Marisa Jo, a TikTok influencer, has coined the term ‘Bare Minimum Mondays,’ a trend sweeping through social media. She uses this concept as a personal strategy to alleviate work stress and ensure she accomplishes just the essential tasks needed to get through the day.
Amidst the evolving landscape of workplace dynamics, a trend known as ‘quiet quitting’ emerged on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter over the past year. This trend has resonated particularly with the younger generation, highlighting a shift towards prioritizing essential tasks and personal well-being. ‘Quiet quitting’ involves strategies such as leaving work on time, advocating for fair compensation, maintaining work-life boundaries, and focusing on core responsibilities rather than taking on excessive burdens.
Recently, a new trend named ‘Bare Minimum Mondays’ has gained attention, aligning with the ethos of ‘quiet quitting.’ This trend encourages individuals to approach the start of the workweek with a deliberate intention to complete only the minimal necessary tasks. By adopting this practice, employees aim to counter the mounting pressures and expectations associated with Mondays, ensuring a measured and balanced beginning to the week.
Marisa Jo, a prominent TikToker, has propelled the term ‘Bare Minimum Mondays’ into the spotlight. She has crafted this concept as a strategy to alleviate work-related stress and establish a personal commitment to accomplishing the minimal essential tasks required for the day. In her videos, she articulates this trend as a conscious choice to liberate oneself from the pressures typically felt on Sundays and Mondays. The underlying emphasis is on self-care and well-being, prioritizing mental and emotional health above relentless productivity and constant striving.
She elaborated that this approach serves as a countermeasure to prevent overwhelming stress and maintain a healthier balance. The notion of ‘Bare Minimum Mondays’ draws parallels with the ‘quiet quitting’ trend, reflecting a broader shift in work culture towards prioritizing individual wellness. The associated hashtag, #bareminimummondays, has garnered significant traction on TikTok, accumulating around two million views, further solidifying the trend’s resonance and popularity.
Happy bare minimum Monday to everyone that had to work today 🫶🏼
— Saül (@sxxlh_) May 29, 2023
Marisa Jo, an influential presence on TikTok, has brought the concept of ‘Bare Minimum Mondays’ into the limelight. For her, it’s a strategic response to work-related stress, a means of holding herself accountable to accomplish the minimal tasks required for the day. She characterizes it as a deliberate rejection of the pressures often felt on Sundays and Mondays, emphasizing the importance of self-care and well-being over the relentless pursuit of productivity.
In one of her videos, Marisa Jo candidly shared that adopting this approach was crucial to avoid overwhelming stress that could negatively impact her health. This trend resonates with the broader shift seen in the ‘quiet quitting’ movement, highlighting a growing focus on personal wellness within work culture. By deliberately prioritizing only the essentials, individuals aim to strike a healthier balance between work and self-care.
Comparing it to the ‘quiet quitting’ trend, Marisa Jo’s take on ‘Bare Minimum Mondays’ has struck a chord with viewers. The associated hashtag, #bareminimummondays, has gained significant traction on TikTok, amassing approximately two million views. This demonstrates its relevance and popularity in addressing the challenges of modern work-life dynamics.
Marisa Jo’s concept of ‘Bare Minimum Mondays’ has had a transformative impact, akin to a “magic spell,” as she shared in an interview with Business Insider. Embracing this approach led her to a sense of relief, reduced overwhelm, and surprisingly increased productivity. By liberating herself from unnecessary expectations and rules, Marisa found a newfound sense of liberation and clarity.
Inspired by Marisa’s experience, Caitlin Winter, a 31-year-old marketing manager from Adelaide, has introduced this practice within her team. For them, ‘Bare Minimum Mondays’ involve creating an environment of self-compassion and spaciousness before diving into a productive week. While some might misconstrue it as a day of leisure, Caitlin clarifies that it’s about strategically working from home, refraining from scheduling meetings, and cultivating an atmosphere of self-kindness.
This approach allows Caitlin’s team to alleviate the pressure to tackle significant projects head-on, setting a tone of gentleness and preparation for the week ahead. By adopting this practice, they prioritize their mental and emotional well-being, laying the foundation for a more balanced and productive workweek.
Bare minimum Monday may be one of the worst strategies of all time 👎 pic.twitter.com/3wEuvQ8bOH
— Tom Toole (@TomToole3rd) May 23, 2023
The emergence of these workplace trends in the post-pandemic era has sparked a range of reactions. While certain individuals dismiss them as “lazy” or perceive them as traits of an “entitled” Gen-Z generation, others emphasize that these trends are aimed at fostering improved mental well-being and a healthier work-life balance.
Bare minimum Mondays
Let this be a thing please
— Efren Adrian Llanos (@EFRENchkiss) May 29, 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of work culture, new trends like “bare minimum Mondays” and “quiet quitting” have become subject to diverse opinions. While debates surrounding their validity persist, it’s clear that these trends reflect a growing awareness of the importance of mental health and balance in the workplace. As the conversation continues, striking a balance between productivity and well-being remains a key consideration for individuals and organizations alike.
