Things To Do On Sunday to Start Your Week Off On The Right Foot
Sunday nights are a time to reset for your week. It’s a time to get organized, recharge, and set the tone for what’s ahead. Maybe you’re trying to shake off the Sunday scaries or want to start Monday feeling on top of your game; a solid Sunday night routine can work wonders. Sunday shouldn’t be about cramming in productivity but finding the balance between preparation and relaxation. With the right approach, you can turn your Sunday evenings into a mini ritual that leaves you feeling calm, focused, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. Let’s talk about how to make your Sunday night a total winner.
Screen Off
According to Sutter Health, while some screen time in the evening can be a good way to relax, this practice can severely harm your sleep quality when it exceeds two hours. This is because staring at a screen disrupts the melatonin production needed to fall asleep. Instead of watching a movie, opt for a book, or listen to some relaxing music.
Write A To-do List
Falling asleep can be tough when you can’t stop thinking about the many duties waiting for you tomorrow. Taking a few minutes to write down a to-do list for the following day or week can help you feel in control and let go of negativity. This will help you shut down the thousands of voices in your head and help you relax so that you can enjoy your night of sleep.
Avoid Bright Lights
According to the Sleep Foundation, light is the most important factor affecting sleep. This is because it plays a massive role in the regulation of our circadian rhythm while also influencing the production of melatonin, a hormone promoting sleepiness. Make sure your room is completely dark, and opt for dim lights in the hours before going to sleep.
Tidy Up
Nothing is worse than waking up in a messy room. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Make it a habit to tidy up your room and working space before heading to sleep, and you will wake up in the morning feeling motivated to start your week. Of course, you don’t have to deep clean the whole space, but try your best to remove everything from the floor and make sure it’s tidy.
Stretch
Stretching can also lead to sleepiness as it helps release the tension accumulated throughout the day. Opting for a quick five-minute session before heading to bed can improve your night of sleep, leading to a happier Monday morning. Plus, this simple practice will ensure you maintain flexibility in the long run. This is an extra reason to incorporate a quick stretch session.
Get Ready For The Day
A good evening routine should include all the tasks that will make your morning easier. For instance, you can choose an outfit to wear, prepare your breakfast by setting up your coffee maker, and make sure everything is ready for the day ahead. This will help you avoid rushing in the early morning and make the most of your time. You will never have to run to go to work!
Journal
If you’re having a hard time falling asleep due to the many voices in your head, you can try to shut them down by writing your thoughts on paper. Journaling can help you bring clarity to your mind and let go of all that happened in the past week, giving you a fresh start. Plus, you can also write down a few things that make you happy to boost your mood.
Meditate
Here is another popular practice to focus on the present moment. Meditating has plenty of benefits for your health, reducing stress and bringing self-awareness to your life. Meditation on Sunday evenings supporrts relaxation, mental clarity, and emotional balance, easing stress and preparing you for a productive Monday ahead. There are plenty of videos available on YouTube.
Opt For Regularity
A regular sleeping schedule can improve your sleep quality, helping you kick start the week in the best way. This is why so many of us use to have the best sleeping pattern when attending high-school, as we had to wake up at the same time every single day. Try your best to go to bed at the same time every day and you will never feel fatigued again.
Self-Care
A good night’s routine should also include self-care. On Sunday nights, consider winding down with a warm bath infused with essential oils or bath salts to soothe tired muscles and promote relaxation. Alternatively, indulge in your favorite skincare routine, including cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing, to rejuvenate your skin and pamper yourself before bedtime. Additionally, gentle stretching or yoga can help release tension accumulated throughout the weekend.
Read
Reading is a great way to get sleepy when you feel energized. Make it a habit to spend the last 30 minutes of your day under the blankets with a nice novel. This is a great way to learn about self-development, marketing, or psychology. However, remember that reading can just be a pleasure in itself. Do you like children’s books? Go for it! Not everything we do has to be productive.
Enjoy The Moment
Once you’re in bed, focus on gratitude. You’re no longer a kid. Heading to bed is not a punishment but something we often look forward to throughout the day. Concentrate on your senses, from the feeling of the sheet on your skin to the soft pillow underneath your head. You can finally relax. Chances are you will fall asleep within minutes, thanks to this!
Cuddle
If you have a partner, this can also be a great time to cuddle and nourish your relationship with your partner. Ending the week knowing that you both love and support each other will help you keep this in mind throughout the following seven days. Our partners are often the people we spend more time with, so ensuring your connection is strong and healthy is a must.
Do Something You Love
We are all different. Some people love coloring and reading, and others enjoy sipping tea while cuddling their pets. What brings you joy, fulfilment, and inner peace? It can be a game of Monopoly with your partner, a walk outside in the nearest park, or a call to a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Regardless of what it is, add a task you truly enjoy to your Sunday night routine.
Meal Prep
Meal prepping for the week is a fantastic thing to do on a Sunday to set yourself up for success for the week. When you have all of your meals planned, or better yet, cooked, it will make your weekdays go a whole lot smoother. Cooking in large batches for the week is also nice and easy! Divide your meals into individual portions and you will be ready to enjoy delicious, homemade food all week long.
Drink A Warm Beverage
This could also be a great time to drink a warm infusion. Ensure you don’t opt for tea or coffee, which will keep you awake longer. Camomile, valerian tea, herbal tea, or warm almond milk could all be good options. These will help you stay hydrated while nourishing your body, making your night routine extra cozy, especially in northern countries where cold, dark days are the norm in the winter.
