The Art of the Sunday Reboot
From “self-care Sunday” to “Sunday reset,” a lot of trendy terms have been given over the years to the practice of using this day to prioritize relaxing downtime and savor a touch of indulgence. But what does that actually look like in action? The answer is simple: it’s totally up to you!
Self-care is about more than just what’s on the surface, going beyond face masks and hair treatments to encompass engaging in whatever activities bring you joy and peace. That could even mean completing essential tasks, whether you finally tackle a chore you’ve been wanting to get to all week or organize your upcoming schedule. Here are a few tips to help you determine the best ways to make the most of your Sundays and better ensure that you’re reenergized for the busy days ahead.
Give yourself time to get going
Arguably the best part of the weekend is the opportunity to lounge in bed a little later than usual. Unless you have an early-morning obligation like your kid’s sports game, take a few extra minutes to let your body wake up slowly. Breathe deeply, and perform some simple movements to loosen up the stiffness in your muscles; good ones include rolling your ankles, wiggling your toes, and curling your biceps.
When you’re ready to rise, ease into the rest of your wake-up routine as well. It might sound silly, but appreciating how washing your face, brushing your teeth, and other basic steps help you feel refreshed can go a long way toward setting the right tone for the rest of the day.
Treat yourself
It was 2011 when the phrase “treat yo self” first blew onto the cultural scene, and it has since become a mantra of self-care. While you don’t have to be quite as lavish as the characters in the Parks and Recreation episode that popularized the concept, your end goal should be the same: allow yourself say “yes” to whatever will bring you happiness. There’s no need to feel guilty about skipping out on laundry or organizing your closet—those things can wait while you focus on you.
For instance, are you a bit of a foodie? Make Sunday the day when you indulge a little in your favorite treats. If you’re a chocaholic, throw a few dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs in your morning oatmeal or on a smoothie bowl. If there’s a popular brunch spot down the street you’ve been dying to try, invite some friends for a bite or even grab a meal by yourself.
Likewise, think about which activities would bring you the most fulfillment. Some people crave a lazy afternoon on the couch watching football or bingeing their favorite show, giving them a mental break after a long workweek. Others, meanwhile, prefer the vigor of getting out in nature or trying something new. And you don’t have to do the same thing every Sunday; what you need to recharge may look different from week to week. As long as it eases your stress, it counts.
All that said, make sure to keep your budget, health, personal goals, and responsibilities in mind. For instance, overspending or putting off a task that will be hard to complete another day could wind up causing more anxiety down the road. But with the right moderation and balance, prioritizing yourself at least in some way will help provide a valuable reset.
Get on top of your to-do list
On that note, you may actually find that the best form of self-care is knocking out tasks whose completion will bring you greater peace of mind. This could include any number of chores and projects. Perhaps you’ve grown frustrated with your messy kitchen cabinets but haven’t had the time to properly organize them; setting aside an hour to straighten them out could bring immense satisfaction that continues every time you open them in the following days. Or maybe deciding what to eat for dinner every night is a constant merry-go-round discussion, making meal planning a potentially worthwhile Sunday endeavor. Either way, getting it done may give you the sigh of relief you’ve been craving.
Jot down your thoughts
While many people espouse the benefits of journaling every day, doing so may be tricky amid a busy schedule or even feel tiresome after a while. However, reflecting on how your week went can be great therapy, so try to set aside at least ten to fifteen minutes every Sunday to jot down your thoughts using pen and paper, your computer, or your phone. It can help you remember the highs and work through the lows, enabling you to explore why you felt the way you did in a certain moment. In the process, you may be able to reconcile the event so you can put it past you and move forward with a better outlook.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way to practice self-care on Sundays, whether you prefer to focus on fun, tackle chores, or do a mix of both. What’s most important is that you end the day feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever lies ahead.