For most of us, Sundays may elicit feelings of anxiety or a mixture of different emotions. It is the never-long-enough day before the dreaded Monday. Whether you are sad or happy for the week ahead, why not dedicate your Sunday to caring for yourself (physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually)?
It sounds easy, however, some of us struggle with carving out time to care for our well-being. Some of us are parents, caretakers, etc., and it can be difficult to find the time – that’s why self-care Sundays are so important. If you are unable to dedicate the entire day to caring for yourself, try taking 30 minutes or an hour – you will feel the difference. Approach self-care Sunday with the mindset of self-rejuvenation and preparing for the week ahead.
Why is Self-care Sunday Important?
As aforementioned, a lot of us may be in situations where we’re constantly pouring of ourselves to others and we fail to replenish or nurture our well-being overall including the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional aspects of ourselves. Self-care Sundays are important because, typically Sundays (although it may fill us with angst for the week ahead) are a day where we can just slow down – take the time to just relax. To alleviate the angst and mix emotions, use the allotted time you have given yourself to self-reflect, plan for the week and be intentional. Here are some simple self-care Sunday tips to help you relax and get ready for an amazing week.
12 Self-care Sunday Tips
1. Open the Blinds/Curtains
Opening the blinds or curtains first thing in the morning is a great way to allow light into your home. Emotionally, you will notice your mood immediately uplifted. During these times, when we are stuck indoors we may not see the sun – it is refreshing to open the blinds and invite in the warmth of the sun and the beauty of nature.
2. Take a Yoga or Pilates Class
Yoga or Pilates are exceptional forms of exercise with benefits to your body and mind. With each movement and deep breath, the mind and body are intertwined. Some benefits of Pilates and Yoga include a stronger core, elimination of body pain, increased flexibility, improvement of body alignment and awareness, stress reduction, body system relaxation, instills a state of peace, spiritually elevated, and so much more.
3. Take a Walk
Going outside for a walk and being active is one of the best ways to physically care for yourself. Take a short or long walk to help improve your physical health and utilise this moment to allow your mind to take in the beauty of nature. At times it is when we take walks that amazing ideas form. When going for a walk, take time to soak in your environment and do not focus on any stresses. Be present at the moment. As you walk, play some meditation music or listen to an audiobook. Or you can opt to not listen to any music and just listen to nature.
4. Cook a New Recipe
Cooking is an excellent form of relaxation or therapy. Cooking engenders creativity and makes you feel good because there’s always the immediate gratification of eating a delicious meal. The next time your cook a dish, turn on some music and make it a whole vibe. Take it to another level, try meal prepping to alleviate decision fatigue during the week.
5. Watch your Favourite Show/Movie
Watching your favourite tv show or movie can prove beneficial to your overall mental health. It can boost your mood, create a state of relaxation, serve as motivation, and also reduce stress. Next time you are watching a movie or show, try not to be distracted and enjoy the story that’s being told.
6. Go Analogue
In this digital era, it can be difficult to put away our screens, whether it be our phones, tablets, etc. Try to go analogue, put away any devices for 30 minutes, an hour, or the whole day. The benefits of less screen time far outweigh constantly looking at screens, which includes, but is not limited to, improved physical health. Utilise this time to plan your week and anything you wish to accomplish.
Write down your goals and plan for the week ahead.
7. Read a book or listen to an audio book
Reading or listening to an audiobook is mentally stimulating, aids in reducing stress, and prevents cognitive decline.
8. Explore your town/city
Some of us have lived in our city or town for years without exploring it. Exploring your city is a great activity to indulge in during self-care Sunday. No matter where you reside, there are so many beautiful gems and places that, otherwise we would not know about if we do not explore. Check out a new restaurant, take a tour of an art gallery, go bike riding, or attend a social networking event.
9. Play your Favourite Music
Indulge in your favourite music or album – listen with the full intent of enjoying the moment.
10. Take a Nap
Taking a nap is one of the best to relax your mind and body. Napping reduces fatigue, improves your mood, and increases alertness. Never underestimate the power of a nap as a method of self-care. During the week, we’re more likely to lose out on sleep due to work, life, family, etc.
11. Pamper your Body:
Getting a facial or body massage is the epitome of self-care. It relaxes your mind and body and improves the overall skin, helping to smooth out the skin and reduce aging. On the other hand, try creating a calming skincare routine at home, check out the below video for my simple morning skincare routine.
12. Say No Extra Obligations
Sometimes, the best way to take care of yourself is to just say “no” to every invitation, event, call/text, or any ask (whether by family or friends). Take a day just for you. Try not to pick up the phone and enjoy the quiet of your presence, without the distractions from outside energies.
