Mondays have always carried a bad reputation. From the Sunday scares to the flood of unread emails, the start of the workweek often feels like being thrown into a storm without an umbrella. But in a post-pandemic world where hustle culture is being questioned and mental health is finally getting the spotlight it deserves, a new productivity trend is emerging: Bare Minimum Monday after the most talked about No-meeting workday conversation. And just like that, the internet is split.
Is Bare Minimum Monday The Rise of Laziness or The Reinvention of Workplace Genius?
What Exactly Is Bare Minimum Monday?
Coined and popularized by TikTok creator Marisa Jo Mayes, Bare Minimum Monday is the idea that we should intentionally start the week with less pressure and fewer tasks. Instead of diving into an avalanche of to-dos, professionals commit only to the absolute essentials on Monday—emails, key meetings, and a handful of manageable tasks.
Think of it as a soft launch into your week.
Lazy or Strategic?
On the surface, it might sound like Gen Z’s latest excuse to avoid real work. But here’s the kicker—it’s actually working for people.
By lowering the pressure on Mondays, individuals are reporting:
- Reduced anxiety
- Increased motivation by midweek
- Better overall productivity
- Less burnout
It’s not about doing nothing—it’s about doing only what matters. And for many, that subtle shift is proving powerful.
Why It Resonates with Today’s Professionals
We’re no longer in the era where grinding 60+ hours a week earns you a badge of honor. Especially among women, young professionals, and creatives, there’s a growing demand for sustainable productivity. We want success, but not at the cost of our well-being.
Bare Minimum Monday fits perfectly into this cultural shift. It challenges the traditional 9-to-5 mindset and offers an emotionally intelligent alternative to burnout.
Could This Work in Nigeria or Africa’s Corporate Spaces?
Let’s be honest—many African work environments still thrive on “early to work, late to leave” culture. But even in Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, or Johannesburg, there’s a rising tide of flexible work, mental health awareness, and digital-first careers.
If companies can start focusing on output over optics, Bare Minimum Monday might just have a place in the African workplace, especially in the creative, tech, and entrepreneurial industries.
How to Try It Without Getting Fired
Not everyone can decide to take it slow on a Monday without consequences. But here are smart ways to ease into the idea:
- Set Intentional Priorities: Choose 2–3 tasks you must complete on Monday, and focus solely on those.
- Communicate with Your Team: If possible, let colleagues know you’re starting your week focused and calm, not off-grid.
- Use Mondays to Think, Not Just React: Carve out space for strategy, ideation, or professional reflection—things that are often sacrificed in the rush.
Final Verdict: Lazy or Genius?
Let’s call it what it is, genius. Not because it’s a shortcut, but because it’s a form of self-leadership. Bare Minimum Monday is a quiet rebellion against burnout culture. It’s a way of reclaiming your mental space, so you can bring your full self to work… on Tuesday