Sometimes we need a little extra love and attention. A day for nourishing our mind, body, and souls. Sometimes we need a self care Sunday.
Self Care Sundays
Raise you hand if you could use a day just for you??
A day to rest….to recharge…to feel renewed?
Sounds amazing, right?
We all know how easy it is to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Between work, school, family obligations, and social commitments, it can be hard to find time to take care of ourselves.
That’s why it can be so beneficial to set aside a dedicated day of the week to focus on self care. Enter: Self-Care Sunday.
What is self-care Sunday?
Self-care Sunday is a simple concept: set aside one day a week to prioritize your well-being. It can be any day really. Sundays just became popular as a reset day before beginning a new week.
Spoiler alert friends…you actually need to be practicing self care every single day.
Every single day??
Yep. Small actions add up to big results. And consistency is key.
Self care doesn’t have to be big bold actions. It can be as simple as turning off your phone for an hour or walking outside and getting ten minutes of fresh air during your lunch break or even just taking a few deep breaths before you walk into a meeting.
But sometimes, we all need a little extra love and attention for ourselves. A day for pampering, for resting, or even for an adventure. Sometimes, we need a self-care Sunday.
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60+ Self Care Sunday Ideas to Reset and Recharge
Self care looks different for everyone. The key is to find activities that make YOU feel good and replenish your energy.
Here are over 60 self care Sunday ideas to nourish your mind, body, and soul:
Start your day slow! There’s nothing I love more than a slow morning. Coffee in bed, planning out my day, reading, watching TV, or even a little scrolling is my favorite way to start a self-care Sunday!
Get moving. Moving your body is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and wellbeing. Regular physical activity helps to improve your mood, reduce stress, boost your energy levels, and can even improve your sleep. Moving your body is an essential part of staying healthy and happy – so whether you prefer walking in your neighborhood or a spin class at the gym, get out there and get moving!
Yoga. Yoga is a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Never tried yoga before? Pull up a short beginner video on YouTube and give it a try.
Immerse yourself in nature. Whether it’s a few minutes in your backyard or hiking a trail at a nearby park, enjoy the fresh air and scenery. Take in the sights, smells, sounds, and beauty all around you.
Read! Curl up with a book or magazine that you enjoy to unwind and escape. Working on personal development? Check out my favorite self discovery books.
Have a mini dance party. Turn your favorite music up loud and dance it out.
Take time for a few positive affirmations. Even better, pick out one for each day of the week. (My favorites: affirmations for self care, self love affirmations, peaceful affirmations, and these affirmations for self esteem!)
Start a new hobby or project. That thing you’ve “always wanted to do,” now is the time! (Right now, I’m making my own sourdough starter.)
Connect with others. Pick up your phone and reach out to friends and family. Plan some time together to catch up.
Journaling. Write in a journal to reflect on your thoughts and emotions. Need somewhere to start? Check out my favorite gratitude prompts, self love prompts, or self discovery questions. Or make journaling fun by creating an A to Z gratitude junk journal.
Hydrate! Yes, even something as intentionally hydrating all day long is self care! So grab that Stanley and drink up.
Get creative. Draw, paint, craft, sew, graphic design, cook…doesn’t matter what the activity is, just get those creative juices flowing!
Buy yourself flowers. Are you singing the new Miley Cyrus song in your head? If you weren’t before, you probably are now, haha! But go on…romanticize your life and treat yourself to a beautiful bouquet.
Do a random act of kindness. Doing random acts of kindness can be incredibly rewarding. Kindness increases self-esteem, reduces stress, and can even help you live longer. It can also lead to a more positive outlook on life, increased generosity, and improved relationships. The best part is that it doesn’t have to cost anything; the simplest of gestures can have a huge impact.
Make yourself a visual self care reminder. Grab one of these self care Sunday quotes and sayings and create a new wall paper for your phone. Write them in your journal, in your daily planner, or your kitchen chalkboard. Put them any place you see often and will remind your to make yourself a priority. (I personally love Brene Brown quotes too.)
Want to really level up your self care game? Try our fun and easy self care challenge!
Pamper yourself. One thing you’ll hear me say often is that self care is more than a mani/pedi. But pampering yourself with a manicure, pedicure, or massage is certainly allowed! If that is within your budget and refreshes your spirit, then by all means, schedule that into your self care routine.
Declutter one space. Decluterring can be very overwhelming. But it can also be incredibly rewarding. My best advice is to tackle one area or space at a time. Take one drawer, one cabinet, or even your inbox and get to work. I promise you it may not sound like self care, but it is!
Binge watch a new series. New mantra: Your productivity does not define you. It’s ok to rest. As a matter of fact, it’s necessary. So take a day to binge watch a series you’ve been meaning to watch and don’t feel guilty about it. (I just finished Emily in Paris.)
Do a social media detox. Taking a break from social media can the perfect for of self care. Removing the distractions of social media, stopping the comparison game, and letting go of FOMO can allow you to rest and relax on your own terms.
Make a self care kit. Making a self care kit can be a super fun self-care Sunday activity. Think about what items always make your smile or feel special. From chocolates to candles to warm fuzzy slippers, put a few items together in a bag or basket that you can grab in an instant.
Physical touch. Make time for cuddle time! Go in for that hug, hold hands, or just a gentle pat on the back is good for your mental health! Research has shown physical touch can lower your heart rate, blood pressure, lessen anxiety, and even boost your immune system.
Create a sacred space. Do you have a favorite room in your house? Maybe your garden is your sanctuary. Maybe your bathroom is your go-to space for relaxation. Identify your sacred space and make it yours. Consider adding candles, flowers, a diffuser, speakers, or other items to make that space special.
Make a bucket list. Common misconception is that bucket lists are just for travel. I say, bucket lists are for anything and everything you’ve always wanted to do. Dream big! Make a list of places you want to go, things you want do, foods you want to try, and everything in between.
Need a little more inspo? I love a bucket list! Grab my free bucket list template and get inspired with my family bucket list ideas, travel bucket list ideas, even a winter bucket list!
Get your adrenaline pumping. Thrill seeking can be an incredibly beneficial activity for both mental and physical health. It can help to build confidence and self-esteem as you face your fears and challenge yourself to do something that you may not have done before. It can also help to improve physical fitness and strength as the activities associated with thrill seeking often involve physical exertion. Finally, thrill seeking can be an amazing way to make new friends and build relationships, as it is often done in groups and encourages a sense of camaraderie. (Need a little inspo?? Check out these fun adrenaline inducing activities.)
Take time to learn something new. Learning new things can be a great way to expand your knowledge, hone your skills, and build your confidence. Learning can help you stay engaged in life, become more creative, and can help you grow as a person.
Say No. Look at your calendar and set your priorities. What you can delegate? What can you say no to?
Track your mood. One of the best ways to practice self care is to increase your self awareness. My favorite way of doing this is in my journal. Answering self discovery questions, tracking my mood, and figuring out my triggers has been a gamechanger.
Get organized. Getting organized can be a form of self care because it can help reduce stress and anxiety. When your home or workspace is cluttered, it can be distracting and overwhelming. By organizing your space, you can create a calmer atmosphere that allows you to focus on the task at hand. That sense of accomplishment and satisfaction…always worthwhile!
Get inspired. Whether you enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, or watching Ted Talks, if you have a phone, you have motivation at your fingertips.
Try meditation. This is a hard one for many people. I totally get it. If you’re leary of meditation or just can’t seem to get the hang of it, try starting with some of these beginner mindfulness activities. Another unique idea you can try is grounding yourself with crystals for self love!
Go outside. This is the perfect self care activity if you find yourself short on time. Step outside for a few minutes of fresh air and sunshine. Listen to the sounds, take in the smells, and notice the beauty all around you.
Set new goals. Sundays are the perfect time to set goals for the upcoming week or even a new month. You are far more likely to meet your goals when you put them on paper.
Take care of your skin. Skincare is a very popular way to practice self care. It can be the perfect way to intentionally slow down, relax, and take care of yourself.
Laugh. Laughter is a wonderful thing! Not only does it make us feel good and lighten our mood, but it can also have some great health benefits! Studies have shown that laughing can reduce stress, boost the immune system, increase endorphins, and even lower blood pressure. So take the time to laugh and enjoy life – your body will thank you!
Get intentional. Find yourself a quiet space and get real honest with yourself. What has been going really well lately? What areas of your life could use some improvement? Do you need to set better boundaries? What intentions could you set for the week ahead? Try answering some of these deep self reflection questions to gain more self awareness.
Get sentimental. Go through old photos, videos, or even old journals. Take a minute to appreciate how far you’ve come and how much you have changed.
Meal prep. Meal prepping can be a great way to practice self care Sundays. Not only does it save time and energy throughout the week, but it also gives you the chance to plan out healthy and nutritious meals for yourself. Meal prepping can help you make better food choices, which can be beneficial to both your physical and mental health. Additionally, it can help reduce stress and keep you organized–allowing you to have more time for relaxation and leisure activities. With a few simple steps, meal prepping can be a great way to show yourself some love.
Make a gratitude list. Research has shown that regularly practicing gratitude can improve our physical health, leading to improved sleep, increased energy, and a strengthened immune system. Gratitude can also help us to make healthier choices, as we become more mindful of the positive aspects of our lives.
Need a little more gratitude inspo? Learn how to cultivate a grateful heart, try a gratitude challenge, or even just start practicing Thankful Thursdays.
Sunday Self Care
Watch the sunrise or sunset. Watching the sunrise and sunset is one of my favorite forms of self care. It always calms my mind and makes me appreciate the beauty of the world around me.
Be a tourist in your own town. I’m a huge fan of everyday adventures. You don’t always have to travel across the globe to see and do new things. Check out your local street art, museums, hiking trails, lakes, farms, and more. Google tourist attractions near me and see what other people come to your city for- then check it out! You never know what fun you might find.
Celebrate a recent win. It’s easy to celebrate others, but celebrating our own wins, is something we just don’t do enough of. So take time to give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.
Play! Adults simply don’t play enough! Play is an important part of life for adults, just as it is for children. Not only does playing help adults relax and de-stress, but it can also help them to build relationships, stay active, and use their creative problem-solving skills. Playing can also help adults stay connected to their inner child, allowing them to laugh, explore, and imagine in ways that are meaningful and enjoyable. Ultimately, play helps adults to find joy and fulfillment in life, and is an essential part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Get cozy. Consider what cozy means to you. Curling up with a good book, fuzzy blanket , and a hot cup of coffee is my kind of cozy. But you might love a glass of wine and a soft blanket out by your fire pit. Spend the day relaxing and refreshing your spirit however cozy looks like to you.
Mute/ Unfollow. What we consume is more than food. You know those accounts that get your blood boiling, those friends that are always posting their political opinions, those people who are always trying to sell your something…it’s OK to mute or unfollow them. They have the right to post whatever they want on their social media pages…and you have the right to curate your social media feed. Make sure your social media is a positive place for you to hang out.
Create a self care playlist. I don’t know about you, but music can alter my mood in a heartbeat. Whether I need something upbeat to put me in a good mood or something more mellow to relax, a self care playlist is a perfect addition to any self care Sunday routine!
Procrastinate no more. You know that thing you’ve been putting off for days, maybe even weeks. Today is the day to get it done. Trust me, you will feel so much better once it is done!
Spend some extra time in your faith. Pick up that devotional that’s been sitting on your nightstand for months, sign up to volunteer next week at church, or simply sit down and pray. Spending extra time strengthening your faith or spirituality is a great way to restore your mind, body, and spirit.
Go green. Have you been thinking about making some lifestyle changes that would also be better for the planet? Now is the time to research and figure out what kind of changes you can realistically make. The simple feeling you’ll have when you’re knowing you’re making a difference is 100% worth it!
Retail therapy. If shopping is within your budget and it’s something you enjoy, then go for it!
Review your finances. This may sound like the opposite of self care if you dread thinking about money. But, truly digging into where you’re spending your money, what you want or need to be saving for, and creating a realistic budget can be one of the best stress relievers out there. True self care.
Volunteer. Volunteering can be a great way to give back to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of those around you. It can also be an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing you to develop new skills, build meaningful relationships, and gain valuable experience. Contact your local schools, churches, or non profits to find local volunteer opportunities near you.
Relax. Take a relaxing bath with Epsom salts or essential oils or try a self-massage to help release tension in your muscles.
Make a vision board or collage. Vision boards aren’t just cutting up old magazines anymore! Although you can certainly get crafty with your stickers and glue, you can also create an amazing digital vision board on Canva now too! My teenager made the coolest one and used it as the background for her laptop. A vision board or collage is a great visual tool to help you get clear on your goals, shift your mindset, and stay motivated.
Take yourself on a date. Taking yourself on a solo date can be extremely beneficial for your mental well being. It can help to improve your self-confidence and give you a sense of independence. I used to be that girl who would never do anything on my own. I’d feel sorry for people I saw out and about doing things solo. With a shift in mindset, I now look at those people with admiration. So far I’ve taken myself out to lunch, spent the weekend away on my own, and even gone hiking solo. The sense of pride and accomplishment is the best kind of self care in my opinion!!
Plan a vacation. Let’s me be very clear on where I stand on this topic. Travel is a form of self care. LOL. Ok, OK, maybe not for everyone, but travel is definitely my favorite form of self care. And planning a trip can be half the fun. Travel not only can provide us with rest and relaxation but also can push us out of our comfort zones and allow us huge opportunities for growth.
Create a new routine or tradition. Believe it or not creating routines in your life can be very beneficial. Not only can it decrease decision fatigue and anxiety, but it can promote better sleep, relationships, and habits. Traditions are actually very similar to routines, just usually don’t happen as often. Traditions give us a sense of belonging, consistency, and can truly positively impact your life. So, take time during your next self care Sunday to create new routines and traditions. After all, we can all use something to look forward to!
Get creative in the kitchen. Nourish your body. Make a trip to the farmers market or grocery store, grab some fun ingredients, and get to work in the kitchen.
Do a brain dump. Get all the “things” racing through your mind down on paper. Set a timer for five or ten minutes and just write. This technique can improve your focus, concentration, and productivity…which all sounds like self care to me!
Get a good night’s sleep. This can be easier said than done, right? Try setting the stage by making your room dark and as relaxing as possible. Get some exercise in during the day, don’t drink caffeine after noon, and put your phone away an hour before bedtime.
Get social. Social media isn’t all bad. As a matter of fact, I’ve developed some amazing friendships though social media. Whether you are connecting with friends, getting inspired for your week ahead, or inspiring others, don’t feel guilty about social media. Know your limits and enjoy.
Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional and this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or 988.
Prioritizing Your Well Being
Prioritizing our well being should be a top priority because it ensures that we are physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy.
Taking care of ourselves is essential for our overall happiness and wellbeing. When we take care of ourselves, we can better take care of our relationships, our work, and our day-to-day activities.
We can also better manage stress and prevent burnout. Taking time to focus on our well being helps us to stay energized and inspired, allowing us to make the most out of every day. It’s important to remember that self-care is not just about relaxation – it’s about taking care of ourselves in all aspects of our lives.
Best Self Care Sunday Products
Disclaimer: I do think it is very important to keep your finances in mind when determining which self care activities are right for you. No one will benefit from spending money they don’t have. There are plenty of free and inexpensive self care ideas in this list for you to consider.
Before you start spending money on self care Sunday products, consider what types of self care you need most.
One way to do this is to consider your love language. The 5 love languages are: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.
They were originally developed by Gary Chapman and are used to help people better understand how to express and receive love. If you’re not already familiar with this concept, check out Chapman’s book, “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” to learn more about your love language. (Highly recommend!)
While there are tons of amazing self care products on the market, here are just a few of my favorite self-care items:
Tree Hut Sugar Scrub from Walmart
Lake Pajamas (the BEST pajamas ever!) by Lake
Fresh Rose Face Mask from Nordstrom
Powersheets and journals by Cultivate What Matters
Essential Oil Diffuser from Target
Weighted blanket from Amazon
Jade roller & Gua sha set from Amazon
These are just a few of my favorite self care products…stay tuned for an entire post dedicated to creating a self care kit!
Why are Self Care Sundays Important?
The more you practice self-care, the more you’ll begin to notice the positive effects it has on your overall well-being. Some of the benefits to practicing self care include:
- Improved physical health: Taking the time to care for yourself can lead to improved physical health, such as lower blood pressure and heart rate.
- Increased mental clarity: Taking time to focus on yourself can help to reduce stress and increase clarity in your thinking.
- Improved relationships: Taking time for yourself can help you be more present and mindful in your relationships with others.
- Emotional balance: Self-care can help to boost your mood and reduce feelings of depression or anxiety.
- Greater self-awareness: Taking the time to focus on yourself can help you to gain greater insight and awareness into who you are and what you need.
One of the best things about Self-Care Sunday is that it’s totally customizable. You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you like. The most important thing is that you’re taking time to focus on yourself and your needs.
Self-care is often overlooked and undervalued, but it is absolutely essential for maintaining good mental and physical health.
Want even more self care tips? You might also find these posts helpful:
About The Author
Julie is the founder and author of the lifestyle and travel blog, More than Main Street. Always exploring, she and her family have traveled to 32 US States, over 20 countries, and feels fortunate to call North Carolina home. Julie’s all about gratitude, mindset, self love, seeking out new experiences, and living life to the fullest. Learn more about Julie HERE.
