Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any health program.
Why taking time for yourself is important
It's easy to get wrapped up in the hustle culture that we live in today and neglect our health. Of course, we all want to keep up with the pace of the world, but doing that without taking our health and wellbeing into consideration can have some serious consequences.
At the end of the day, there's nothing more important than our health. It is the foundation of everything we do. If we have good health, we can continue to pursue what it is that interests us with more energy and enthusiasm, and for longer.
So if you want to continue doing what you enjoy for years to come, you need to make time for yourself. Just taking at least one day per week to rejuvenate is sufficient to help you sustain your wellbeing, and for most people Sunday is the best day to do that.
What to do on your self care Sunday
You could do anything really. It all depends on what you find relaxing, and this can be different for everyone. The most important thing here is to ensure that you take time for yourself on Sundays, so that you can do what energizes you.
For example, if you are an introvert, you could try taking a long walk in a nearby park and enjoying nature. If you are extroverted, perhaps you can use Sunday to catch up and spend quality time with friends or family members over lunch or dinner.
To come up with your own Sunday care ideas, try and think about what self care activities would make you feel relaxed and prepared to take on the week ahead. The goal here is to select activities that make you feel energized, not ones that drain you.
It can also be beneficial to organize your Sunday care routine beforehand, so you don't scramble to figure out what to do with your time on Sunday morning (which could cause more stress). A clear strategy will help you stay on track and ensure that you spend at least a few hours doing something for yourself.
Try creating a vision board to help you envision what your self care Sunday could look like. This can be powerful practice to help you manifest your ideal routine.
Self care Sunday ideas
As we said before, what one person finds relaxing can vary greatly from another. However, here are some ideas that will hopefully spark some inspiration in you to create your own weekly care routine:
Go to a sensory deprivation tank or float tank:
Sensory deprivation tanks can provide a unique way to de-stress and focus on yourself.
Take a long, hot bath or shower:
Soaking in warm water can help relax the muscles and reduce stress.
Go for a walk or hike:
Getting some fresh air and exercise can help clear the mind and boost mood.
Practice yoga or meditation:
These activities can help calm the mind and promote relaxation.
Try a new hobby or activity:
Engaging in a new, enjoyable activity can help take the mind off stressors and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Get a massage:
Massages can help relax the muscles and reduce tension in the body.
Cook or bake a special meal:
The act of cooking can be soothing, and enjoying a delicious meal can lift the spirits.
Read a book or watch a movie:
Engaging in an enjoyable form of entertainment can provide a welcome distraction from stress.
Listen to music:
Music can have a powerful effect on mood and can be a great way to relax and unwind.
Write in a journal:
Writing down thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic way to process and release emotions.
Take a nap:
Getting some extra rest can help recharge the batteries and make you feel more refreshed.
Go to a museum or art gallery:
Engaging with art can be a relaxing and uplifting activity.
Have a picnic:
Enjoying a meal outside in nature can be a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.
Go to a concert or live music event:
Listening to live music can be a fun and energizing way to relax.
Go to a comedy show or watch a funny movie:
Laughing can help reduce stress and boost mood.
Try a new healthy recipe:
Cooking a new healthy meal can be rewarding, and can also nourish the body.
Take a bubble bath:
The combination of warm water and bubbles can be a luxurious and relaxing experience.
Go to a spa:
Treating yourself to a spa day can help you relax and rejuvenate.
Go for a swim:
Swimming can be a great way to exercise and relax simultaneously.
Do a puzzle or play a board game:
Engaging in a low-stress activity can be a relaxing way to pass the time.
Go to a botanical garden:
Surrounding yourself with plants and nature can be calming and rejuvenating.
Go to a farmers market:
Strolling through a farmers market and seeing all the fresh, local produce can be a enjoyable and stress-reducing activity.
Go to a wine tasting:
Trying new wines and learning about the different flavors can be fun and relaxing.
Go to a coffee shop:
Enjoying a cup of coffee or tea in a peaceful setting can be a relaxing way to spend the day.
Go to a bookstore and browse the shelves:
Exploring a bookstore and discovering new books can be a enjoyable way to relax.
Try cryotherapy:
Using cold temperatures to reduce inflammation in the body can be a beneficial form of self-care.
Take a short road trip:
Exploring new places and scenery can be an enlightening and invigorating experience.
Try aromatherapy:
Using essential oils to create calm and balance in the mind.
Go to a movie theater and watch a matinee:
Enjoying a movie in a dark, quiet theater can be a great way to relax.
Go to a rock climbing gym:
Rock climbing can be a challenging and rewarding way to relax and let off some steam.
Take a dance class:
Dancing can be a great form of exercise, and learning new moves can be fun and relaxing.
Visit an animal shelter or pet store:
Spending time with animals can reduce stress levels and boost mood.
Visit friends or family members:
Spending time with loved ones can help provide a sense of support and connection.
Create something:
Using your creativity to create something, whether it’s a painting or piece of writing, can be a great way to relax and express yourself.
Take up photography:
Exploring the world through a camera lens can be a great way to relax and appreciate your surroundings.
Listen to an inspiring podcast:
Listening to inspiring stories or conversations can be a great way to relax and refocus.
Go for a bike ride:
Riding a bike is a great form of exercise, plus the scenery and fresh air can be invigorating.
Go to the beach (if you are near one):
The sound of the waves, sunshine, and sand can be a great way to relax and unwind.
Do a deep cleansing skin care routine:
Caring for your skin can be relaxing and fun, especially when there's a face mask involved.
Take a social media break:
Not looking at social media for one whole day can do wonders for your mental health. Try it.
Sleep in:
Most of us don't get enough rest, so allowing yourself to get enough sleep by sleeping in on Sundays can be a great way to help pay off your accumulated sleep debt.
All of the activities listed above are to serve as inspiration, but you may find that other activities are even more relaxing for you. Again, it's all about finding what works for you.
Next, we'll discuss creating your custom self care routine.
How to build a self care routine
Creating a good self care routine doesn't need to be overly complicated. Here are three simple steps to create a perfect self care Sunday:
Step 1:
Identify what your body and mind need. Do you need to rest, or do some physical activity? Identify a few activities that make you feel good and help relax your body and mind.
Step 2:
Make a plan for the day. Choose the activities you want to do, and set realistic time blocks for each activity. This will help ensure you get the most out of your day.
Step 3:
Make it happen. Wake up with the intent of making it a day of self care. Follow your plan, and don't feel guilty or stressed about doing something just for yourself.
Its that easy. Just commit to practice self care every Sunday, and you'll start to notice that you have more energy going into the next week.
Creating a self care routine is important, but it's also important to express your needs to others. Don't be afraid to create boundaries with others to make sure you take time for yourself.
What is self care Sunday?
Self care Sundays help create balance within your week. We oftentimes find ourselves with overcommited schedules that leave us with little to no time for ourselves. Dedicating some time every Sunday is the antidote to preventing burnout and exhaustion. It's also about taking time to do the things that you really enjoy, without feeling guilt or like you're not being productive.
Whether you take a few hours or a whole day, this period of taking time just for you will help you manage stress and restore your energy to create a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Summary
Dedicating your Sundays to unwind and rejuvenate can be a powerful way to take charge of your life. Spend time doing things that make you feel relaxed, inspired and fulfilled. Build a custom self care routine around activities that bring you joy and help restore your energy levels, so that you can take on the coming week with more clarity.
Remember that creating a custom self care routine is all about finding what works best for you. Don't be afraid to create boundaries with others to make sure you take time for yourself - your mental and physical health are the most important things!
Finally, always remember that self care is a journey - not a one-time fix. As long as you continue to commit to taking time to yourself, you will be well on your way to a healthier, happier life.
If you know others who could benefit from creating a Sunday routine to relax, be sure to share this blog article with them.
