Self care Sunday ideas to recharge for the week ahead. Self care Sundays are not getting the attention they deserve, in my opinion. And if you’re not already making enough time for your own weekly ritual, then this ultimate list of free self-care ideas will help you to kickstart a valuable routine going forward.
Self Care Sunday Ideas to Set the Tone For the Week
Most people consider Sunday bittersweet: Sunday morning is glorious… And then around mid-afternoon, the busy week ahead suddenly looms large.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could change our own weekend narrative, chase away the Sunday scaries and extend that chill feeling all the way through to bedtime?! Definitely sounds like a good idea to me.
Well, introducing self-care Sundays into your schedule on a regular basis is possibly the best way to prioritise your mental and physical health ahead of the following week.
What Are Self Care Sundays?
Self-care is about meeting your needs, whatever they may be.
Self care Sundays are when you intentionally set aside and dedicate your Sunday each week to taking care of your health and wellbeing – mind, body, and soul.
It’s not always feasible, but those weeks when it is, I highly recommend taking the last day of the week to unplug from social media, relax and recharge before Monday rolls around! Even if you’re not in a position to enjoy the whole day, even an hour or two of quality time is beneficial.
What is Self-Care?
Effective self-care is anything that makes you feel good, and it will look different for everyone.
For many people self-care means slow living, and perhaps practicing some mindfulness; while others would describe that as their definition of tedium, and for them a self-care activity might involve meeting a desire for adrenalin – my personal idea of stress!
A good self-care routine is about taking better care of yourself and meeting your needs, whatever they may be. With that in mind, the first thing to do is identify what that would look like for you.
Why is Self-Care Important?
Basic self-care, such as hygiene and health, is a matter of necessity. But holistic self-care is so much more than that; it’s about meeting a variety of needs for connection with:
- Nature,
- Community,
- Culture,
- Ourselves,
- Our values,
- Our loved ones.
While some of these ideas may appear indulgent, the concept is not.
These are all vitally important things, because regularly meeting each of these needs is the key to living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
The Benefits of Sunday Self-Care
One of the main benefits of creating a regular self-care Sunday routine is that you’re actively building that self-care time into your week. And once it’s scheduled, it becomes a new habit, meaning you’re that much more likely to make it a priority each week.
And while some of these ideas may appear indulgent, the concept is not. They’re extravagant only in as much as you’re choosing to elevate your needs and make time for them.
I know a lot of parents with young kids read my blog, and if you have other commitments which mean you can reasonably only claim an hour each week, that’s fine. But doing this regularly is vital in order to avoid burning out – and it makes all the difference between coasting along in life, or feeling satisfied with your lot.
Making time for yourself is a great lesson to model for any little people watching.
Then, when life slows down and free time allows, you can look to build that up so that you’re able to feel more accomplished, and able to savour more moments of pleasure. Making time for yourself is also a great lesson to model for any little people watching.
Health Benefits of Meeting Your Own Needs For Self Care
There are so many benefits to making the time for self-care in your life. They include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety,
- Improved resilience in coping with stress,
- Can help decrease high blood pressure,
- Boosts self-esteem,
- Improves mental health and wellbeing,
- Can lead to better relationships with yourself and others.
The ultimate goal is to feel refreshed, inspired, invigorated, and ready for the week ahead.
What Makes a Great Sunday Self Care Idea?
What does the perfect self care Sunday look like? What should you aim to do on a self-care day?
Anything that pleases you and helps you to meet any of those needs and desires outlined above!
The ultimate goal is that on Sunday evenings you feel refreshed, inspired, invigorated, and ready for the week ahead.
How Can I Recharge on Sundays?
Of course, it can feel a little overwhelming to have a vague notion of what you’re trying to achieve, but without any real direction or practical ideas.
So I’ve put together a list of 51 suggestions which can be worked through as they are, or tweaked and applied to your own life.
Enjoy!
51 Self-Care Sunday Ideas For You to Try
Sunday self care activities might involve just one or any combination of the following, depending on which needs you’re focusing on and how much time you have available.
Whichever you choose, making time for a little self-care and self love in your life will make a big impact on your overall wellbeing.
Ready to press the reset button at the end of the week? Here are some ideas of different things to create the perfect day of rest, to revitalise ahead of the new week…
45 Free Self-Care Ideas to Create Your Own Wellbeing Ritual
Below are 45 completely free self-care ideas to create your own self care Sunday routine, followed by 5 great ideas for when you have some budget to spend…
1. Look through old photographs
The perfect way to enjoy a little bit of nostalgia.
2. Take yourself for a long walk
A lovely way to be at one with nature, especially if you take your time and remember to be mindful. Be aware of each of your senses, inhale deep breaths of fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature, feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin.
Perhaps even take a sketch pad and pencil or a camera to indulge another need for creativity.
You’re bound to come away with decreased stress levels and elevated feelings of peace.
Just take care to use sunscreen to avoid getting too much sun while you’re seeking out that glorious vitamin D!
3. Visit a local farmer’s market
One of the things Dan and I used to love doing before we had children, and look forward to doing again soon.
4. Journal
I’m a huge fan of mindful journaling and bullet journaling, for so many reasons. It can be used for staying organised and to set goals – but it’s excellent for much more than that too.
One of my favourite ways to give myself a little lift is by writing a gratitude list, which never fails to boost my positivity, even on bad days.
A journal is your safe space to purge negative thoughts, and fill up on positivity! Why not try some of these journal prompts for self-love?
5. Take a relaxing bath
This can be as fancy or simple as you like, with bubble bath, essential oils, and hair masks, or just a good book and a cup of tea; the goal is to merely relax and unwind.
6. Move your body
This can take whichever form beings you most joy, from swimming, to tennis, to dancing in the kitchen!
7. Read
Curling up with a favorite book or even a glossy magazine is a great way to take 10 minutes or a couple of hours to chill.
8. Bake your favourite dessert
How often do you do this just because? It feels very indulgent, and that’s okay sometimes!
9. Practice yoga
Practicing my favourite yoga poses for wellbeing is one of my favourite ways to feel calm, strong, present, and at peace on Sunday afternoons.
You may also like these yoga poses for feminine energy.
Light exercise or moving you body in any way that feels good is beneficial, making sure to build in rest days too.
10. Paint your nails
A quick and simple way to feel a little more put together.
And if you’re anything like me then choosing a bright pop of colour also makes it something that will bring you smiles throughout the day – sometimes it’s the little things!
11. Stay on top of your social self-care with a call a close friend or relative
We tend to schedule phone calls these days, don’e we! But picking up the phone to family members or best friends to say hi and catch up can leave you and the person you reach out to buoyed up all week.
You might also like these friendship affirmations.
12. Play
But you’re a grown up, right? So what?!
We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw
Play with your children, or play alone; play in anyway you like. But never stop having fun.
13. Meditate
I’m terrible at finding the perfect time for meditation practices by themselves. But I do find that I’m able to combine it with yoga, and since meditation can boost the immune system as well as help your mental health, it’s well worth finding the time.
You may also like to try introduce these Sunday affirmations to your meditation practice.
14. Colour
As in books! Adult colouring became a thing a few years ago, and while it’s not something I tend to sit down and do alone, it’s a favourite pastime with my eldest daughter. We have a gorgeous book (previously gifted), that we like to take out and colour together:
Each double spread has a page designed for a child, and one in the same theme for an adult, so you can sit and colour side by side.
15. Make a cup of your favourite tea or coffee
Simple, but a quick treat nonetheless.
16. Sit outside and soak up the peace
If you’re fortunate enough to have a garden, this is a glorious thing to do, even in the winter. If not a nearby park can work just as well.
Taking the time to watch the colours change with the seasons, and appreciating the majesty of nature can be very calming.
17. Write a letter to someone you love
It’s something we don’t tend to do anymore, but I can assure you will make the recipient’s day!
18. Practice a new hobby or skill you’re learning
Make time to practice new skills and hobbies, before they fall by the wayside.
19. Write a love letter to yourself
And post it.
Write about the things you’re most proud of, or the things you still want to do. Anything that you know you next week would really appreciate reading. You’ll forget all about it, and then when it arrives it will raise a smile.
20. Practice mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness is hugely valuable for mental health.
In whichever way suits you and your schedule, simply take the time to be truly be in the present moment, tuning in to each of your senses and appreciating their richness and diversity.
My personal favourite place for this is our local RHS garden which I visit very regularly.
21. Snuggle under your favourite cosy blanket
Perhaps with a book and a cup of tea, perhaps for a nap to catch up on enough sleep, perhaps with a child and tickles and giggles.
22. Declutter
Tidy home, tidy mind.
Unknown
This is so true for me, and for my children too. Chaos in our house is overwhelming for us all meaning decluttering is sometimes a form of self-care for us.
Stripping away the mess results in a calmer home all round, and is also why we rotate toys.
23. Pamper yourself
A face pack, a foot bath, de-fuzzing your pins, applying a full face of make-up – whatever pampering means to you. Perhaps even a visit to a salon for microblading or a lovely relaxing massage – a professional massage is also fabulous, but not necessary if you’re very lucky and have a willing partner!
You may also like this post about the best eyebrow tattoo aftercare instructions, according to science.
24. Be a tourist in your own town
You could combine this one the last, and tour around your locale, taking in the scenery or any tourist attractions.
25. Sit by the sea
Of courses this won’t be possible for everyone. I have a river close by which I’m grateful for, but there’s nothing quite like the sea. It’s the best thing, and I hope to retire there one day.
26. Have a Netflix binge
Simple but effective for some brain-off chilling.
27. Go for a bike ride
Another fabulous way to move your body, whilst also enjoying your local area from a different vantage point, and feeling the wind in your hair.
28. Work on a meaningful project
This might be a photo album, or a handmade birthday gift, or really anything that brings you satisfaction and pleasure.
29. Knit or crochet
One of my most treasured possessions is a handmade blanket from one of my closest friends, a gift when my youngest daughter was born and one that I’ll keep for her.
30. Do a jigsaw puzzle
This isn’t something I tend do for myself, but when one of my daughter’s insists on sitting together to do a puzzle, it’s undeniably relaxing!
31. Do a crossword
Perfect for some quiet time that also stretches you.
32. Create a holiday bucket list
After the lost year when many people had holidays cancelled, this one has never been more poignant.
33. Create a lifetime bucket list
…And, in fact, it’s given some perspective on a greater scale too.
Why not think about everything you’d hope to achieve in your lifetime, and then either make a plan to work towards those goals, or simply daydream about how your life might look.
34. Have a bath with a face mask
Indulgent and blissful. Don’t forget to take a glass of wine too.
35. Colour your hair
If you fancy a change, or have been meaning to cover those greys, this is a great way to give yourself a little Sunday lift.
36. Exfoliate and moisturise your whole body
I am awful for doing this! My skin is always thirsty, so while it may be fairly basic, making the time for exfoliating and moisturising would definitely be self-care for me.
37. Visit a gallery
A lovely way to soak up some culture and spend some quiet time reflecting.
38. Watch a comedy show
Chilling out on the sofa with your favourite comedian is a wonderful way to make yourself feel good. (If funds permit, you could even book to do this live!)
39. Do some gardening
Is there anything more rewarding than nurturing plants and watching them bloom into a beautiful space that you’ve helped to create?
The process itself is also very satisfying, and it’s brilliant to do either alone or with the kids.
40. Listen to an inspiring podcast
I never used to ‘get’ podcasts. And then my husband introduced me to Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson on a few car journeys, and I found myself utterly fascinated listening to discussions about the psychology of human nature.
Oh, and Russel Kane’s Evil Genius is not to be missed!
41. Learn a new skill
Learning a new skill is a fantastic way to build confidence and add meaning to your life.
42. Play Solitaire or another solo game
A simple way to chill and enjoy some quiet, while exercising using your mind.
43. Rearrange a room in your home
This is something I used to love doing from time to time, to breathe some freshness into our home.
44. Volunteer
If you have the time to spare, and especially if you’re keen to build connections within the community, volunteering is a wonderful way to give back and add value to your life.
45. Create and listen to a playlist of your favourite music
I so often find myself hearing a song and saying ‘oh, I’d forgotten about this one!’, and thinking I really must create a list of favourites. One day I’ll do it!
46. Create a calming space in your home
Dan’s is the snug. Mine is my office.
If you’re fortunate enough to have sufficient space to claim a little corner for yourself, why not make the most of it and decorate entirely to your taste?
Or, if your home isn’t large enough for that, you could still choose an area to create a calming space for the whole family to enjoy, with muted tones, cosy blankets and cushions, and soft lighting.
…And the Best Self Care Ideas If You Have Some Funds!
These self-care activities suit different time constraints and financial budgets, so that there’s something here for everyone.
47. Take yourself on a date
Is there somewhere you’d like to visit or something you’d like to do? Why not plan to go alone and do everything on your own terms?
48. Have coffee with a friend
Something many of us probably used to take for granted – I know I did. This one will be featuring heavily on my self-care checklist when normal life resumes.
49. Go to the cinema, alone
I’ve only ever done this once, and I felt quite anxious about it. But I also felt so empowered and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.
50. Have an overnight break at a hotel, alone
This is very much on my lifetime bucket list! I had to do this for work once, and felt so cheated when I ended up spending most of the evening on a business call. Next time, I’ll switch my phone off!
51. Create your bucket list menu, shop the ingredients and make a new recipe / your favourite meals
I’ve never done this, but it’s going on my lifetime bucket list.
The Incredible Value of Sunday Self-Care
Beginning a self care Sunday ritual is the ultimate way to show yourself kindness and feel revived for the coming week, making a huge impact on your overall quality of life.
Here are a few more reasons to put yourself first on the Sabbath day…
Self-Care Sunday Quotes
Sunday – take it slow and give your soul a chance to catch up to your body.
Unknown
An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.
Unknown
Self-care is how you take your power back.
Lalah Della
Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.
Eleanor Brown
I always give myself Sundays as a spiritual base of renewal – a day when I do absolutely nothing. I sit in my jammies or take a walk, and I allow myself time to be – capital B – E – with myself.
Oprah Winfrey
Self-care is not an expense; it’s an investment.
Unknown
Sunday: a day to refuel your soul and be grateful for your blessings; take a deep breath and relax; enjoy your family, your friends, and a cup of coffee.
Unknown
A good self care routine is one of the best ways to stop feeling dread as Sunday night approaches. Instead the positive effects should lead to feeling rested and ready to face the new week, making a huge difference to your overall emotional health.