Self Care Sunday: A Simple Guide to Relax and Recharge

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You know that feeling when Sunday night hits, and suddenly, the weight of the upcoming week smacks you in the face?

You’re lying in bed, running through your mental to-do list, wondering where the weekend went. Yeah, I’ve been there too. And that’s exactly why Self Care Sunday has quickly become my non-negotiable weekly ritual.

At first, I thought self-care meant extravagant spa days and expensive skincare products. (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.) Real self-care is about recharging your mind, body, and soul in ways that make sense for you. It’s about resetting before Monday so you’re not running on fumes by Wednesday.

So if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or just in need of a little TLC, let’s talk about how to build the ultimate Self Care Sunday routine – and what I’ve learned over the last few months!

Why You Need a Self Care Sunday Routine

I was getting WAY off track when it came to taking care of myself and I knew something had to change. I knew myself well enough that devoting an entire day to going to a spa wasn’t going to happen. So I decided to start small and build on it every Sunday.

After about three weeks, I noticed some MAJOR changes:

• Less stress and anxiety – Instead of dreading Mondays, I felt mentally prepared.
• More energy throughout the week – Taking time to recharge actually made me more productive.
• Better emotional balance – I was less reactive and more present (things didn’t feel quite so dramatic!)
• A sense of control – Instead of life running me, I was taking charge of my well-being.

If you feel guilty about taking an entire day for yourself, please don’t. When you start making Sundays about you, your entire week shifts.

How to Create Your Perfect Self Care Sunday Routine

Here’s the thing: self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s okay! The goal is to create a routine that feels good—not something that feels like another chore.

1. Set the Mood

I used to rush through self-care like it was just another task to check off my list. Then I realized that setting the right environment made all the difference.

• Declutter your space – A messy space = a messy mind. I do a quick 10-minute tidy-up to make my surroundings feel peaceful.
• Create a vibe – Candles, essential oils, soft lighting… whatever makes your space feel cozy.
  • I like to take a long hot shower – it’s amazing how nice and relaxing a shower is when you aren’t feeling rushed!
• Turn off notifications – Seriously. Self Care Sunday is not the time for doomscrolling.

Try it—see how different it feels when you’re intentional about creating a relaxing atmosphere.

2. Nourish Your Body

Self-care and good food go hand in hand. But for me, the goal is comforting but nutritious—because I feel way better when I’m fueling my body properly.

• Start with hydration – Herbal tea, lemon water, or a green smoothie does wonders.
  • For the last few weeks, I’ve been making Sunday my day to drink at least 100oz of water and whoa, what I difference in how I feel and how my skin looks.

• Make a feel-good meal – My go-to? Something warm and cozy like a homemade soup or avocado toast with eggs.

• Indulge a little – I’ve been in the process of losing weight for the last 18 months and used to feel so guilty about treating myself. Now I see it as a form of self-care. Sometimes, that means a square (or three) of dark chocolate.

Pro tip: Slow down and actually enjoy your food. No multitasking, no rushing—just being present with every bite.

3. Move Your Body—Gently

I used to think workouts had to be intense to count. (Thanks, diet culture.) But Sundays are about gentle movement—something that feels nurturing, not punishing.

Here are a few ideas that have worked for me:

• Stretching or yoga – Even just FIVE minutes makes a difference. My dog even joins me in this new Sunday routine!
• A mindful walk – No agenda, no fitness goals—just moving for the sake of feeling good.
• Dance party for one – Sometimes, you just need to blast your favorite playlist and shake off the stress.

Bottom line: Move in a way that feels good. Your body will thank you.

4. Mindfulness & Reflection

This part of my Self Care Sunday routine completely changed my mindset. Taking time to pause and reflect helps me feel grounded, grateful, and ready for the week ahead.

• Journaling – I love using prompts like:
  • What’s something I’m proud of from this week?
  • What do I want to focus on next week?
  • What’s one small way I can be kinder to myself?
  • Here are a few more ideas

• Gratitude practice – Listing just three things I’m grateful for shifts my entire perspective.

• Deep breathing or meditation – I’m not perfect at this, but even two minutes of intentional breathing helps.

Try incorporating even one of these, and watch how much calmer you feel.

PRO TIP: When your mind starts wandering back to stressful things like to-do lists, schedules, finances, etc., just take a minute and close your eyes and breathe. For the first few “Self-care Sundays” I really struggled with this and deep breathing has works wonders for me.

5. Unplug and Recharge

Here’s the hard truth: scrolling TikTok for two hours isn’t actually relaxing—it’s just numbing. I used to fall into the trap of wasting my Sundays on social media, only to feel drained by the end of the day.

Now, I swap screen time for things that actually recharge me:

• Reading a book

• Listening to a podcast – love Mel Robbins!

• Doing something creative—I bought some inexpensive watercolor paints and have doing Willa Wanders Watercolor for Relaxation practice (so relaxing, I can’t believe it sometimes!)

• Taking a long shower or bath

• Make a homemade face mask – so easy to do! Here’s a recipe I’ve been using for the last few weeks.

• Going to bed early so I actually feel rested on Monday.

Trust me, your brain needs a break from constant stimulation. Give yourself permission to unplug.

Tips for Making Self Care Sunday a Consistent Habit

I know, I know—life gets busy. But here’s how I’ve made Self Care Sunday a weekly thing without fail:

• Schedule it like an appointment – I block off Sunday mornings or evenings just for me.
  • If you have a problem with procrastination, block off the morning for yourself!

• Keep it flexible – Some Sundays are all about lounging; others, I’m in full-blown spa mode. It changes based on what I need.

• Start small – Even one self-care ritual makes a difference. Don’t overwhelm yourself with a 10-step routine right away.

The key? Make it work for you. Self-care should never feel like another task.

Final Thoughts About Self Care Sunday

Here’s what I’ve learned: Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And dedicating Sundays to self-care? It’s the ultimate way to reset, recharge, and show yourself some love.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just plain exhausted, give Self Care Sunday a try. Start small, experiment with different rituals, and make it your own. Because when you take care of yourself first, everything else in life feels a little easier.

Now, tell me—what’s one thing you’re adding to your Self Care Sunday routine this week? 💛

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