Sundays are the perfect time to recharge and set intentions for the week ahead. A simple reset routine helps ease “Sunday Scaries” and bring a sense of calm to the end of your weekend. The reset process can look different for everyone. What works for others may not be right for you, so incorporating steps that support your lifestyle is key. For example, your routine could include anything from meal prepping for the week to pampering yourself with a bubble bath, or both! This article covers why a Sunday reset matters, suggestions for steps you may wish to incorporate, and useful tips for simplifying the process.
Why a Sunday reset matters
Taking the time for a Sunday reset creates a sense of balance. It can greatly help reduce stress that may have built up over the week, and promote relaxation before the next week begins. Reset practices can also encourage mindful, intentional living, which is a key element of optimal mental health. It is a worthwhile act of self care that not only serves your present self, but also impacts how you will feel as you move through the week ahead.
9 steps for a stress-free Sunday reset
Here are some popular steps that many wellness-focused people choose to incorporate into their Sunday reset routines:
1. Tidy your space
Tidying up can help clear both your space and your mind. It doesn’t have to be a full-on deep clean (although it can be). Just some light cleaning or organisation to create a calming environment can make the world of difference. From a more relaxed mental state to a better start to your week, the benefits are numerous.
2. Plan your week
Making a plan for your week can give it useful, actionable structure. You can still leave room for spontaneity, while ensuring you remember important events and your main aims for the week. For example, it can be helpful to write down priorities, appointments, and goals, leaving you a framework to refer back to. This can help ensure you feel more prepared for the week ahead, and more fulfilled and accomplished at the end of each week.
3. Grocery shop/meal prep
If you struggle with eating healthy during the week, you could use some of your time on Sundays to stock up on nourishing foods. If you want to take it a step further, you could then use these ingredients to prepare healthy, delicious meals in advance. This can ensure you get plenty of nutrients, avoid spending money on unhealthy fast food out of convenience, and make life easier on busy days.
4. Move your body
Many people consider movement a form of medicine, especially when it comes to stress. You can incorporate movement in any way that works for you. If a tough workout helps you decompress, then that may be the best option for you. However, it doesn’t have to be intense exercise to be worthwhile. Gentler options like yoga, a walk, or stretching can all help you reset physically and mentally, setting you up for success.
5. Digital detox
It can be hard to step away from your phone, but doing so even just once a week can be a great way to support your mental health. Taking a break from constant scrolling can make you feel more present. This is especially true if you tend to “doom scroll” as it allows you to take a moment to focus on more positive parts of life and the immediate world around you. A digital detox helps you recharge your mental batteries so you feel less daunted and more prepared for the week ahead.
6. Mindfulness
You may wish to make some space for mindfulness in your Sunday reset, especially if you struggle to find time for it during the week. Simple activities like meditation, journaling, and reflection can all promote clarity and an improved mental state. This can help you feel more grounded during the week.
7. CBD
If CBD is part of your life, incorporating it into your Sunday routine can be very beneficial. Whether you prefer it in the form of an oil, balm, drink, patch, gummy, or capsule, CBD makes an excellent addition to a reset day focused on balance. It also helps promote consistency with CBD throughout the week ahead, which is the best way to achieve the results you’re looking for.
8. Pamper yourself
If you lead a stressful or busy lifestyle, making time to pamper yourself the way you deserve may feel impossible. However, if you can carve out even just 30 minutes on a Sunday to do something that gives you a boost, it will make a big difference in how you feel. For example, a bubble bath, face mask, or reading can all help you unwind. This can reduce feelings of overwhelm by the demands of life and make you better prepared for what’s to come.
9. Wind down early
Try not to stay up late with bedtime procrastination, especially on a Sunday. It can be tempting, as it feels like going to sleep ends the weekend. In reality, going to bed at a reasonable hour after winding down early means you are giving your body the rest it needs for a Monday that will come either way. Try to create a calming bedtime routine in a relaxed environment that allows you to drift off peacefully into a night of high-quality sleep. This makes the dreaded Monday morning alarm less of a downer because you will feel rested and ready to begin your day.
Tips for keeping it simple
If the list above feels daunting, don’t worry, you don’t have to do it all for your Sunday reset to be worthwhile. Pick just a few steps that make sense for you to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the routine that is supposed to help you relax. Try to frame it in your mind as a ritual of self care, rather than a to-do list. This is easier to do if the steps you select serve your mental and physical wellness. You can also switch up your reset routine as much or as little as you like each week. The key is to find what works for you and allow for flexibility and adaptability where necessary.
Final thoughts
A Sunday reset with mindful practices sets the tone for a calmer, more balanced week. Whether you need a little me-time, some general structure, or a healthy meal plan, there are countless ways to create a routine that serves your lifestyle. Sundays offer the perfect opportunity to set yourself up for success throughout the coming week, while also providing a chance to take a breath and wind down from the previous one.
