the TV and chill out

Dinner is done, so grab a slice of cake and cuddle up on the sofa to watch Happy Endings. Remark on how excellent the series is and shake your head in disappointment when you remember it got canceled. Watch 3-4 episodes minimum.

Step 10: Share your day with the internet

Obviously. How else will you let anyone else know you had a productive and satisfying day?

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy today’s photos and I’ll see you tomorrow!