Sundays used to stress me out. I’d either spend the whole day trying to catch up on everything I ignored all week, or I’d do absolutely nothing and feel even more behind come Monday. It wasn’t working.
So I started treating Sundays as a reset. Not a productivity contest, not a checklist marathon — just a gentle way to tidy up my space, my mind, and get myself feeling a little more grounded before the new week begins.
Here’s what that looks like for me. Nothing fancy, nothing rigid — just what’s helped me feel a little more calm and in control every Sunday.
Step 1: Wake Up Slowly
I don’t set an alarm unless I absolutely have to. I stretch in bed, open a window, sip my coffee slowly, and try not to rush. It’s my chance to start the day on a peaceful note.
Step 2: Light Cleanup (Not a Deep Scrub)
I don’t go overboard, but I do a quick reset of my space:
- Make the bed
- Clear off kitchen counters
- Wipe down the bathroom sink
- Take out the trash
- Run the vacuum in high-traffic areas
It’s not about perfection — just creating a calmer environment.
Step 3: Tackle the Laundry Pile
Laundry doesn’t magically disappear during the week, so I try to get it going early. I’ll throw in a load or two and fold while watching something chill. Bonus: I usually pick out my Monday outfit while I’m at it.
Step 4: Empty My Brain
I grab a notebook and dump every little thing swirling in my head — to-dos, errands, reminders, stuff I forgot last week. It’s messy and unfiltered, and it always makes me feel more clear.
Step 5: Sketch Out the Week
I take what’s in my brain dump and look at the week ahead:
- Any deadlines or appointments?
- What are my top 3 priorities?
- Are there meals I need to plan?
I don’t plan every hour — just enough to feel like I’m not walking into chaos.
Step 6: Restock the Basics
If the fridge is looking empty or I’m out of essentials like coffee or toilet paper, I either do a quick grocery run or write a list for Monday. Nothing throws off a week like realizing you’re out of clean socks or milk.
Step 7: Light Meal Prep
I’m not a hardcore meal prep person, but I like to do something. I might cook a grain, chop veggies, or prep overnight oats. Just having something ready makes weekdays feel easier.
Step 8: Digital Clean-Up
This takes 10–15 minutes max. I:
- Clear my notifications
- Delete random screenshots
- Tidy up my desktop
- Close all the tabs I forgot were open
It’s like wiping down the counters — but for my phone and laptop.
Step 9: Do One Thing That Refuels Me
This part is important. I do something just for me — whether it’s painting my nails, reading a chapter of a book, going for a walk, or watching a cozy show. Sunday reset shouldn’t feel like a chore marathon.
Step 10: Set the Mood for the Week
As the sun starts to set, I light a candle, dim the lights, and maybe play some soft music. Sometimes I’ll journal, pull a card, or just write down one gentle intention for the week.
Final Thoughts
My Sunday reset routine isn’t rigid. Some weeks I do all of this, other weeks I do half. And that’s okay.
The goal isn’t to be perfectly prepared. It’s just to feel a little more clear, a little more calm, and a little more ready to face the week.
So if Sundays tend to feel heavy or aimless, try picking one or two of these steps and making them your own. You might be surprised how much lighter Monday feels when you do.
