Are you looking for self-care Sunday ideas to recharge before the week ahead? Self-care Sunday is the ultimate way to refresh after a busy week and prepare yourself for a brand new week. Creating your weekend self-care list is the perfect starting point.
These self-care activities will help you create a self-care Sunday routine that might even make you love Mondays, too!
Treat yourself to something that makes you feel good at least once a week. It’s even more important when you had a tough week at work or at home with the kids. Planning a good self-care routine is as essential as planning your daily schedule.
We humans all have our limit and a weekly break is exactly what’s needed, so why not try some of these self-care Sunday ideas for yourself?
What Is Self-Care Sunday?
We anticipate the upcoming weekend to do something fun. Often Saturdays are packed as we catch up on errands and household cleaning tasks or spend it back and forth to kids’ sports and activities.
Saturday is often full of gatherings, trips, or other social events. Not to say that Sundays aren’t busy too, but they do make a perfect day of the week to practice self-care.
Planning a regular self-care Sunday routine helps you relax and replenish your weary soul. With your self-care activities, you can face the new week completely recharged.
Allow yourself to focus on your mental health and physical well-being on a Sunday.
That’s not to say you need to completely clear your calendar though. Even a scheduled half hour of self-care time is better than none at all! It also doesn’t need to be a Sunday.
Your perfect time to practice self-care might be a Saturday morning or a Wednesday night.
The time doesn’t matter, so long as it happens each week!
The Benefits Of A Self-Care Sunday Practice
There are various reasons why a self-care Sunday practice is highly recommended. Your self-care Sunday should be filled with activities that make you feel good. Consider it as a date with your inner self.
Here are some of the reasons why creating a Sunday self-care routine can benefit you:
Regulates Stress
Stress management can be challenging when new stressors keep on piling up. Even a few moments to practice mindfulness and self-care gives you time to process your thoughts. It gives you time to think clearly, give yourself a little rest and lower stress levels.
Improves Physical Health
Caring for your mental health can lead to better physical health. A well-rested mind and body can lessen vulnerability to chronic diseases and help keep your immune system healthy.
When you create a weekly self-care ritual, are more motivated to do what’s best for your body, such as eating a balanced diet and doing regular exercises.
Work-Life Balance
You are meant to live life and not just survive it! Yes, your job is important, but you won’t be able to unleash your highest potential without rest. Self-care Sundays are wonderful a reward after a week of focusing your energy on work and school routines.
Knowing Your Inner Self
Self-care guides you in learning more about yourself. Connecting with your inner self is an essential part of your journey. You get to learn what works and doesn’t work for you.
It also gives you an idea about your triggers, weaknesses, strengths, and other factors that can lead to a happier you.
Good for Emotional Health
Do you quickly get irritated or overwhelmed? If yes, then you are most likely feeling burnt out. Engaging in self-care activities can help you feel calmer and reduce how easily frustrated you get in your daily life.
Calming activities help you regulate your emotions.
52 Self-Care Sunday Ideas: One For Each Week Of The Year
These perfect self-care Sunday ideas can be used whenever you need to practice self-care (not just on Sundays) to help you ease into the week ahead feeling your absolute best:
1. Read A Book
One of the most relaxing ways to escape from the real world for a while is by reading.
Whether you love fantasy fiction (like I do), a crime thriller or the biography of an iconic public figure you admire, dedicating some time on your Sunday to reading is sure to have you feeling relaxed.
Reading is a part of my daily routine, reading at least a few pages before bed each night to wind down.
2. Put On A Face Mask
We all need some pampering time even if it’s only for 15 minutes with some skin care. To make it more relaxing, you can put on a face mask while you lounge on your couch on Sunday mornings or soak in a relaxing bath.
3. Go On A Long Walk
There are a lot of reasons why going walking is therapeutic. We spend the majority of the week running errands and attending to the family’s needs. Going on a long walk alone can help you process your thoughts and improve your mood. But even a 10-minute walk has huge benefits!
As an introvert myself, this is a regular part of my weekly ritual, having a little time alone after a week of work and parenting duties.
4. Listen To An Inspiring Podcast
Get your daily dose of motivation by listening to an inspiring podcast. Hearing encouraging words can get us fired up and motivated. You can choose podcasts from Spotify, Apple or Audible.
5. Take A Long Bubble Bath
If anyone asks me about my perfect self-care Sunday, it’s a soak in a bubble bath with a book. Turn your bathroom into a sanctuary inside your very own home. Fill the space with relaxing scents and calming music.
And if you love to read, a bathtub reading tray will be your new bestie.
6. Visit A Local Farmer’s Market
Are you an early bird on Sundays? If yes, then a visit to your local farmer’s market is a great start to your day!
Grab the freshest produce to use in a healthy meal and sample other delicious local delicacies. This can be fun solo or with someone else.
7. Do A Light Exercise Session
Self-care Sunday is about taking things slow. But if you still want to work out, a light exercise session can be a great self-love boost. Yoga, pilates, swimming, or stretches are all great ways to move your body at your own pace.
8. Take A Nap
Becoming a parent often makes sleep-ins a thing of the past, but naps are still on the cards! Catching some extra sleep on your Sunday afternoon might be exactly what you need to tackle the coming week!
9. Go To Bed Early
Get that extra hour of sleep by going to bed early. As a mum, I know all too well the temptation of staying up extra late after everyone else is asleep to get some time alone. But, the next day exhaustion isn’t always worth it!
Not when you can get a full 8 hours of sleep and wake feeling recharged instead!
10. Write In A Journal
A daily journal practice has many self-care benefits, yet not all of us have time to do this every day. So if that sounds like you, incorporating your journal habit into your Sunday self-care can be a perfect alternative!
11. Diffuse Essential Oils
Relaxation can be felt through your five senses, including your sense of smell. By diffusing essential oils, you can boost your mood and turn your home into a day spa. Opt for scents that reduce stress, induce sleep and improve mood.
Scents such as lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, orange, and rose are good options to start an aromatherapy self-care routine.
12. Get A Professional Massage
A professional massage isn’t always in the budget (and we don’t always have a partner willing to give us one at home), so now and again, treat yourself to this luxury.
Relieve your body from physical tension and get the ultimate muscle relaxation!
13. Give Yourself A Pedicure
After a relaxing spa session, you should also include a pedicure in the package! We need to pamper those hard-working feet that are becoming weary because of endless weekly chores.
14. Go On A Bike Ride
A bike ride is a great workout and a chance to get plenty of fresh air too. It’s good for your mental health as exercise helps release happy hormones – endorphins.
This means cortisol levels decrease, which is good news for your physical and mental health and for reducing stress levels.
15. Start A Guided Meditation Practice
Finding time to meditate can help you regulate emotions from the past week. If you are new to this form of self-care, start with guided meditations. You can find one on Youtube, Spotify, or using a meditation app.
16. Nourish Your Body With A Healthy Meal
Eating a healthy meal ensures you are nourishing your body from the inside out. Don’t underestimate the value of this type of self-care!
17. Practice Gratitude
Practising gratitude is great for everyday life, but at the very least, make it part of your self-care Sundays. List things you are grateful for that can alleviate the negatives you felt the past few days.
Practising gratitude can change your perspective and help you look forward to the upcoming week.
18. Treat Yourself With A Hair Mask
Self-care Sunday means pampering your body and your hair should not be left out. To make it more relaxing, revitalise your hair as you read a book or while watching a movie with your family members.
19. Spend Quality Time With Someone Who Makes You Feel Good
Grab the opportunity to spend time with your family or friends every Sunday. Catching up and laughing with loved ones is the best medicine. Being around those you cherish can bring an abundance of joy.
The key to making this a part of your self-care routine is choosing someone who really does make you feel good. Not everyone we love leaves us feeling great after time together.
20. Dedicate Time To Your Favourite Hobby
Sundays are the best day to make time for your favourite hobby. Yes, being a mum is a full-time job but you can still enjoy doing the things you love.
Follow your latest creative ideas, bake something yummy, dance, sing… whatever you most want to do with your free time!
21. Have a Pyjama Day
Why not wear pyjamas all day? Have an entire self-care day with a sleep-in followed by a lazy day at home. Pyjama Sunday can also be extra fun when it turns into a family thing!
22. Get A Manicure
Getting a manicure is a lovely treat after a busy week. Get a manicure at the salon or give yourself a DIY manicure at home.
23. Take A Social Media Break
Social media can be overwhelming and toxic. It can give us the worst imposter syndrome or have us focusing on the negative in the world. A social media detox also allows you to make time for other things such as hobbies and family time.
24. Chat On The Phone To A Close Friend
Call a friend that you haven’t talked to for a while. This can be a wonderful way to fill your social cup without the energy needed to plan an in-person catch-up (although those are great too!).
25. Spend Time In Nature
Escape the hustle and bustle and spend time in nature. It can be your backyard, a stroll through a nearby park or even time at the beach.
26. Sleep In
Let yourself sleep extra late with nowhere to be and nothing planned for the day ahead.
You might need to negotiate this time with a partner or have the kids stay at their grandparent’s house overnight for this occasional special treat, but it’s well worth adding this to your self-care Sunday ideas list!
27. Plan Your Week Ahead
It might not sound particularly relaxing, but planning your week can help you feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your time. It also helps us set boundaries and know when saying no is needed if our time is already limited.
The Saint Belford Planner is a weekly planner with a self-care focus.
28. Enjoy A Date Night With Your Partner
With individual roles to fulfil, many of us are guilty of not having regular time dedicated to our significant other. This is where a regular Sunday night date at home might be perfect!
Spark up the romance by having a lovely conversation filled with laughter on a special night at home together, or out and about.
29. Declutter Or Organise A Space In Your Home
A cluttered home can feel like a cluttered life. Decluttering can feel like lifting a heavy weight from your shoulders. There’s satisfaction in giving an area of your home a refresh and adding more space.
30. Have A Goal Setting Session
Having a goal-setting session gives you time to assess short-term and long-term goals. Spending an hour planning your goals can be so much fun to get you excited for the future. Create your own happiness by envisioning what you hope for over the coming years.
My monthly goal-setting session is one of my favourite Sunday self-care ideas and gets me inspired for the new month.
31. Play With Your Kids Or Pets
Kids are natural sunshine in our lives. Their laughter and fun ideas can bring out your inner child.
Playing with your kids (or nieces and nephews) and pets can make you forget about adult responsibilities and they’ll definitely love the idea of spending time with you too.
Both kids and pets can brighten your day and make you grateful for Sundays.
32. Get Some Vitamin D & Fresh Air
Your body releases more serotonin when you receive sufficient levels of vitamin D. There’s a reason why the sun is associated with the word happiness.
Spend time outdoors on Sunday morning and let the sun greet you. Aside from vitamin D, the outdoors exposes you to fresh air which can improve your mood, boost energy, and support brain function.
33. Find Some Affirmations That Are Meaningful To You
Certain words have the power to inspire us and resonate with us in our current season of life. Affirmations can be a powerful part of your self-care routine. Words of affirmation greatly help in fighting negative thoughts.
Find somewhere to display them, write them in your gratitude journal or practice saying them to yourself in the mirror.
34. Colour In
Colouring is a therapeutic activity that you can do with the whole family. The self-care idea can help you relax and focus your mind on something else. There are many benefits of colouring, no matter your age.
It can be one of the best mindfulness activities or something you do alongside your family.
35. Cuddle A Loved One
Isn’t it amazing how a simple hug or cuddling up with a loved one can calm down your nervous system? That’s why it’s great to start Sunday mornings by cuddling your husband or your kids.
Greet each one of them with an extra long hug or snuggle up together on the couch in the evening.
36. Create A Vision Board
Plan and envision your future by creating a vision board. You can make one with various materials or create it through a Pinterest board. Manifest the life you want for yourself and your family.
Anticipating the future with a vision board gives you a glimpse of that possible life and that feels great.
37. Watch Feel-Good Movies
Watch feel-good movies with the family to fill your Sundays with joy and laughter. Also, it’s a fun way to bond with your kids, especially when you’re introducing them to your childhood favourites or discovering new films together.
38. Cook Your Favourite Recipe
Cooking is a self-care activity that helps you explore your creativity in the kitchen. It’s even more fun when you’re cooking your favourite recipe.
You can ask your kids to help you, which is a perfect and efficient way to teach them how to cook while enjoying something you love at the same time.
39. Indulge In Your Favourite Snacks
Yes, we should be eating healthy but it doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in your favourite snacks sometimes! An occasional Sunday treat with ordering pizza or indulging in your favourite muffin from the local coffee shop is perfectly acceptable!
40. Spend Time In A Coffee Shop Or Cafe
After your walk or outdoor activities, head to your favourite cafe for some relaxed social time. Invite a friend or your partner. If you have a teenager, this might be a lovely mother-daughter or mother-son tradition you enjoy together too.
41. Shop at Your Favourite Store
Retail therapy at your favourite store will spark joy. While splurging often is never a good idea, we all deserve to spoil ourselves occasionally.
Buying the item you’ve been eyeing for a long time can be a lovely reward to yourself, rather than the impulse splurge of buying something you don’t really need.
42. Start a New Series
There’s a new TV series everyone has been talking about for weeks. Maybe you can finally watch episode one on Sunday.
Making time to catch up on those things you’ve been meaning to do, even if that means a television show you want to watch, means you are prioritising yourself.
43. Sing Your Heart Out
Music can truly do wonders for the soul. That’s why singing your heart out makes you feel great. Create your own playlist of songs that get you pumped up and blast those feel-good tunes loud.
44. Gardening
Spend time in nature within your own backyard for a relaxed and productive self-care Sunday in the garden. Looking at flowers and greenery also helps reduce stress and decreases cortisol levels.
45. Self-Assessment
Take time to reflect on yourself on your Sunday. Part of self-care is ensuring that you are on the road to the best version of yourself. Think about your challenges and negative emotions throughout the week and consider how you’ve dealt with them.
46. Redecorate Your Room
Sometimes stress can be a result of feeling stuck. Redecorating a space, such as your bedroom, or your living room, can help you feel inspired and calm.
47. Plan a Trip
Having something to look forward to makes you feel excited and happy. Planning travel is one of my personal favourite ways to ditch the mundane and have something fun to focus on.
This doesn’t need to be booking in dates and locking it in. Even those early planning stages can give you a mood boost.
48. Light Scented Candles
Besides essential oils, scented candles are a lovely Sunday self-care indulgence. Choose your favourite scents and enjoy the soothing ambience.
49. Drink More Water
Do not forget to drink enough water during the day. Keeping yourself hydrated is self-care that should be at the top of your list, right alongside nourishing food and regular exercise.
If you are a regular coffee drinker, consider switching out one cup of coffee for an extra glass of water.
50. Learn Something New
It’s scary to try something new but there’s satisfaction in discovering something new you might love. Engage yourself to step out of your comfort zone sometimes and try new things.
Try painting, crocheting, knitting, photography, baking, pottery, and anything else that intrigues you. Get even more hobby ideas here.
51. Get Your Hair Done
A fresh haircut, colour or even heading to the salon for a shampoo and scalp massage are amazing ways to leave you feeling great. They might not be in the budget for regular Sunday self-care sessions but certainly for the sometimes list.
52. Visit Your Favourite Place
Whether it’s the local museum, beach, or bookstore, make it a habit to visit your favourite places on a Sunday. It’s a self-care activity that will remind you that there’s a place that instantly makes you feel happy.
Prioritising self-care routines is essential. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking care of all your responsibilities is much harder when you are drained and burnt out. Fill your cup first by creating your own self-care Sunday habit!
