Almost weekly, the Sunday Scaries hit me hard, and I can begin to feel overwhelmed by the week ahead. Though I love my day of rest, I find my mind drifting from one undone task to another. I start making a mental list of everything I haven’t done yet, and it sometimes takes away from my quiet Sundays with my wife, which I love so much.
I wanted my Sundays to feel less restless and more restful. I wanted to create a cozy, calming ritual that would make my Sundays a gentle reset rather than a mad dash to “get my life together” before the week begins.
It took some time to create a routine for myself that felt restful yet productive, and I wanted to share my ritual, not because I think it’s perfect or that you should adopt it. I just wanted to share this as a flexible idea for a Sunday reset routine that could inspire you to start your week in a more grounded (and less overwhelmed) headspace.
What is a “Soft Reset”?
For me, a soft reset is something very gentle and flexible, not rigid. It is a calming, not exhausting, ritual for my Sundays that focuses on setting myself up for success in the week ahead. It is not a 30-item productivity checklist that must be completed for my Sunday to be a success. It is about setting my intention for the week while also being intentional with small, meaningful actions that can greatly impact my week ahead.
How to Approach a Sunday Reset
Before I created my routine, I wanted to set some parameters to help me avoid taking a drastic approach. I tend to try to overhaul my routines and rituals rather than slowly implement small changes.
I wanted to keep these things in mind:
- Focus on 5 things max
- Move slowly and intentionally
- Let it feel enjoyable
- I don’t have to do everything for it to be a successful reset
I wanted to remove the productivity aspect from my Sunday Reset and focus more on my feelings and overall mental state. If I’m feeling good on Sunday and even just a little more prepared for the week ahead, then I would feel successful.
My Soft Sunday Reset Routine
Step 1: Create a Cozy Atmosphere
I am deeply affected by my surroundings, so I always want to set the vibe before I begin anything productive. I usually light a few candles, and, if the weather is nice enough, open the windows to let in a little fresh air. I usually make a pot of tea or sometimes coffee if I really need to kick it into gear. These small actions signal to my brain that I am intentionally slowing down and focusing on the present moment.
Step 2: Freshen Up and Tidy (Myself and My Space)
I usually wash my face and do my skincare routine. If I haven’t showered yet that day, I will use a little dry shampoo before pulling my hair back from my face. I love to do a cute braid or two, focusing on weaving my intentions into my hair. It makes sense to me, and that’s what matters! I make sure that I have comfortable clothes that make me feel good.
Then, I spend about 10-15 minutes resetting my space. I like to make my bed, clear off any surfaces, and get a load of laundry going. I just want to make sure that there won’t be any clutter to distract from the calming vibe I’m trying to create for myself. It is about feeling better in my space, not making it perfect. Avoid deep cleaning at this stage!
Step 3: Sunday Meeting
My wife and I try to have a planning session every Sunday where we share our schedules for the week ahead, meal plan, and add items to our shared/household to-do list. We divide the week’s household tasks based on who has the time and capacity to handle them. Usually, we pick our top 3-4 priorities for the week. These are the action items that we want done before our next Sunday meeting.
Not only do these Sunday meetings help us stay organized, but they also ensure we are on the same page and that household tasks are being taken care of. It helps us stay connected, especially when we have very different work schedules and priorities for the week.
Step 4: Journaling
I love journaling, and writing always helps me make sense of things and feel more competent and in control of my thoughts. I usually do a quick journal entry reflecting on what I need for the upcoming week or on actionable items that would make me feel good.
Step 5: Do Something Soft & Enjoyable
Then, I step away from the productivity. I never want my Sundays to feel like a checklist, so I always take the time to do some of the activities I love. I try to read for at least 30 minutes, maybe do an entry in my Commonplace journal, play one of my cozy video games, or even do a low-stress craft like collaging or coloring.
I think this step is the most critical part of my entire Sunday Reset because we all need rest. Rest is a major part of my reset. Even if I check everything off my to-do list for the week ahead, I will never feel ready for the week if I haven’t incorporated some form of play into my day.
How to Make it a Weekly Ritual
I’ve found that I have to keep my Sunday Reset this simple, or I just won’t do it. If it becomes too complex or has too many steps, it defeats the entire purpose of this intentional time. Romanticizing it (candles, music, etc.) is also helpful because I love a little intentional whimsy. If I think about my Sunday Reset as a powerful ritual, rather than a long checklist, then I’ve found that I won’t skip it because I’m too tired. It becomes a ritual that recharges me rather than drains me.
Most importantly, keep it as soft and gentle as possible, not critical:
- Avoid trying to do too much
- Avoid assessing your “productivity”
- Avoid comparing your routine to others
- Avoid focusing on the aesthetics
- Avoid skipping the “rest” (or play!) part (this is the most important!)
You don’t need to have everything figured out by Sunday night; any actions you do or intentions that you set for the week, however small, already put you in a better headspace than when you began. Start small, move slowly, be kind to yourself, and let your Sunday feel like a gentle launch into the week.
