Make time for yourself with a self-care Sunday

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Treat yourself right and reward yourself for the week ahead by indulging in a much needed self care Sunday. Get ready to relax and recharge at the beginning of every week.

A Young Woman Reading A Book In A Cafe.
Photo credit: Yayimages

Caring for oneself physically, mentally and emotionally is an essential aspect of life that is often overlooked. A great way to prioritize self-care is by dedicating one day of the week to yourself. This can be done in various ways such as taking a relaxing bath, indulging in your favorite food or hobby, or simply spending time with loved ones.

Taking time for yourself rejuvenates the body and helps reduce stress levels and improves overall well-being. As we go about our busy lives, it’s easy to forget that we need time to recharge and take a break from everyday pressures. Setting aside time for yourself every week can prevent burnout and maintain balance.

Whether on Sundays or any other day of the week, taking care of ourselves should never be neglected. It’s important to remember that prioritizing a self care Sunday routine will help you have a healthy and fulfilling life.

Benefits

Taking time for oneself at the beginning of each new week can have numerous benefits, including increased productivity, decreased stress levels, and improved overall well-being. You only need a few hours each Sunday to focus on yourself and reset your mind and body for the week ahead.

During your Sunday routine, engaging in relaxation and rejuvenation activities is essential. This could include taking a long bath, practicing yoga, reading a book, or walking in nature. The goal is to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and focus solely on yourself without any distractions.

High Angle Shot Of An Attractive Young Woman Taking A Bubble Bath.
Photo credit: Yayimages

This weekly routine can also improve relationships with others by allowing you to show up as your best self. When we care for ourselves mentally and physically, we have more energy and capacity to be present with friends or family. The Sunday ritual can help maintain balance in your life and encourage you to prioritize your needs just as much as others.

“As a mom to young kids, self-care is a lifeline. Taking time to recharge and refresh in advance of a busy week is essential for my well-being. Prioritizing self-care makes me a better parent, equipped to handle the demands of parenthood with patience and love. I make it a routine, nurturing myself to show up as my best self for my children. Then, I can embrace the chaos of the week ahead with renewed energy and a full heart.”

— Sara Nelson, Real Balanced
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Why it works

Reducing stress levels is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Relaxing and unwinding can help you cope with life’s everyday challenges. Setting aside one day for yourself is a great way to reduce stress, relax your mind, and pamper yourself.

Thinking clearly or making good decisions is difficult when stressed out and overwhelmed. Taking time for yourself on Sundays can clear your mind and gain mental clarity. This will help you make better decisions in all areas of your life.

The weekly routine will also let you recharge. When you’re feeling refreshed and energized after a day of relaxation, tackling tasks with focus and motivation is easier. You’ll be more productive throughout the week if you take time out for yourself on Sundays.

Preparing for your self-care Sunday

Preparing for this day in advance is important to make the most of it. First, decide on the activities you want to do. Choose activities that you love and that help you relax. This might include taking a bubble bath, reading a book, practicing yoga, learning a new skill like how to cover a bench cushion, or even taking a nap. Whatever it is, make sure it brings you joy and helps you unwind.

Couple holding position in an indoor yoga session.
Photo credit: Yayimages

Next, create an environment that relaxes you and helps put your mind at ease. This could be as simple as lighting scented candles or playing soothing music. You want to disconnect from technology and social media to focus on yourself fully without distractions.

You also need to plan healthy meals and snacks so you don’t have to worry about cooking or ordering food on the day. Taking care of these small details beforehand ensures that you have the perfect self care Sunday that is both rejuvenating and restorative for your mind and body.

“Self care Sundays don’t necessarily have to be spent pampering i.e. spending a bit longer on your skincare routine or having a long relaxing bath. Some people would even love to spend their self care Sundays catching up on a backlog of home admin or spending the day at home with their loved ones playing family board games. Whatever it is you choose to do on your self care Sunday, the whole purpose is to just treat yourself and embrace that golden time doing what you love most.”

— Sabira Bandali, Haul of Fame

Self-care Sunday ideas

Each Sunday should be about taking time out for yourself and doing activities that make you feel happy and relaxed. If you need some Sunday self care ideas, here are a few things that you can do. 

  • Yoga or Meditation: One of the most relaxing ways to practice self care is doing yoga or meditation. Both activities are known for their ability to promote relaxation, reduce stress and improve mood. If you’re new to either activity, plenty of free online resources can help you get started.
  • Take a walk: Getting some fresh air and exercise can be a great way to clear your mind and boost your mood. You don’t have to go on a mountain hike or long run — just a leisurely walk at a nearby park or around the neighborhood can do wonders for your well-being.
  • Read a book: Reading can be an excellent way to unwind and escape from the stresses of everyday life. Whether it’s a self-help book that inspires you or a novel that takes you on a journey, reading is a great way to care for yourself mentally.
  • Take a bath: There’s nothing quite as soothing as soaking in warm water. Add some Epsom salts or essential oils like lavender for added relaxation benefits. You can also light candles and play calming music while soaking in the tub.
  • Journalizing: Gratitude journaling is one of the best ways to express emotions and clear the mind. It allows for reflection and self-discovery, leading to a better understanding of oneself. Sunday journaling can set intentions for the week ahead and release negative thoughts or worries.
  • Skincare: One can boost confidence and feel refreshed by taking time each week to pamper oneself with face masks, serums and moisturizers. This ritualistic act of self-care provides an opportunity to slow down and take care of oneself physically.
  • Hobbies: Engaging in self care activities that bring joy stimulates creativity while reducing feelings of burnout or exhaustion. Allowing time for things like painting, playing pickleball, reading or gardening on Sundays can renew energy before heading back into another busy workweek.
A Young Couple Walking Next To A Rocky River And Waterfall.
Photo credit: Yayimages

Tips for sticking to your self-care routine:

1. Set realistic goals: When creating a weekly routine, you must set realistic goals. Start small and gradually increase the time and effort you devote to your routine as you become more comfortable with it.

2. Prioritize: It’s easy to let self-care fall by the wayside when we have busy lives, but it’s important to prioritize it like any other task. Schedule time for yourself each week, whether that means taking a bubble bath or going for a walk outside.

3. Find what works for you: There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so find what works best for you! Maybe meditation does wonders for your mental health, while someone else might prefer journaling or cooking healthy meals.

4. Be consistent: Consistency is the key to sticking with anything, so ensure you are consistent with your routine. Whether every Sunday or every morning before work, choose a time that works best for you and stick with it.

5. Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up: We all have those days when things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a routine day. The key is to get back on track as soon as possible.

6. Involve others: Self-care doesn’t mean isolating yourself from others. In fact, involving others can be beneficial!

“It’s incredibly important to prioritize taking time out before a busy week to recharge and refresh, allowing yourself the opportunity to rejuvenate and find balance as you navigate life’s demands. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a compassionate investment in your overall well-being that ultimately benefits both you and those around you.”

— Micah Klug, Home Faith Family
Four people playing pickled ball on a blue court.
Playing Pickleball. Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Things to remember

Taking time for yourself through self-care is essential for overall well-being. It allows you to rest and recharge, reducing stress and improving mental health. Self-care can take many forms, such as reading a book, taking a bath or practicing meditation. Finding what works best for you and incorporating it into your routine is essential.

Making self-care a priority can also improve productivity in other areas of your life. Feeling refreshed and energized makes you more likely to be motivated and focused on your goals. Additionally, the weekly routine will set an example for others around you that taking care of oneself is important.

Implementing a self-care Sunday may seem like a small change, but it can significantly impact your physical and mental health. So take some time this week to do something just for yourself.

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