How to Start a Self Care Sunday Routine

Imagine a weekly oasis right at home, where you can recharge and find your center before Monday rolls around. This post is all about creating a much-needed pause between the hustle and bustle of weekdays and weekends.

Even a brief extended morning or evening ritual can have a transformative effect on your mood. So let’s delve into the importance of a self-care day and provide actionable steps to help you get started.

The Importance of Self Care

Really, self-care is more than just a trendy buzzword; it’s for maintaining a balanced life. Intentionally setting time aside to care for ourselves, we improve our mental, emotional, and physical health. So, here are some key perks of a self-care routine:

Helps you to slow down
Reduces burnout
Supports your nervous system
Reduces effects of stress
Boosts mood
Contributes to better emotional regulation and resilience.

Many people feel guilty about making time for themselves but fail to understand that it’s a form of preventive maintenance—it’s about restoring balance, preventing burnout, and enhancing overall productivity. Because when you feel better, you perform better.

Why Sundays?

Sunday has always carried an air of peace and rest, making it an ideal choice for self-care. Here’s why it fits perfectly into your schedule:

Weekly Recap and Reset: Sundays are a natural pause between the end of one week and the start of another. Taking this time to reset can make you feel like you’ve pressed the ‘refresh’ button on your life, allowing you to face Monday with a clean slate.
Prepping for the Week Ahead: Think of it like sharpening your mental tools for the week. By setting aside Sunday to prepare, you reduce potential stressors looming in the coming days. This approach keeps the chaos at bay.
Availability of Time: With traditional workweek cultures, Sundays tend to have the most free time. This freedom allows for leisurely indulgences like luxuriating in a bath or enjoying an hour-long meditation session—without the guilt!

Creating a Self Care Sunday routine isn’t just adding a task to your to-do list; it’s making a promise to yourself. A promise to be kinder to your mind, body, and spirit, fostering a lifestyle that values wellness and happiness. Whether you are simply doing the art of nothing or using this day to set your weekly schedule and plan, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Self Care vs. Indulgence

Often, people mix up self-care with indulgence. There’s nothing wrong with the occasional treat, like devouring a delicious cupcake or splurging on a luxury item. However, true self-care lies in long-term wellness rather than instant gratification. What’s the difference? Intentionality!

Self-care is about making thoughtful choices that fortify your mind and body over time. It’s about those morning walks that replenish your spirit or setting boundaries that protect your peace. Meanwhile, indulgence is like candy—sweet but fleeting.

Define Your Self Care Intentions

Establish how you want to feel and set your intention then take the time to define and create your self care goal(s).

Having your intention and setting a clear goal ensures that how you spend your time in your self-care Sunday genuinely nurtures your mind, body, and soul. It’s narrowing down what you need specifically and what will best support your way of putting yourself first.

Journal Prompts Exercises:

What drains your energy the most during the week?
What activities leave you feeling recharged and centered?
- List out what practices genuinely support you. Think exercise, meditation, painting, journaling—what fills you up?
What area of your life do you most need to improve?
- Reflect on areas of your life that cry out most for attention—physical health, emotional balance, or maybe sparking new joy in creativity.
How can you incorporate these practices regularly? Do you need to book a class or cancel an event?

Journaling and tuning will help to identify the signals your body and mind are sending.

Daily Self-Care Micro-Routines: Although Sunday is widely the most accessible day of the week, you can set small, daily self-care actions to sustain well-being during the week, such as taking five minutes for mindfulness each morning.

Want to know more about Creating a 5 Min Morning Routine?

Create a Self Care Vision

Crafting a vision or goal for your self-care is like nurturing your own garden. What area’s looking patchy in your life right now? Are you constantly tired? Maybe your emotional bank account needs a top-up.

Focus on aligning your actions with your true needs, giving yourself the care you deserve. By thinking beyond temporary indulgence, each Self Care Sunday can transform into a tradition that nourishes you comprehensively, week after week.

A powerful routine focuses not just on what looks good but on what feels good today and tomorrow. Gear up to turn intention into action, starting this Sunday!

Start Small, Stay Consistent

Let’s be honest, starting new habits can feel like climbing Everest. But don’t worry, every leap should start with a little hop. Consider:

Begin with a couple of self-care activities that resonate most with you, be it a warm bath, journaling, or a bit of yoga.
Even short, meaningful moments count. Quality beats quantity any day!

You’re laying the path for a habit that could be a gentle, guiding river through the hustle of life.

Tips for a Successful Self Care Sunday

Nurturing yourself, like having a dedicated routine is a delightful way to unwind after a bustling week. But how do you make sure these Sundays are as soothing and rewarding as possible? Here are some practical tips to ensure your Self Care Sunday feels like a gentle hug, bringing refreshment to your mind and soul.

1. Set the Right Environment

To get started, think of your surroundings as a canvas. A calming and inviting environment sets the stage for your Self Care Sunday. Here are a few ways to help set the environment:

Having a go-to cozy robe or lounge outfit
The Magic of Scents: Soft, soothing scents from essential oils or candles can transform your room into a snug hideaway. Lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are all-time favorites.
A Sunday Playlist: Consider having a playlist made of calming music.

A welcoming environment whispers comfort and peace, making it easier for you to slip into a routine that nurtures your spirit.

2. Prioritize Downtime

It’s crucial to commit to your rest time. Make it a rule to say no to anything that would disrupt your peace, whether it’s work emails or hectic social gatherings. Just like setting a bedtime, giving your downtime the same priority can make all the difference. A peaceful environment without interruptions can make your rejuvenation ritual more effective.

3. Move at Your Own Pace

Consider your schedule and activities for the day like a leisurely morning brunch—there’s no rush! Whether you’re sipping on some herbal tea or listening to calming music, keep your day relaxed and unhurried.

4. Explore New Activities

Trying something new can be refreshing for the mind, like trying a new recipe or experimenting with a hobby. You might discover a hidden talent or rekindle a forgotten passion. Innovative activities can nurture creativity, making you feel invigorated.

5. Disconnect from Technology

Unplug and let your mind breathe. Reducing screen time allows you to reconnect with the world around you, promoting mindfulness. You can discover other ways to effectively disconnect and recharge here.

6. Check In with Yourself

Take a few moments to breathe deeply and reflect on your needs and emotions. Journaling can be a helpful way to uncover your thoughts and plan for the week ahead. This tiny bit of gratitude reminds you of what to celebrate in life.

7. Pamper Yourself

Don’t forget the little luxuries. Whether it’s a cozy bath complete with bath bombs or a soothing DIY face mask, treat yourself like royalty. These small actions are like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, offering comfort and joy.

By incorporating these tips into your Self Care Sunday routine, you’ll be ready to tackle the week with fresh energy and a balanced mind. Each small step you take is a nod to the care and love you deserve, guiding you toward a fulfilling and tranquil Sunday.

My Self Care Sundays

I have been enjoying and living my this day life for years.

My typical self care sunday often looks like sleeping late, enjoying a delicious latte while I spend the next (however long) reading in bed or on the patio. Me and my partner will go on a long family walk with the pups. Sometimes we pop into a bakery for a treat and make our way back home.

This day is mine, entirely. I move slow, I sleep in and lounge in my coziest of lounge wear. It’s also why I love winter and colder months because I get to wear my favorite robe. I spend extra time with my facial routine adding a few extra things like twizing, applying a facemask and lip scrub.

My newest addition to my self care routine is playing Hogwarts on XBox 🧹 I’m a proud Ravenclaw!

Just thinking about this relaxes me. I could list all this out in a bullet point but that would seem like a list of ‘must do’s’ and honestly I take the day as it comes and move when I feel.

To some, this may be doing nothing and a waste of a beautiful day but I need to recharge after the previous week and the new week to come.

My vision:

Reflect: I need rest and zero plans. A complete unplug and recharge.
Evaluate: Sleeping in, reading, meditation, learning how to make pottery, journaling, Coffee in bed, reading my current TBR book
Plan: Try to finish house chores during the week and refresh on groceries.

And if you’re curious, my partner, his routine has always been to make a giant Sunday breakfast and play video games. It’s simple and exactly what he looks forward to.

Take Away

You don’t need to implement everything at once. Start with one or two practices and build from there. You will find what you crave and that may change from Sunday to Sunday so be gentle as you begin carving this time out for yourself.

Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. For myself is a major emotional and mental necessity.

I hope this supported you on your journey to building a self care sunday! I would love to hear your go to routine or your plan for this day of r&r.