Don’t let the Sunday Scaries ruin your weekend! Sundays are the perfect day to relax and reset before a new week begins.
By incorporating a few small luxuries and easy rituals into your day, you can turn Sunday into your favorite day of the week.
How to Practice Self-care with a Sunday Reset Routine
What is a Sunday Reset?
A Sunday reset is a set of rituals or actions that helps you recharge your mind and body for the week ahead. We’ll walk you through six steps to creating a Sunday reset routine.
- Have a slow and present morning
- Reflect on your week and set goals
- Organize for the week ahead
- Clean your space
- Create moments for feel-good activities
- End with an evening wind-down self-care ritual
1. Start Slow and Savor a Quiet Morning
Skip the Rush
It’s tempting to pack your weekend with activities and chores you didn’t get to during the week. But Sundays are an opportunity to let your body and mind relax. Try these tips to slow down your Sunday morning.
- Sleep in: If your schedule allows, turn off the alarm. Your body will appreciate even an extra half hour of sleep.
- No multitasking: Enjoy your breakfast without trying to do a million other things at the same time. Relax over an easy Sunday brunch recipe like our Fluffy Flavored Pancakes or Quick Cinnamon Sticky Buns.
- Put your phone down: Resist the urge to immediately check emails or social media.
- Make a fancy coffee: Elevate your normal weekday coffee with syrups, spices and creamers for a barista-level indulgence that’s easy to make at home.
Create a Cozy Morning Atmosphere
Set the mood for your relaxing morning! Light your favorite scented candle and, if the weather is nice, open a window to let in some fresh air. Then settle down to breakfast with your favorite playlist, podcast or TV show. Looking for some quiet time instead? Read a book or journal while you sip your coffee.
2. Reflect on Your Week and Check In on Your Goals
Focus on What Matters Most
Begin to plan for the week ahead by first reflecting on your past week. Think about your wins and what brought you joy and take a minute to celebrate those. You can even create an affirmations jar to provide a little inspiration and encouragement.
Plan for a Successful Week Ahead
Now turn your focus to the week ahead. List your top three priorities for the week and identify one or two goals. Goals should be realistic and achievable within the week — think “try a new recipe” or “clear your work inbox.”
Don’t forget to reward yourself for completing your goals! Plan to celebrate your success with small treats like coffee from your favorite café or a piece of luxurious CADBURY ROYAL DARK Dark Chocolate.
3. Organize Your Schedule and Plan for the Week Ahead
Plan Your Weekday Meals
Trying to plan for dinner every morning can add stress to your day. Instead, create a menu of simple meals for the upcoming week (like our DOT’S Pretzel Crusted Chicken). Inventory what groceries you’ll need and make a shopping list.
Make a List of Tasks for the Week
After you’ve figured out meals for the week, think about your other tasks. Note any upcoming meetings, appointments or activities and then add them to your family calendar so nothing gets forgotten. Make sure to block out some time for rest and self-care as well in your hectic schedule!
Make Monday Morning Easier
Monday mornings can get crazy. But with a little planning, you can take some of the stress out of them. Simple steps like choosing outfits the night before, pre-packing work bags and backpacks, and prepping breakfasts and lunch boxes can make Mondays feel more manageable.
4. Refresh Your Space and Tackle Essential Chores
Tidy Your Most-Used Areas
Give your space a quick tidy ahead of the new week. Pop on an upbeat playlist and make the beds, clean the kitchen counters, put away items cluttering up your house and give your floors a quick vacuum. Give your kids tasks they can handle, like putting away their toys and making their beds.
Complete Your Big Tasks
It might be hard to muster up the energy to tackle the big tasks, but you’ll be thanking yourself come Monday night. Do a few loads of laundry, shop for groceries and meal prep ingredients to make cooking easier throughout the week.
Add Small Touches That Bring Joy
While you’re refreshing your space, add in a few thoughtful touches that bring you joy. This may mean fresh flowers, a new seasonal candle or a candy dish filled with mini versions of your favorite sweet treats.
5. Enjoy a Feel-Good Activity Just for You
Treat Yourself to Small Chocolate Indulgence
Now’s the time to focus on you. Treat yourself to a piece or two of your favorite luxurious chocolate, like HERSHEY'S NUGGETS Dark Chocolate Raspberry Decadence Candy or HERSHEY'S KISSES SPECIAL DARK Mildly Sweet Chocolate Candy. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea and give yourself time to savor the flavor of the pairing. You can share this moment with a friend or family member or enjoy it as a solo moment of rest and mindfulness.
Your New Favorite Indulgence
Elevate the everyday with HERSHEY’S Creme Bars in Salted Caramel or Affogato.
Focus on Activities That Help You Recharge
Turn off your notifications and give yourself some screen-free time to reset. Take a walk around your neighborhood or visit a nearby park or trail. If you want company, consider inviting friends or family along for a Sunday picnic to unwind before the start of a new week.
Pro Tip: Even 15-20 minutes outdoors can help you feel more grounded and refreshed.
Choose Activities That Feel Restorative
Bad weather? You can create a calming afternoon inside for yourself as well. Take an hour or so to journal, read or work on a puzzle. If you feel ambitious, maybe try a new baking project your family can enjoy as a special Sunday dessert.
6. Create a Sunday Evening Wind-down Before Bed
Make it a Self-Care Ritual
Once dinner is finished and the dishes are put away, it’s time to wind down before bed. This is prime “you” time. If you need a little pampering, soak in a hot bath and apply your personal skincare routine. If you prefer to relax on the couch, cozy up with a blanket and a book or turn on your favorite movie or show. Enjoy a cup of herbal tea or hot cocoa, a mocktail, or pair a glass of wine with a sweet treat.
Wind Down With Consistency
Doing the same activities every evening right before bed — not just as a Sunday self-care ritual — helps signal to your body it’s time to relax and get ready for sleep. Your everyday routine doesn’t need to be as elaborate as your Sunday ritual. A weekday routine might look like:
- Dimming the lights and lighting a candle
- Meditating
- Avoiding screen time an hour before bed
- Going to bed early and at a consistent time
Find Luxury in the Little Things
A Sunday reset doesn’t need to take the entire day or cost a fortune. Choose a few rituals from the list above that feel meaningful and try incorporating them into your Sunday routine. It’s the small moments — like taking a walk, enjoying a piece of chocolate or reflecting on moments of joy — that can help transform the week ahead.
