I hope you enjoy this post from Jenny!
Self care is one of my favourite topics and the concepts of self care and how deep and layered they can be for any one individual is fascinating to me. I came across the idea of self care many years ago, after I had started blogging. It staggered me that I hadn’t heard the phrase before. That we literally needed a phrase to remind us to look after ourselves. Wild.
Over time, my own self care practice has grown tremendously and our understanding of self care and what is means to us is expanding all the time. There’s short bursts of self care for busy people, seasonal self care ideas and self care for spirit.
Sunday is a particularly prominent day for self care, it would appear. And I can see why. If you’re religious, this might be your day of rest. A day to practice spiritual self care, then have a cozy afternoon with family.
If you work 9-5, this might be your final chance to get in some well needed rest before your work week re-starts, so Sunday is your day to embrace all that self care practices have to offer.
Or perhaps you dedicate Sunday to self care because that’s what the internet has told you to do. That’s fine too – as long as it’s something you actually want to do.
Regardless though, I do think Sunday is a great day for self care. I’m not religious, nor do I work 9-5. I’m a full-time, self-employed blogger and nothing happens on a Sunday. My inbox is dead and the PR’s I work with are all off on their weekends. A Sunday self care day suits me just fine.
If you’re interested in the concept of the Sunday self care routine or just need some extra ideas of what to do on Sunday to embrace your own self care, here are some suggestions:
**
Have a slow morning
Unless you have plans, there’s no need to rush on a Sunday. We’re rushing throughout the entire week, so dedicate this day to slowing down. Embrace your morning routine without rushing through it. Take time making your perfect cup of tea. Get intentional with your morning skincare.
Eat at least one of your favourite meals
Sometimes we’re so busy during the week we just have to take what we can get when it comes to meal times. A quick breakfast on the go, on the way out of the door. A mediocre lunch at your desk. A microwave meal when you get home. So Sunday, have at least ONE favourite.
Limit your social media and news intake
Like I just mentioned, nothing happens on a Sunday. We all need to have a healthier relationship with social media, so use Sunday as your day where you really limit what you do online. The news can seriously drain our mental health. So have at least one day off from it.
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
Intention setting or scripting for the week ahead
Arguably not for everyone but if you do enjoy a bit of woo-woo in your life then you might consider doing some intention setting – even an entire intention setting ritual – during your Sunday self care routine.
Do something you love
Sunday should be a day for YOU so make sure you do at least one thing that YOU love. Perhaps that’s sitting in the bath with a book for an hour, going to play tennis, making a cake or playing your favourite video game.
Get outside in some fresh air
It can be hard to get an adequate amount of fresh air during the week sometimes, especially if we’re busy, so make the most of your Sunday self care routine and get outside for some fresh air, even if it’s just a 10 minute walk.
Have a pamper
Sunday is a great day to have a pamper for the week ahead! Do your nail, shave your legs, wash your hair, face mask, hair mask – you name it!
Say no if it’s something you don’t want to do
Look, it’s your Sunday. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. If you feel like staying at home is more productive for your mental health and your preparation for the week ahead, then you absolutely don’t need to say yes to going out. You have a perfectly valid reason not to.
Light your favourite candle
I know what you’re like with that favourite expensive candle. Because I’m the same. Always reluctant to light it, because of the price! Well maybe use Sunday as your special day to light it.
Write your to-do list for tomorrow
I swear by to-do lists and couldn’t cope without one. I find it very beneficial to write my to-do list for the next day, the night before. Particularly on a Sunday when Monday is looking to be a busier day. It saves me worrying and thinking about anything because past Jenny has already written it all down.
Plan and prepare your week
And finally, self care doesn’t always look like baths and candles. If it’s going to positively impact your mental health by planning and preparing for your week on a Sunday then you absolutely should. You might want to update your diary, use a colour coding system or meal prep!
Sunday’s are a wonderful day for a whole manner of self care. Whether you prefer a super restful and chilled Sunday or like to spend it doing something fast-paced and exciting, as long as it constitutes self care for YOU, that’s all that matters!
About the author:
Jenny is a full-time blogger of 8+ years at www.jennyinneverland.com where she talks predominantly about self care, wellness and personal growth. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, with her nose in a book or on the Yoga mat.
Now the weather is sort of getting nicer I do want to get outside more and have Sundays as a bit more of a relaxing day, sometimes it’s just so hard though x