Rise and Shine: My Perfect Sunday Morning Routine
Sunday has always been my worst day of the week since I was a teenager.
75% of working Americans experience the “Sunday scaries,” which is a feeling of dread and anxiety as the weekend comes to an end and the workweek approaches.
Knowing that Monday is the next day and another work or study week begins is not cool, especially if you’re living a monotonous life.
But you can improve your mood by creating a Sunday morning routine that can help you relax and feel good, starting the following week off on the right foot.
Since I started following a Sunday routine, Mondays don’t seem like the end of the world.
You can turn it into the start of a productive week where you will work towards your goals and achieve success!
Here are my Sunday routine ideas that will help you face this day of the week in a completely different (and more optimistic!) way.
Key Takeaways
- Wake up on time to start your Sunday calmly and with purpose. A natural wake-up time makes it easier.
- Mix yoga or stretching into your morning for a peaceful body wakeup. No special gear is needed; you are just in a quiet spot.
- Skip scrolling on the phone first thing in the morning. Instead, pick activities that boost happiness, like reading or going outside.
- Make breakfast or brunch something special to enjoy slowly. It sets a happy mood for the whole day ahead.
- Clean and organize your space on Sunday. This helps you feel ready and calm for what comes next in the week.
Creating the Perfect Sunday Morning Routine
Sunday is the best day to take some time for yourself and do some tasks that were left behind.
A Sunday routine that helps you both relax and be productive should include activities like planning your next week and dedicating time to your hobbies and passions.
The alternative? Spending all day on the couch lazing around and not getting anything productive done, and you’ll feel even worse because you’re procrastinating.
Finding your perfect Sunday routine is like catching the ideal wave — it sets you up for a smooth ride into the week.
And is also one of the best signs of personal growth!
It’s about mixing self-care, prep work, and just the right amount of fun.
Wake up on time
Waking up on time is the best way to start on the right foot.
It gives you those extra minutes to ease into your Sunday routine without rushing, as an high achiever would do.
Think of it as creating a calm start to what can be a great day.
You don’t need to set an alarm, especially if you go to bed late, but be careful not to wake up at 2 pm.
Otherwise, your Sunday is gonna be a super-lazy day! And being lazy, is one of the reasons why we procrastinate.
Having an alarm helps, but try picking a wake-up time that feels natural.
This way, waking doesn’t feel like a chore but more like stepping into your perfect Sunday routine with energy and purpose.
Remember, it’s not just about getting out of bed; it’s about preparing yourself mentally and physically for what lies ahead– a successful week filled with accomplishments and personal growth.
Yoga or stretching to get started
Starting your Sunday with stretching or yoga sets a calm tone for the day.
It wakes up your body gently and gets you ready for what’s ahead.
First, pick a quiet spot in your home where you feel at peace. This could be your living room, bedroom, or even a cozy corner that gets good morning light.
Set some soft music to play in the background.
Something calming can help clear your mind and increase your focus.
You can watch a YouTube video if you’re not an expert like me.
This is the best way to start Sunday: a relaxing and positive workout!
Avoid mindless scrolling and be positive
Sunday could be the perfect day for a digital detox, especially if you have a busy week.
Every day we are bombarded by phone distractions such asmessages, and notifications that lower our attention span and make us less and less concentrated.
Cut out endless swiping through your phone by using an app blocker like Freedom or Rescuetime.
It’s easy to lose an hour or more just looking at nothing important.
Instead, pick up a good book or do some personal growth activity.
This shift not only stops the scroll but also boosts your mood.
Stop wasting time in bed watching other people’s lives on social media and envying them.
It’s time get up and start working on yourself, another wonderful day awaits you!
Make room for hobbies that light you up, or step outside for some fresh air.
Learning something new or enjoying the great outdoors can pull you away from screen time and fill your Sunday with joy.
Focusing on these positive activities sets a happy tone for your week ahead.
Take your time getting ready
On Sundays, you can give yourself time and space that you couldn’t on other days of the week.
Rushing through your morning can leave you feeling scattered.
So, dedicate some time to get ready at a pace that feels good.
Have a nice breakfast, do some grooming routine, and get outside to enjoy some fresh air.
A clean and tidy space helps too – it makes finding what you need easier and starts your day on a positive note.
Taking care of yourself shouldn’t be a rush job.
Shower, enjoy your skincare routine, or even try out new hairstyles without constantly checking the clock.
This isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling prepared and confident for whatever comes next in your Sunday routine or the week ahead.
Dedicate me-time
Taking time for yourself is crucial.
But be careful how you use your time.
Start asking yourself questions about personal growth like “What could I do on Sunday that can help you achieve my goals?”
If you did a life audit, you should already know what your priorities are.
For example, if you are a freelance writer like me, you could use an hour of your Sunday to prepare for the following week or watch videos on how to improve your writing.
Make this me-time a non-negotiable part of your Sunday routine.
Whether you’re soaking in the tub or taking a slow walk outside for some mental clarity, doing what makes you feel relaxed and positive can make all the difference come Monday morning.
You’ll find yourself more productive and in a better mood to tackle whatever comes your way.
Also, consider dedicating one hour to your favorite personal growth tool.
Choose a leisurely breakfast or brunch
I’ve been on intermittent fasting for over 7 years, but on Sundays, I make an exception.
A leisurely breakfast or brunch is key to a perfect Sunday routine.
It helps you start the week feeling refreshed and full of energy.
Pick your favorite foods that make you happy.
Think pancakes, eggs, and fresh fruit – all things delicious and nutritious.
Enjoy every bite with no rush; this meal sets the tone for a productive yet relaxing day ahead.
Make it special by trying new recipes or adding a twist to classic ones.
Share this time with family or enjoy the quiet solo moment.
Either way, savoring a good meal in peace is a joy on its own.
Let this be your time to indulge, reflect, and prep for the week without hustling through it.
Enjoy a morning walk or a quick workout
If you don’t like yoga or stretching, don’t worry; you can start your day with a morning walk or a quick workout to set the right tone for the rest of the day .
It makes you feel refreshed and ready to tackle any task.
So, put on your favorite sneakers and step outside.
Fresh air in the morning has a special way of waking you up better than coffee.
Choose a route you love.
Maybe it’s through a park or just around your neighborhood. Seeing familiar sights can be comforting.
You can invite a friend or go alone. Sometimes, company makes exercise more fun.
Other times, solitude helps you think and plan.
Try to do it every Sunday and you will have created a good habit!
Find comfort at home with your family or by yourself
Sundays are the perfect day to find your cozy spot at home.
Whether with family or enjoying some alone time, it’s about making your space comfy and relaxing.
Light a candle, put on soft music, or wrap yourself in a warm blanket.
Or, you can clean the house if you can’t make it during the week.
You can also dive into activities that make you happy.
How about reading a book, playing games with your family, or simply sitting by the window with a cup of tea?
These simple joys help set up your whole week for success.
It’s not just about relaxation but preparing mentally and emotionally to tackle new challenges with fresh energy.
Clean and declutter
Waking up on Sunday morning and seeing laundry baskets everywhere is something that makes me feel bad.
Cleaning and decluttering your space on Sunday sets you up for a week of focus and satisfaction.
It makes your home feel fresh and ready for the days ahead.
- Start in the busiest room. This is often the kitchen or living room. Put away items that don’t belong and wipe down surfaces.
- Tackle the bedroom next. Make your bed, organize your clothes, and ensure your workspace is tidy.
- Head to the bathroom. Clear off countertops, scrub the sink, shower, and toilet. This makes a big difference.
- Sort through paperwork. File away important documents and recycle what you don’t need.
Sounds like a lot, right?
The secret is not to do all this at the end of the week but to spread it out over the week if you can.
Try to do some washing or clean the dirtiest corners so you won’t spend Sunday cleaning the house!
Meal planning and prepping
If you follow a particular diet like me, preparing your meals in advance is the best way to avoid going overboard.
This way, you won’t be tempted to eat some junk food or cheat your diet.
Not to mention that it saves you time at the grocery shop and lets you dive into more fun activities.
Here’s how to make meal planning and prepping your secret weapon for an amazing start to the week.
- List out your meals – Jot down what you’d like to eat throughout the week. Think breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
- Check your pantry – Look at what ingredients you already have. This step helps avoid buying things twice.
- Make a shopping list – Based on the meals you’ve chosen and what’s in your pantry, write down what you need to buy.
- Shop smart – Hit the grocery store with your list in hand. Stick to it to save time and money.
- Start prepping – Wash, chop, and portion out veggies and fruits as soon as you get home from shopping. It’ll make cooking way faster.
- Use storage containers – Keep your prepped meals and ingredients in clear containers so it’s easy to see what’s ready to go.
- Plan for variety – To keep things interesting, mix up flavors or try new recipes occasionally.
- Embrace screen-free activities while cooking – Listen to music or podcasts or just enjoy some quiet time away from screens.
Goal setting and time blocking for your next week
One major benefit of embracing personal growth is the ability to understand what is important to you.
Be sure to set goals on Sunday and block out time for the next week.
You’ll be prepared for the week ahead, making sure you’re ready to tackle what comes.
First, list what you want to accomplish in the new week. Think about work tasks, personal goals, or things you’ve been putting off. This step makes your aims clear.
Next, prioritize what matters most. Pick the things that need your attention first.
This way, you avoid doing easy tasks while important ones wait.
Then, break down big goals into smaller steps. Each step should be something you can do in one go. For example, instead of “work on project,” write “research project topic.”
After that, assign each task to a specific day and time. Use your calendar or planner for this. Seeing your week laid out helps keep stress away.
Finally, allow some open slots in your schedule for breaks or unexpected tasks.
Life’s full of surprises, and a little room in your plan means less worry if things change in the rest of the week.
Suggest reading: How to set goals and crush them
Adventure outdoors
Heading outside is a great way to clear your mind and get ready for the week.
It doesn’t matter if it’s cold or hot, there are lots of things to do.
In winter, try skiing or snowboarding.
When it’s warmer, go for a bike ride or hike.
This time outside helps you feel fresh and full of energy and you can enjoy new activities and even meet new friends!
Being outdoors makes us happy and helps us think better.
So, grab some comfortable shoes and explore the beauty around you.
Sunday scares less if you’re going to do something exciting and fun!
Relax time
There’s nothing better to relax and enjoy what you’ve achieved during the day.
It’s all about hitting that reset button and giving your brain a chance to breathe.
On Sunday night, you could read a book, watch your favorite show, or spend an evening with your partner.
When you create a Sunday routine, make sure to spare some time dedicated to relaxing and chilling out.
This simple step not only clears your head but also gets you ready for whatever comes next with a fresh perspective.
Wrapping Up
Sunday is just another day of the week, but you can turn it into a time to recharge and leave motivated the following week.
In this article, I have shared my secrets for getting the most out of this day; prioritize activities that improve your mood and make you grow as a person, along with good habits that will help you relax and be grateful for what you have.
Mix in some self-care, productivity hacks, and moments of stillness; that’s the key to a perfect Sunday morning routine!
About Author
Giovanni is a maestro of time management, motivation, and accountability.
With an experience of over seven years as an account manager, during the night, he transforms into an SEO consultant, one of his many passions.
In this blog, he shares his best tips on becoming the best version of yourself based on his experience. Learn more