Nobody likes the weekend to end, but if you can turn the “Sunday Scaries” into a positive, self-care Sunday, you might start to look forward to it.
So, we wanted to share some of our favorite ideas & activities for a wonderful self-care Sunday.
What is Self Care (and Self Care Sunday)?
Self-care is something everyone should practice as a way of refreshing their body and improving their mental health. It may sound like an excuse to be selfish, but it’s very different. Self-care allows you to take some time to take care of yourself so that you can feel your best.
Self-care focuses on activities and rituals that help you feel healthy, happy, relaxed, and more energized. As for “Self Care Sunday,” it is a weekly practice that allows you to end the weekend on a positive, refreshing note so that you feel great going into the week ahead.
Why is Self Care Sunday an Important Ritual?
If we don’t take the time to schedule some self-care, it’s all too easy for the week to run away from us. The workweek has us focused on pleasing others, working hard, and taking care of our responsibilities. While this is important, you will improve your productivity during the week if you can take some time for yourself.
A Self Care Sunday routine allows you to focus on what makes you feel good and healthy so that you are feeling sharp for the start of the week. During the weekdays, you may feel stressed or overbooked which can lead to unhealthy eating or spending too much time on things that don’t bring you joy.
If you do this consistently without breaking regularly for self-care, it can cause you to feel depressed or worn out.
25 Self Care Sunday Ideas to Help You Recharge Before Next Week
If you are new to the world of self-care, we have plenty of ideas to help you plan a perfect Self Care Sunday. Check out our top 25 self care activities, many of which won’t drain your bank account.
1. Try A New Recipe
Whether you like to bake or cook, trying a new recipe is a fun activity that can translate into the week ahead. If you make enough of your recipe to feed yourself more than once, you can be prepared with a yummy meal or snack to bring with you to work.
2. Watch Your Favorite Movie
Sometimes, it’s okay to veg out in front of the television. On your Sunday, you can make it special by preparing your favorite and a cozy set up to enjoy your film. This will allow you to forget about what may be stressing you out, and step into a new reality that you love.
3. Use A Face Mask
The hustle and bustle of the workweek may keep you so busy that you start to neglect your skincare. This might lead your skin to breakout or appear dull, which will decrease your confidence during the week. Try a refreshing face mask to clear your skin of dirt or bacteria, so you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
4. Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation can help you disconnect from all of the stress in the world, and center your mind. There are multiple benefits of practicing meditation for both your mental and physical health. You can easily find guided meditations online for free, and the best part is– you can practice them anywhere you want.
5. Do Some Yoga
Yoga can help your mind and body relax, while also giving you a chance to get some exercise. There is yoga for all kinds of people, from beginners to experts, so don’t be shy. Whether you go to a class or watch a tutorial, it’s easy to find a yoga routine that makes you feel great.
6. Journal
It’s easy to get lost in your thoughts, sometimes to the point where it causes your mind to spiral into stress. When you take your thoughts to paper and journal on a Sunday, it can help to clear and organize your thoughts so you feel less scatterbrained.
7. Go To Therapy
If you can book a therapy appointment on a Sunday every so often, it can help you collect your thoughts and strategize a more positive outlook. The business of the weekdays can make you bottle up your emotions in an unhealthy way, so therapy allows you to let it all out.
8. Do Your Laundry
A fresh load of laundry can make a huge difference in your health and happiness. If you don’t regularly wash your sheets or towels, they can quickly accumulate bacteria that can lead to health problems. Doing your laundry every Sunday can help you make sure that your linens & towels are always fresh and clean each week. Plus, it feels great to fall asleep in a freshly made bed with clean sheets.
9. Take A Walk Somewhere New
During the workweek, you may feel like you’re always stuck inside the office. When the weekend comes around, it will greatly benefit you to get some fresh air and sunshine. Taking a walk will also help you take a break from electronics to enjoy some light exercise and pretty scenery. Kick it up a notch by taking a walk somewhere you’re not very familiar with.
10. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are a great way to practice self-care, as they have plenty of benefits for mental and physical health. You can try roll-ons to promote wellness and relief, as well as nasal sticks or essential oil diffusers.
11. Turn Off Your Alarm
On Sunday, you should let yourself sleep in for a lovely rest. Turning off your alarms allows you to stay sound asleep until you are ready to wake up and take on your last day of the weekend. This can also be a good tip if you’ve been partying the Saturday before.
12. Create A Home Spa
There is nothing better than a spa day for your self-care routine, but it’s not easy to book an appointment every weekend. Instead, try to create a spa-like environment at home with comfortable, relaxing features. This might include some essential oils, relaxing music, or even a comfy robe.
13. Get A Massage
A Sunday massage can make your body feel much better before the workweek. Depending on your weekly responsibilities, the weekdays can day a toll on your body. Massages can heal that stress, even if it’s not a professional massage and just one from your partner with some essential oils and soothing music.
14. Exercise
Taking the time to exercise can get your mind of everything that you are overthinking, and allow you to focus on wellness. Exercise can reenergize you and release endorphins to boost your mood. Plus, it’s good for your body and fitness.
15. Eat Healthily
If your schedule is super busy during the week, it may be easier for you to eat fast food or any kind of meal that is available (even if it isn’t healthy). On Sundays, you can renourish your body with a healthy meal, smoothie, or even dessert.
16. Learn A New Hobby
You may feel like you’ve tried everything, but self-care should also be a time to explore hobbies that make you happy. Calligraphy, baking, painting - there’s so much out there to try. Tutorials on YouTube and online classes make it easy to get into whatever hobby piques your interest. Maybe there is something you’ve always wanted to try but never had the time, so try it on Sunday! You just might enjoy it so much, you want to do it every weekend.
17. Hydrate
We can’t deny that lots of people like to spend their Saturday nights partying with a drink or two, or three… maybe more. That is perfectly fine, but it will lead to some dehydration. Make sure to incorporate hydration into your self-care routine with some ice-cold glasses of water and your favorite reusable straw.
18. Soak Up The Sun
If you are in a dark office all week that doesn’t get much sun, you may want to take some time to fill up on Vitamin D. Spend some time in the sun and it will be sure to boost your mood and improve your health.
19. Take A Trip
You don’t have to go far, but sometimes getting out of your regular surroundings can make you feel instantly better. If you feel like every week is the same, repetitive, boring routine– taking a trip to somewhere new or a place you love can turn things around.
20. Run A Bath
This is a great way to relax on Sunday night, and you can make it more relaxing with some bubble bath products. After a bath, you are bound to feel fresh, clean, and super zen.
21. Light A Candle
Certain fragrances can boost your mood, so it can be helpful to do something as simple as lighting a candle. It creates a soothing ambiance that puts you at ease and promotes positivity. Just don’t forget to blow out the candle before after some time.
22. Clean Your Room
After a long weekday, you probably won’t feel motivated to clean your room up. This can lead to a major mess if you put it off too long, which can be stressful. Stay on top it by spending time every Sunday to clean up before the week ahead.
23. Go Shopping
Treat yourself to a shopping trip to buy something that makes you happy. It can be something that will improve your week ahead, like a pair of comfortable shoes or a new outfit. No matter what you want to buy, it can be a big mood-booster to do some fun shopping.
24. Plan Your Week
If you are used to getting the “Sunday Scaries” because you are stressed about the week ahead, plan it out. Taking time to plan your week with an easy schedule will make it seem more manageable.
25. Sleep Well
A good night’s sleep will make all the difference on the following Monday. It will help you feel refreshed, focused, and ready to take on the week. If you are having trouble sleeping, you may find that lavender oil will help you relax for better rest.
We hope you enjoy these tips for a Self-Care Sunday. Remember that your health and wellness will benefit from regular self-care, and you deserve it.