I’ve never been a huge fan of Mondays. I typically move throughout the day feeling lethargic and anticipating the next day. But as of late, I’ve been trying to lean into the “I love Mondays” energy by thinking of the day as an opportunity for a fresh start. But in order to set myself up for success, I have had to conquer getting past the Sunday Sadness. You know, those feelings that creep in and have you questioning where the weekend went… and when it’s coming back. I’ve noticed that when I’m having a carefree, living my best life kind of weekend, the transition back into the work week is quite the challenge.
In an effort to fight off the Sunday Sadness, I’ve incorporated a handful of habits into my routine that prep me for the week ahead. Scroll on for 5 easy ways to recharge your mind on Sunday, according to the chief consultants (aka me and my gal pals who offered their best tips).
1. Make a grocery list or meal plan
If I don’t take time on Sunday to create a grocery list or nail down out meals for the week, the chances of it happening later are basically nonexistent. I’ve noticed that on the weeks I plan out each evening’s dinner, I actually eat healthier and don’t spend as much money on DoorDash orders.
Once you’ve planned out your meals, make a shopping list to carry with you to the store (or place your order if you use the local grocery store’s delivery service). If your weeks are full and don’t leave much room for shopping, you can use a meal kit delivery service, such as HelloFresh, to make planning a little easier.
2. Treat yourself
A good way to steer clear of having a crappy mindset heading into Monday is to treat yourself to something nice. This can be going all out and doing some shopping in the afternoon, or something simple like making yourself a fancy dinner while jamming out to your favorite tunes, followed by a yummy dessert.
3. Create a to-do list
Whether it’s notes labeled “Personal To-Do’s” or “Business To-Do’s,” having some sort of weekly time management system in place is the key to keeping your stress levels down. Order the list in terms of what needs to get done first. If there are certain items that must get done on a specific day, add an asterisk next to them so that you can tackle them based on priority. Consider it a brain dump that you organize Sunday evening in preparation for Monday. Plus, there’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from checking things off of a list.
4. Deep clean your space
This isn’t the fake-it-til-you-make-it kind of straightening up that looks good from just the outside. No, we’re talking about the cleaning that gets deep into the crevices, every nook and cranny that is within reach. Set aside 2-3 hours of your Sunday afternoon to power clean your home. Sweep and vacuum, dust the ceiling fans, wash laundry & linens, disinfect the bathrooms, etc. And when you’re all done, light a candle or turn on the scent diffuser to compliment your spotless, fresh place! A clean home not only will recharge you on Sunday, but it’ll also set the tone for the new week.
5. Relax and restore
Don’t let the evening pass without a full wind down. Enjoy a calming bubble bath, watch a romantic comedy movie, read a page-turning novel, and get in bed early. Try to get as much rest as possible to make up for any slumber lost over the weekend. A solid 6-8 hours of sleep will do your body all the magical good come Monday morning.
What are your favorite ways to recharge on Sunday? Do you have any Sunday rituals that you swear by?