The idea of self-care has been evolving over the last few years. It used to be about doing more for yourself, which is a great thing! But somewhere along the way, it became something people felt like they were forced to do. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with this idea of the perfect self-care routine, it’s time to take a step back. Instead of focusing on having to fit it into your daily life, why not just start with one day a week?
Self-Care Sunday is about giving yourself permission to relax and rejuvenate. It’s about taking the time to do something for yourself, without feeling guilty about it. So, what does that look like? Well, it’s different for everyone. There is no right or wrong answer. The important thing is that you take the time to do something that makes you feel good.
I will start by saying that you don’t have to have self-care Sunday. Any day of the week depending on your schedule will work. For several years when my oldest was in school and I started running a business from home, Monday was my self-care day. Sunday at that point did not mean winding down for me. I was still going constantly with my kids and then also getting them prepped for the week. I could step back and breathe Monday mornings after a weekend of running around. So any day will work as long as it works for you!
Why do Self-Care on Sunday?
Sunday is often a day off for many individuals, making it the ideal day to pamper yourself. After a nice weekend, you’re probably getting ready for a fresh week ahead. Make use of this time by adding some self-care activities to your routine.
1. Setting Up Your Weekly Self-Care Routine
Let’s start with the most important thing: figure out what your Sunday routine will be. Remember that self-care does not have to be done alone, so don’t forget to include others if you have a hectic household on Sundays!
What you should concentrate on Sundays is your self-care, whether it’s for an hour during the day or a complete schedule change. Consider Sundays like a reset day. When you not only finish your weekly planning but also give yourself some time to unwind and relax, your body and mind are ready for another hectic week.
How is it Different from Daily Self-Care?
To put it another way, it isn’t. You’ll still want to pick activities that are good for your body and mind and overall wellness, but you may have more free time on Sunday because you won’t feel as compelled to cram everything in before or after work, or during your bedtime routine.
Sundays opens up new possibilities for self-care, whether you do it alone or with family.
Think About Your Current Sunday Routine
If you want to make Sunday your weekly self-care day, think about what you usually do on Sundays. This introspection lets you know if these are things that must be performed only on Sundays or can be transferred to another day to allow for more downtime.
Make a note of everything you do on Sundays first. Then glance over your list and cross off anything that isn’t really essential or could no longer be beneficial to you. Determine whether any of those tasks can be transferred to Saturday with what’s remaining.
For example, if you spend a lot of time cleaning and doing chores on Sundays, could they be transferred to other days during the week so that you may devote more self-care time?
2. Ideas for Sunday Self-Care Activities
The good news is that self-care on Sunday is no different than it is on any other day of the week. It’s all about setting aside a day for yourself once a week, especially if you don’t have much time during the week to focus on yourself.
Here are some activities that can be great to do on Sundays:
- Allow yourself to sleep in – If you don’t get to sleep in during the rest of the week, at least allow yourself this opportunity on Sundays! Your body (and mind) need a good night’s rest.
- Make a reservation at a nice restaurant and spend some time with friends over brunch. Sunday is the best day for brunch, as well as many other cuisines throughout the week. Make a reservation at a nice restaurant and spend some quality time with your pals over breakfast on Sunday morning.
- Head to a park or the beach with your family – You may also spend more time with your children without phones and TVs. Get some fresh air and exercise outside. Explore your area on two wheels, go to the beach, or have a picnic in the park.
- Spend an hour being pampered – Even if you aren’t able to dedicate the whole day to self-care, at least schedule in some pampering time.
- Take advantage of the quiet while reading or working on creative projects – This is a wonderful opportunity to select activities you enjoy but seldom have time for. Maybe there’s a book you’ve been wanting to finish or a project you’d want to undertake.
- Prepare for the week – Self-care might also mean taking time to unwind and prepare for the week ahead.
3. Self-Care for Introverts and Extroverts
Something to keep in mind is that what you consider self-care might change depending on if you are more of an introverted or extroverted person.
Self-Care for Introverts
Introverts are known to be the calmest when alone. This does not imply you must or should be alone all of the time, but it does indicate that you need a few moments each day to recuperate and regain your equilibrium.
- On Sunday, have Quiet Solitude – Introverts may find that self-care is as simple as taking care of themselves by ensuring they have some alone time on Sundays. This time is necessary for you to regroup and unwind. When you spend all day interacting with others and don’t give yourself this time, it can be difficult.
- Find Nature-Inspired Activities – Introverts also tend to enjoy time outdoors, again in a quiet and peaceful environment. Try to find some activities you can participate in that will encourage you to spend more time outside.
- Embrace Your Creative Side – Doing something creative is a great method to practice self-care as an introvert. Learn how to crochet, write a poem or short story, color in an adult coloring book, or start painting if you haven’t already.
Self-Care for Extroverts
Extroverts, on the other hand, get their energy from being around other people. If you consider yourself an extrovert, you probably value time with others above alone time. But what does this signify for your self-care routine? Here are some suggestions for when you’re an extrovert to practice self-care.
- What’s Better than a Night in with Friends – Spending time with friends isn’t always easy, but it may be worth it. What could be more up your alley than scheduling time together with your pals?
- Volunteering Your Time – Are you looking for something more substantial and gratifying? As a self-care alternative, you might like to volunteer at a local community center or an animal shelter on Sunday. See whether any assistance is required at local community centers or animal shelters that are open on Sunday.
- Attend a Meetup Group – Joining a local club, such as a book club, is another form of social engagement that may assist you in your self-care. Not only will reading more be encouraged, but you’ll also be able to get together with your book club once a week to discuss and discuss the novel.
4. Tips for Your Sunday Self-Care Routine
Here are a few more tips for making sure you have a good Sunday self-care routine, and really understand what self-care means and how to avoid common mistakes.
It Encompasses Emotional, Mental, and Physical Health
Self-care is not only about taking care of our bodies. It helps us to improve a variety of aspects of our lives, including our emotional, mental, and physical health.
What works best for you is going to be something that helps you feel relaxed, de-stressed, improves your mood, and is something you absolutely love to do.
Your Self-Care Needs Can Change Regularly
You do not have to continue with your self-care routine without changing. If you decide that journaling and meditation every morning for an hour is no longer right for you. It’s possible that what you choose as your self-care activity changes, or that you need to make modifications based on your schedule.
Revisit what you are doing for self-care often. As your life and the seasons change, so will your self-care and what is actually going to benefit you the most.
A Common Mistake is Forcing Your Self-Care
This must be emphasized even more – your self-care routine should not make you any more anxious! This is an indication that you’re forcing yourself to do something you don’t want to do, and it’s doing you no good.
It may be because your friend is engaging in this type of self-care or you learn that it is a beneficial practice. But keep in mind that everyone is different, and no two people will benefit from the same thing.
