15 Sunday Routine Ideas for a Productive Week Ahead

Sundays are perfect for recharging and getting ready for the week ahead. Having the right Sunday routine can boost your productivity and make the start of your week a lot smoother. Dedicating time to relaxing or planning on a Sunday, will set you up for a successful and stress-free week.

woman relaxing and reading

A well-thought-out Sunday routine might include activities such as meal prepping, reviewing your goals, or enjoying some self-care practices.

The key is to find a balance between relaxation and preparation, allowing you to rest while also getting ready for the demands of the new week. 

Explore the different ideas below to customize your perfect Sunday routine.

Whether you prefer a day full of activities or one that is more laid-back, creating a routine that fits your lifestyle will make your Sundays more meaningful and help set a positive tone for what lies ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Establishing a Sunday routine enhances productivity and reduces stress for the week ahead
  • Balance relaxation and preparation to enjoy the perfect Sunday
  • Customize a Sunday routine to make it work for you and your life 

What Is a Sunday Routine?

A Sunday routine is a set of activities you do every Sunday to relax, prepare, and reset for the week ahead. 

On a Sunday morning, you might start slow by relaxing and include activities like enjoying a cup of tea, going for a walk with your dog, or having brunch with a friend.

During the day you might plan for the upcoming week by meal planning or making to-do lists to get organized.

15 Sunday Reset Routine Ideas

Sunday Routine Things to Do to Fill Your Cup

If you typically have the Sunday Scaries, these ideas to fill your cup are perfect activities that replenish your energy and bring joy. 

“After a week of the contained chaos that is my job, I need some solitary running time. On Sundays, I can unwind and reconnect with the natural world.”

– Linda Jone

Here are some amazing ways to look after yourself on Sundays so you can recharge before the week begins.

1. Self-Care

You may have heard of the phrase ‘Self Care Sundays’ and this is because Sunday is the ideal time to look after yourself.

Focus on activities that will help you recharge and feel good. Treat yourself with kindness and care.

This could be things like:

  • Listening to a great playlist and dancing in your living room
  • Having lunch with a good friend
  • Giving yourself an at-home spa treatment with a face mask manicure and pedicure
  • Take a long bath with your favorite bubbles or essential oils
  • Meditate and focus on your breathing to calm your mind

👉 Need help prioritizing self-care into your week? Check out this self-care planner that helps you build a happy week with all 5 types of self-care.

2. Get Outside

Fresh air and the great outdoors work wonders for your mood. So get out there and do anything that you love.

It might be:

  • A walk in a local park
  • Bike ride
  • Relaxing on your patio first thing with your coffee or tea
  • Taking in the sounds of nature
  • Walking barefoot in the grass

Whatever you do, focus on clearing your mind and taking in the beauty of nature. 

3. Socialize with Friends and Family

I grew up having family dinners on a Sunday which I loved. If this is something you don’t do, consider planning it with your family or friends. It’s a nice tradition and being around people you love can fill your heart and soul with goodness.

You could also have coffee or brunch with a friend, or a Zoom call with a friend that lives far away or cook a meal with family.

Socializing helps you feel connected and loved and is definitely a part of self-care. 

4. Engage in a Hobby You Love

Make time for a hobby you love on Sundays. Whether you enjoy painting, knitting, or gardening, hobbies provide an outlet for creativity and relaxation. Set aside a few hours to focus on what you love doing.

Learning something new can also be very rewarding, so think about any new hobbies you’d like to get into.

You could take an online class, start a new project, or dive into a craft you’ve always wanted to try. Engaging in a hobby keeps your mind active and engaged.

5. Enjoy a Good Book

Reading is an excellent way to unwind. Dive into a novel you’ve been wanting to read or explore a new genre.

Find a cozy spot, like a reading nook or a comfy chair, and let yourself get lost in the story.

6. Uplevel Your Bedtime Routine

Aim to get to bed early on a Sunday night. 

Start winding down an hour before bed. Dim the lights and put away electronic devices. Listen to calming music or read a good book.

Consider writing in a journal to reflect on your day and list things you’re grateful for. 

Sunday Routine Ideas (To Get Organized for the Week)

meal plan sheet

We all need to get things accomplished before we start a new week and Sundays are perfect for this. These tasks help us get organized for work, school, and life at home. 

By planning these tasks on a Sunday you’ll make your week more smooth so you can reduce any overwhelm or stress.

7. Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping

If you haven’t stocked up on food yet, Sunday is the day to do it.

Before you go, make a list of things you need by meal planning in advance.

Make a note of meal prep ingredients to add to your grocery list as well as any household necessities. 

Then hit the grocery store. Ideally do this earlier in the day to avoid crowds.

8. Meal Prep

Sunday is a great time to meal prep to make lunch and dinner easier throughout the week.

I recommend prepping ingredients that can easily be added to meals, such as:

  • Potatoes and grains
  • Washed and sliced vegetables for salads
  • Protein such as pasted chickpeas of tofu
  • Overnight oats for quick breakfasts

Making some one-pot meals is also helpful so you can eat some during the week, but also freeze them for future easy dinners. Curries, pasta sauces, soups, and chili are perfect for this.

You can also make muffins and energy bites that keep great in the freezer.

I recently picked up these one-cup silicone containers for the freezer and I’m obsessed. They are super fast to defrost given they’re divided by one portion servings.

9. Tidy/Clean House

Spend some time tidying up your house on Sunday. This doesn’t have to be an all-day affair, so mainly focus on areas that will make your daily routine smoother. This includes the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. 

Tip: To prevent things from piling up, focus on doing mini tidy-ups throughout the week and use 10 minutes at the end of the day for a final tidy.

10. Plan Your Wardrobe

This is important if you work in the corporate world and have important meetings.

Pick out and plan your outfits for the week ahead which will save you loads of time each morning.  

By planning in advance you can also make sure these items are cleaned and ready for you to pull on.

11. Laundry

If you have a big family you’re most likely doing laundry multiple days a week, but if not it makes life a lot easier to have everything washed and ready to go for Monday morning.

Also, if you’re anything like me, put your clothes away after washing and drying (this is the part of laundry I like the least)!

12. Work Organization

Before you start the week it’s a good idea to have a peek at your calendar and email on a Sunday – just so there are no surprises on Monday morning.

However, only take a look – do not start working as you deserve a full weekend away from work priorities.

13. Write This Week’s Personal Goals

Sunday is also a perfect day to set goals. Think about any personal goals you’d like to focus on for the upcoming week and then write them down. I would focus on no more than 1 to 3.

You can add your goals to a habit tracker or note them in your calendar/journal. 

Examples of goals you might set:

  • Walk 10K steps every day
  • Read for 30 minutes a day
  • Complete a module of a course you’re taking
  • Go to bed at the same time every night
  • Eat 20 different plants this week

14. Kids’ Schedules

Organize your children’s schedules (+ add them to your calendar) for the week so you know what’s coming up. 

This includes school activities, playdates, and extracurricular events. 

Make a list of things each child needs, such as supplies or sports equipment. Having everything planned out helps you manage your time better and ensures nothing is forgotten.

15. Weekly To-Do List

Create a master to-do list for the week. Include both personal and professional tasks. 

This helps keep you on track and ensures you don’t forget important activities. Break it down by day if that’s helpful. Prioritize your tasks so you can tackle the most important ones first.

By incorporating these activities into your Sunday, you can streamline your days and feel more in control of the week to come.

Tips to Create Your Own Routine on a Sunday

Creating your own Sunday routine can help you feel ready for the week. 

I love starting the day with some relaxation and then I go into ‘getting things done’ mode. This way I can allocate late afternoon and early evening to some relaxation and quality time with people I love.

Here are some tips to make your Sunday perfect for you.

1. Think about what your Ideal Sunday routine should be

You might prefer starting your day getting things done so you can be free from early afternoon onwards. Or you might prefer to chill out completely on Sundays and then get a few things completed later in the evening.

The key is to decide what makes the most sense for you and your life and do that.

2. Create Time for Enjoyment

I love going on a date with myself on Sundays – perhaps a walk to the flower shop and a coffee at a cafe. I also love gardening in the summer. 

So, think about what makes you feel good and make time for that.

You may have a seriously hectic job (I think most of us do these days) so recharging your batteries is imperative to prepare for the work week.

3. Focus on Making Your Week Easier

Whatever you need to do to make your life easier this week – do that.

For me, that’s meal prepping some healthy food on a Sunday, making one-pot meals in my slow cooker or InstantPot while prepping veggies and making some grains for effortless meals during the week.

For you, that might mean writing your to-do list and adding everything to your calendar to be ready for the week.

Sample Sunday Routine

Here are some ideas to incorporate into your Sunday reset routine:

  • Have a slow morning: Take your time with breakfast and enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee.
  • Plan your week: Spend a few minutes organizing your calendar and setting your priorities.
  • Tidy up: A clean space can lead to a clear mind. Spend time decluttering your living area.
  • Exercise: Physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels.

Adding these elements into your routine can bring a sense of calm and order, setting a positive tone for the rest of the week. These activities are the best way to ensure that you are mentally and physically prepared for the days ahead.

Final Thoughts

Taking time for a Sunday reset routine can make a huge difference in how your week rolls out. It helps you feel refreshed and ready to take on new challenges. It can help you create a more balanced and productive week. 

The key is to: Do what you need to do (chores, organizing) and combine it with things you want to do (socializing, self-care). This provides great balance to end the week and start a new one.

Remember, creating your own Sunday routine is key. Not everyone will find the same activities relaxing or energizing. So, tailor it to what makes you feel best.

Here’s to embracing your Sunday routine and enjoying the benefits it brings.

What’s Your Perfect Sunday Routine?

Do you like to spend the day relaxing, getting organized or both?

Want to do a reset at the beginning of each month? Check out: How To Do a Monthly Reset Routine: Step by Step Guide.


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About Yolanda

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I’m passionate about helping you live life to the fullest so you can choose to find happiness and purpose. Learn how to CREATE THE LIFE YOU LOVE with intentional living and discovery of the simple things life has to offer. Learn more…


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