The Sunday reset routine i swear by
A Sunday reset (or a reset Sunday) is my favourite way to end my week. Not only does it leave me feeling more prepared for whatever the next 7 days hold, but it also helps ease any Sunday scaries.
The trick to a successful Sunday reset is doing things that set a positive tone for the rest of the week. By completing small, purposeful tasks on Sunday, you create a sense of accomplishment that fuels productivity and calm for the days ahead.
This post lists everything you need to know about creating a Sunday reset that works for you. I’ll explain what a Sunday reset is and explain my exact Sunday reset routine, so you can pick and choose what works for you.
What is a Sunday Reset? (Sunday Reset Meaning)
A Sunday reset is a routine dedicated to recharging and preparing for the week ahead – physically and mentally. It’s about ticking off the little chores on your to-do list that aren’t strictly necessary, but you know will make you feel 10x better once you get them done.
I’m talking changing your sheets, doing your laundry, shaving your legs, and [insert annoying task on your to-do list here]. Often when we’re busy with work, small chores like these get pushed to the side. However, getting them done can take load from your shoulders you didn’t even realise was weighing you down.
At first glance, a sunday reset doesn’t seem like the most exciting or glamorous way to spend your weekend. At least for me, folding clothes isn’t exactly fun.
However, with the correct approach, a Sunday reset can be super therapeutic. The trick is romanticising your routine, so it feels like less of a chore and more like an act of self-care.
So, light a candle, put on your favourite playlist, and wear a cosy outfit. When you shift your mindset and create a calming atmosphere, your Sunday reset can feel less like a to-do list, and more like a ritual (that can actually be enjoyable).
My Sunday Reset Routine
My Sunday reset routine has evolved over the years, and I’ve definitely come a long way from my teenage days (when there was about a 50/50 chance of even making my bed).
I now have a Sunday reset routine that leaves me feeling refreshed, relaxed, and genuinely excited for the week ahead. And, while no two Sundays look the same, there are a few things I try to stay consistent with.
With that said, here’s what my Sundays look like most of the time:
Morning:
- Sleep in (a little)
When I first started to build a Sunday reset routine, I made the mistake of thinking that I had to be crazy productive. But putting this kind of pressure on myself kind of defeated the whole purpose of a Sunday Reset, which, for me, is to create a sense of calm for the upcoming week.
I have my whole week to wake up at 5am, so I allow myself to lay in on a Sunday and get the rest I need. Jumping out of bed before I feel ready makes me feel exhausted, which isn’t the vibe I want to create for the day.
- Drink coffee, water, and read 10 pages of a book
Once I’m out of bed, I head straight to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee and down a glass of water. Drinking water helps me feel immediately refreshed, and drinking coffee is something I look forward to and gives me energy (win win).
While I’m drinking my coffee, I normally read around 10 pages of a book (fiction or non-fiction, depending on my mood) or read the news. If I don’t, I’ll probably end up scrolling for much longer than 10 minutes, which would throw me off my entire day.
- Go for a walk
Walking helps me to organise my thoughts and figure out my intentions for my Sunday reset, so I make it a priority in the morning. Fresh air does wonders for my mood, and it also gives me time to think about what I need to get done in order to have the best week I can.
- Make a nutritious breakfast
I like to spend a little extra time making my breakfast on Sundays since there’s no need to rush, unlike during the week. Cooking is therapeutic for me, and taking the time to nourish my body with something healthy and delicious sets a self-care tone for my Sunday reset.
Some of my go-tos for a Sunday include blueberry baked oats if I’m craving something sweet or eggs with veggies, sourdough toast, and avocado if I’m in the mood for something savory.
Midday:
- Tidy up and clean my living space
Around midday, I go into cleaning mode. This doesn’t have to be a deep clean, but I make sure to declutter, change my sheets, and tidy up any areas that might have gotten messy over the week. I’ll give surfaces a quick wipe down and put away any things that are lying around.
I make sure to tidy before I start to plan, because I can’t organise my week in a disorganised environment. And, while tidying isn’t necessarily fun, the resulting satisfaction always makes it worth it.
- Plan the week ahead
Planning is the holy grail of my Sunday reset routine, and it’s a habit I’m glad to have built into my life. With my space feeling fresh, I light a candle, open my planner, and write down all my goals, appointments, and things to-do.
When it comes to goals, I like to pick one ‘main’ goal for the week, which can be a little abstract or less specific. I’ll then write down some mini goals that I know will help me get there.
For example, if I’ve been feeling exhausted or drained, my main goal might be to feel more energised. In which case, my mini goals would be to get 7-8 hours of sleep, drink 2l of water a day, and do 3 morning workouts.
I like this method because most of the time when we want to achieve something specific, we actually want to achieve a certain feeling. By focusing on the feeling first, I can shape my habits in a way that genuinely supports my mental and physical health, rather than just ticking tasks off a list.
- Meal (or snack) prep
If I have time, I love to meal prep on Sundays. Even if I don’t prepare all my meals for the week, just having one ready—usually breakfast—takes a load off my future self.
I also like to make some healthy snacks to keep me from mindlessly snacking throughout the week. Lately, my go-to has been peanut butter and dark chocolate-stuffed dates, along with overnight oats for breakfast.
Evening
- Go for a walk (again)
When evening rolls around, I normally like to go on another walk (before it becomes pitch black outside). An evening stroll (without my headphones in!), helps me to wind down and get some extra steps in before I switch off for the night.
I’ve also found that some light movement a few hours before bed helps me drift off a bit faster, so I can get more sleep and feel extra refreshed for the new week.
- Cook dinner
Once I’m back from my walk, I start cooking my dinner. I’ll go for something nourishing and hearty, and simple, as I can find cooking a little stressful if it’s ultra-complicated.
Again, I focus on creating a relaxed ambience (dimmed lights, candles, and calming music) so that it feels more like a self-care ritual than a chore.
When it’s ready to eat, I put my screen away and eat slowly so I can fully enjoy my meal without distractions.
- Everything shower and skin care routine
My Sunday reset routine is never complete without a long, hot, everything shower. I’ll wash my hair, exfoliate, shave, and when I’m out moisturise and put on my cosiest pyjamas.
- Read and go to bed
Once I’ve showered, I’m get into bed nice and early and read, rather than scroll on my phone. I can usually only do this for about 15 minutes before I need to shut my eyes and drift off.
Looking for more routine inspiration? Check out the 5 AM morning routine that transformed my life!
