As basic as it sounds, I absolutely love Sundays! There’s something magical about the day that invites you to pause, take a deep breath, and reset. But here’s the thing: Sundays aren’t just for rest. They’re the perfect day to do an entire preparation rehaul!
Whether the past few days were a whirlwind or a steady flow, here’s the good news: with a little planning and some self-care, you can face the week with a sense of calm and readiness. It’s not just about ticking off tasks—it’s about resetting, recharging, and nurturing yourself for the week ahead.
In this post, I’m sharing the ultimate Sunday reset self-care checklist to help you find the perfect balance between relaxation and preparation. By blending calm and productivity, you’ll start your week feeling grounded, refreshed, and ready for anything.
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Morning: start with purpose and peace
Sunday mornings are sacred. Start them on a gentle note. No rushing, no to-do list stress—just you and your favorite mug of tea (or coffee; because yes please). Here’s how to kick things off:
1 | Wake up mindfully
When you open your eyes, resist the urge to reach for your phone. Instead, let yourself lie still for a few moments, soaking in the quiet of the morning. Take a few deep breaths and allow your mind to wander—think about what makes you excited for the day ahead or just enjoy the stillness. It might feel strange at first, but there’s something oddly nice about starting your day with intention rather than scrolling.
2 | Hydrate
After a full night of rest, your body is craving some love in the form of water. Show it some kindness by drinking a big glass first thing. It’s a simple act, but it’s like waking up your insides and giving them a little good-morning pep talk.
3 | Gratitude or journaling session
Jot down three things you’re grateful for or a few thoughts about what you’d like the week to bring. Nothing overcomplicated, just a quick brain dump to help clear your head a little and focus on what matters. And what it comes to journaling, this one comes out at the very top, every time.
4 | Stretch or light exercise
Whether it’s rolling out your yoga mat for a few poses, strolling around the block to enjoy some fresh air, or letting loose with a mini dance party in your kitchen, the goal is simple—get your blood flowing. Movement, no matter how small or silly, can shake off lingering grogginess and boost your mood for the rest of the day.
Home refresh: create calm from chaos
Nothing feels better than starting the week with a tidy space. It’s like giving your brain room to breathe. Here’s how to get your home in order:
1 | Declutter
Start by tidying your most-used areas. Think kitchen counters, your desk, or even the coffee table. A few minutes spent clearing the clutter can transform a chaotic space into a more peaceful one, helping your mind feel more organized before the week starts.
2 | Laundry
Let’s be real—laundry is a chore that can easily pile up, and Sundays are the perfect time to tackle it. Washing, folding, and (yes) putting everything away (even those stray socks), might seem like a hassle. But trust me, I can’t tell you how much easier my mornings are when everything is already sorted and put away by Sunday evening.
3 | Clean essentials
Take the time to tackle one or two areas that could use a little extra attention, whether it’s sweeping the kitchen floor or wiping down the bathroom mirror. These quick tasks may seem minor, but they make a huge difference in creating a fresh, welcoming environment for the week ahead.
4 | Organize your space
Reset your bedroom or workspace so it’s ready to be your sanctuary for relaxation or your productivity hub for the days to come. A neat space fosters a clear mind, setting the tone for a focused and calm week.
Self-care: unwind for some “me time”
And here’s where the real magic happens—taking the time to nurture yourself. After a busy week, I’ve learned that carving out moments for self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Trust me, when you make self-care a priority, you’ll feel like a whole new person by the end of it. Here’s how I make sure to replenish my reserves:
1 | Skincare routine
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of fresh, glowing skin. I love taking a few extra minutes on Sunday to pamper myself with a face mask or exfoliate. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, too. Take the time to really layer your products and give your skin the rejuvenation it deserves.
2 | Relaxation ritual
Try a long, calming bath or go all out with an “everything shower” for the perfect way to wash away any stress from the week and deep cleanse your body to the max. These Sunday rituals are my way of slowing down and resetting, and I always emerge feeling like I’ve hit the reset button.
3 | Grooming
PSA: Giving some attention to the little things—like nails or hair—can have a big impact on your confidence! I like to spend a bit of time on grooming, even if it’s a quick mani-pedi or just styling my hair in a way that makes me feel good. It’s amazing how these small acts of self-care can make you feel more put together and ready for the week.
4 | Nourish your body
I’m a big believer in fuelling your body with nourishing foods. Sunday is the perfect time for me to prep some healthy meals or snacks for the week ahead. Preparing wholesome meals not only makes you feel good physically but also sets you up for success in the days ahead.
Plan for the week ahead
Once you’ve taken the time to recharge and feel your best, it’s time to set your sights on the week ahead. Think of this step as charting a course to ensure you don’t feel lost in the chaos of the days to come.
1 | Review your calendar
Take a moment to look over your upcoming week—any appointments, meetings, or deadlines? This is the perfect time to check for anything you may have missed and make sure you’re prepared. And don’t forget to RSVP to that event you’ve been putting off. A little prep now can save you a lot of stress later.
2 | Set priorities
Narrow down your goals for the week to 3-5 key things you’d like to achieve. Be realistic—don’t try to conquer the world in one week (we’re only human!) Focus on what’s important and manageable so you can make steady progress without overwhelming yourself.
3 | Meal prep
Even if you just prep one or two meals, it can make a huge difference in how smooth your week goes. Having meals ready to go means no more scrambling to figure out “What’s for dinner?” every night. Trust me, future you will thank you when you’re not stuck in that dinner-time decision spiral.
4 | Lay out your outfits
My mornings are a little more rushed than I’d like to admit. That’s why I like to take a few minutes to pick out my outfits for the week. I promise you, having your clothes ready to go eliminates one decision and helps you start your day on a more organized note.
Evening wind-down
Wrap up your Sunday reset routine with a little calm so you can wake up ready to take on those dreaded Mondays like a boss!
1 | Digital detox
Alright, listen up—put the phone down. Seriously. We’re talking at least an hour before you plan on going to bed. No more mindless scrolling through Instagram or TikTok (as hard as it is). Give your brain a break! That screen is like a magnet for stress, and trust me, you don’t want to be falling asleep with all those notifications buzzing in your brain. Let your mind chill for a bit, and just enjoy the peace before your head hits the pillow.
2 | Reflection or gratitude
Grab a notebook or your phone (just don’t scroll!) and jot down something that made you smile this week, even if it’s as simple as finding the perfect avocado or managing to survive Monday without crying. It doesn’t have to be grand or life-changing, but this little habit can help you wind down with a more positive mindset.
3 | Read or listen to something uplifting
Now, how about you treat your mind to something that feeds your soul? You’ve got a ton of options: maybe dive into a chapter of a book that transports you to another world, or pop on your favorite podcast that’s all about growth, positivity, or just plain fun. Let your mind soak up some good energy for once.
4 | Bedtime routine
Alright, now it’s time to create your own little nighttime sanctuary. This is your moment of self-care and calm. Whether you’re sipping on a cup of warm herbal tea, going all out with a skincare routine that could rival a spa treatment, or simply dimming the lights and snuggling into bed with a cozy blanket, make it a habit for that extra bit of zen before sleep.
Final thoughts: Balance is key
Your Sunday reset isn’t about cramming in every possible task or chore. It’s about finding balance. Mix productivity with relaxation, sprinkle in some fun, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a refreshed start to the week.
