Are you looking to reenergize yourself on a Sunday? If so, check out this Self Love Self Care Sunday collection of over 50 ideas for getting in your weekly dose of self love.
Have you ever noticed that the first thing you think of when you wake up each morning is what you need to accomplish for the day? Let your goal for Sunday to be just to feel more replenished.
With so much going on in our lives, we often lose sight of the importance of self care. However, taking time to give yourself the pampering you deserve can improve your health (both physical and mental health) and boost your happiness levels.
Our Self Love Self Care Sunday Idea list is filled with activities that will recharge your soul, help you to embrace your beauty, and support you in living a life of self care.
These little things can really have a positive effect!
Self-Care Sunday: Dedicate One Day Each Week to Yourself
Self-care has transformed a lot over the last few years. It began as a way to encourage people to do more for themselves, which is amazing. But somewhere along the way, it became something people felt like they were forced to do.
What’s that you say? Self love doesn’t just belong in our weekly Sunday morning routine, it should be practiced every day of the week? Absolutely, but when the days are busy, taking the opportunity to consciously dedicate some time just for ourselves and our self care really can feel great.
If you are 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 one day a week?
Why do Self-Care on Sunday?
For a lot of people, Sunday is actually the perfect day to dedicate to yourself, since it is often already a day of rest for many people. You are winding down after a fun weekend, and likely getting ready for a new week to begin, so hopefully you can find enough time to dedicate a little to yourself.
Take advantage of the downtime by adding some self-care activities to your routine.
Setting Up Your Weekly Self-Care Routine
First thing’s first – figure out what your routine is going to be on Sunday. Don’t forget that self-care doesn’t have to be done alone, so if you have a busy house on Sundays, the great thing is you can still do this!
What you want to do is focus on your self-care on Sundays, whether that means an hour during the day, or changing the entire routine for the day.
Think of Sundays like a reset day. When you not only get your planning done for the week, but you give yourself some time to relax and unwind, reset your body and your mind for another busy week.
How is Self Care Sunday Different from Daily Self-Care?
To put it simply, it’s not. You still want to choose activities that help you to relax, are good for your body and mind, and overall wellness. But you might have a little more free time on Sundays, so you won’t feel as pressured to fit it all 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 and friends.
Think About Your Current Sunday Routine
In order to turn Sunday into your weekly self-care day, you need to consider what you tend to do on Sundays. This self-reflection helps you determine if these are things that can only be done on Sundays, or can be moved to another day to give you more time for yourself.
Make a list of things you do every Sunday first. Then look at your list, and cross off anything that isn’t really necessary or might no longer be serving you. With what is left, determine if any of those activities can be moved to another day such as Saturday.
For example, if you do a lot of cleaning and chores on Sundays, and you don’t find that recharging, could they be moved to other days during the week, freeing up a bit more self-care time for you?
When picking self care ideas feels like another chore?
If you’re like me, there’s something about the weekend that’s so relaxing and rejuvenating, for some people it seems to really be the only part of the week that we truly get to enjoy without the demands of work.
But sometimes, you can feel a little low on energy and enthusiasm when it comes to self care, especially when the rest of your week is packed with deadlines and projects. I’ve learned to keep a running list of things that make me feel good, which I call my “Self Love Self Care” list.
It’s full of activities that I love and that make me feel energized and inspired, including things that I often don’t have time for during the work week. On those days where you want to do something nice to recharge, but your mind goes blank, the best thing is you can just check the list for some quick inspiration to help get your self care ideas flowing.
Some of my favorite self care ideas for self love Sunday include…
50 Ideas for Sunday Self-Care Activities
The good news is that self-care on Sunday is pretty much the same as what you would do any other day of the week. It is more about dedicating a day to yourself each week, especially if you don’t have much time during the week to really focus on you.
Here are some activities and self-care ideas that can be great to do on Sundays:
- Let Yourself Sleep In
If you don’t get to sleep in during the rest of the week, at the very least give yourself this time on Sundays! Your body and mind needs the rest, and catching up on sleep can make such a huge difference to health, mood and overall well-being.
2. Go to Brunch with Friends
Self-care can also mean doing something you enjoy with other people. It does not necessarily have to be solitary so grab a group of friends on Sunday to go to brunch. The quality time could really replenish your soul.
3. Head to a Park or the Beach With Your Kids
You can also enjoy more time connecting with your kids, if you’re a parent.
Go outside to enjoy the fresh air and exercise. Ride bicycles around your neighborhood, have a beach day, or do a picnic at the park.
Disconnecting from social media, screens and WIFI and doing simple things together can really strengthen your connection.
4. Have an Hour of Pampering
You might not be able to dedicate the entire day just to self-care, but at least fit in some pampering time. Even a little time can give you a boost.
5. Catch Up On Reading or Creative Projects
This is the perfect time to pick activities you enjoy, but rarely have time for. Maybe there is a book you have been wanting to finish or a creative project you would love to do.
6. Get ready for the week
Self-care can also mean just giving yourself time to really reset and prepare for the week ahead. By organising things on Sunday, you allow yourself to feel more rested and less stressed throughout the entire rest of the week.
7. Have Quiet Solitude on Sunday
Self-care for an introvert can be as simple as just making sure you have some alone, quiet time on Sundays. You need this time to yourself to regroup and relax. It can be really hard when you go all day around other people and never give yourself this time.
8. Find Nature-Inspired Activities
It’s also really soul recharging to enjoy time outdoors, especially in a quiet and peaceful environment.
Try to find some activities you can participate in that will encourage you to spend more time outside. This could be going for long walks, visiting the woods, hiking or just sitting outside for a little while being aware of the sounds and sights around you. There are lots of beautiful things to notice, from birdsong to flowers.
9. Sit in the Sunlight
You don’t even have to walk, or exert a lot of energy. If you just have some extra time to sit in the sunlight, for example in the sunniest spot inside your house, or with the window open, this can help you top up on some Vitamin D and boost your emotional well-being.
10. Embrace Your Creative Side
An amazing way to practice self-care as an introvert is to do something creative. Learn how to crochet, write a poem or short story, color in an adult coloring book, or start painting.
It’s not about the finished product, but let yourself just in the process and be in the moment
11. Time for Journaling
Make some time for journaling, whether you want to write a gratitude journal, answer some simple question journal prompts to get your writing flowing, or doodle in your bullet journal.
Once you find the right type of journal for your own needs, this will become one of your favorite self-care practices.
12. Diffuse Essential Oils
This is an easy self-care habit to introduce, while you are doing some of the other chosen activities.
Choose an essential oil with a scent that makes you feel relaxed and refreshed, whether you want a light summery scent or a homely autumn one.
13. Burn Incense In Your Home
You might prefer incense to essential oils, whichever makes you feel good vibes will be the right choice for you. Incense is amazing for meditation, and bringing a peaceful feeling to your home.
14. Take a Long Bath
There is something so replenishing about a long hot bath, no wonder it is one of the most popular types of self care.
If you feel like getting creative, take some time to make your own DIY bath and beauty products like our homemade lavender sugar scrub or homemade cinnamon apple soap, and then take a long soak to enjoy them.
15. Look After Your Hair
Even if you don’t have a huge amount of time to dedicate to your hair, you could apply a conditioning mask or treatment to give your hair the extra love it needs.
16. Look After Your Skin
Use a face mask, exfoliate your whole body with a scrub, or give yourself some extra time to thoroughly moisturise your dry skin
17. Get Dressed Up
Make the effort to dress up, even just for yourself and feel the self confidence boost. We don’t need to save our nice clothes just for special occasions, every day is the special occasion.
18. Take Photos
Once you’re dressed up and feeling yourself, take some photos. You don’t need to post them anyway, they are for yourself.
Taking photos is a powerful tool for self love.
19. Breathing Exercises
Take a deep breath or take a few minutes to practise some mindful breathing techniques.
20. Read a Good Book
Whether you prefer fiction, non fiction or self help books, this is a great way to relax and take some time for yourself.
21. Listen to an Audio Book
Or maybe you prefer books in an audio format. Go with the type you most enjoy. Audiobooks are great to combine with taking a bath, or going for a run. Or just sit and listen and enjoy.
22. Listen to a Podcast
There are so many great podcasts available too, you can definitely add this to your weekly routine once you find one that really catches your attention.
23. Meditate
This is a great way to fit in some spiritual self-care, there are so many benefits to meditation.
24. Watch A Show
Sometimes, what you really need is to chill on the sofa and binge watch a few episodes of your new favorite show.
25. Go To The Gym
The gym is one of the best places to go when you have a lot of stress and you need to move your body to release some of that pent up energy.
Some people love the gym, and some do not – but making time for your work out is a great way to show up for yourself, and make your own health a real priority.
26. Yoga
Take some time on the yoga mat to release tension, stretch out your body and feel refreshed. This is great for your physical and mental health.
27. Go for a Run
This is a great way to combine exercise with getting outdoors, and make time to listen to your favorite audiobook, podcast or a playlist that makes you feel happy.
Going for a run, whether at the beginning of the day or the end of the day, can really help to clear your mind.
28. Cook Nutritious Food
Take care of yourself and your future by choosing to nourish your body. You could meal plan for the week or batch cook, to take the load off from later in the week.
29. Have a Cup of Your Favorite Tea
A moment of peace with a hot cup of tea is great for the soul, whether you prefer milky tea or the herbal varieties.
30. Clean Up The House
Reduce clutter, and give the place a good clean, if you enjoy this task. The end result can have you feeling great!
A clean and tidy home definitely helps maintain my good mood throughout the week.
31. Listen to Music That You Love
Choose some uplifting empowering songs, or songs about self worth and listen while you enjoy your cup of tea. Or go for a scenic drive and sing along, whatever you prefer.
32. Dance
Dancing is a great way to release tension and relieve stress. Moving your body can release trauma, and release endorphins to help you feel good.
33. Drink Water
Hydrate. Use our printable water tracker to keep an eye on how much water you’re drinking throughout the entire month.
This will benefit your overall health.
34. Engage Your Brain
Sometimes engaging your brain can really help you feel invigorated, whether that’s learning a new skill or language, doing a crossword, working out a mathematical puzzle or listening to a lecture on something you find fascinating.
35. Jigsaw Puzzle
Jigsaw puzzles are a great relaxing way to engage your brain, keep your hands busy and give a great sense of satisfaction when completed.
36. Laugh
Laughter is the best medicine, and one of the best ways to refuel your soul, whether you watch something funny, catch up for a laugh with friends or visit a comedy show.
37. Coloring
You might like our free printable inspirational words coloring and inspirational quote coloring pages. This is a perfect self care Sunday activity for mindfulness and creativity.
38. Enjoy Social Time with Friends
What might be a little more up your alley is scheduling in time with friends. What better way to practice self-care than spend time with those you love the most?
39. Call Long Distance Friends or Family
Taking an hour for a phone call with your loved ones you don’t get to see often enough is a great way to boost your emotional health and refill your cup.
40. Visit Somewhere New
Break up the monotony of the day to day with a trip somewhere new, it doesn’t have to be a huge thing or somewhere super far away or expensive.
41. Visit Farmer’s Markets
If this is your vibe, a trip to the local farmer’s market is a great way to spend a Sunday morning.
42. Visit a Museum or Gallery
Inspire your creativity and enjoy the beauty all around in these creative artsy venues.
43. Volunteer Your Time
Looking for something more meaningful and fulfilling? You might like to volunteer somewhere as your self-care. Look into local community centers or animal shelters that are open on Sunday and see if they need any help.
44. Join a Local Club
Another social activity that helps with your self-care is joining a local club, like a book club. Not only will you be encouraged to read more, but you can get together once a week with your book club to chat and talk about the book.
45. Gardening
This is a great way to spend time outdoors, feel some sun on your skin and fresh air in your lungs. Plus, the sense of accomplishment at creating and nurturing something beautiful is a huge win.
46. Create a Vision Board
If you’re someone who gets fired up at the thought of planning for the future, this is a great self care activity for you. Plan your dreams, and then work towards them.
47. Take a Nap
Sometimes you just need to physically recharge and a nap can do wonders.
48. Get a Massage
Take some time out and enjoy a massage, to help get rid of any aches and pains and just enjoy the process.
49. Therapy Session
Sometimes self care is not pretty, but necessary. Talk, unload, process, cry… sometimes it’s what we need.
50. Write a List of Compliments to Yourself
If you struggle with your self esteem this exercise is a really powerful way to focus on the positive things about yourself, and connect with those. You can even write this in a letter, and mail it to yourself so you can read it a few days later once it arrives.
51. Burn a Candle
Turning down the lights and burning a candle or two really sets the mood for relaxation and calm.
You could even try making your own candles, check out the tutorial for our homemade lavender candles
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 the common mistakes.
It Encompasses Emotional, Mental, and Physical Health
Self-care does not fulfill just one need in your life. Different activities provoke different benefits in your life, including helping with your 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
Just because you have committed to writing in your journal and meditating every morning for an hour as your self-care routine, doesn’t mean you have to do this forever. Sometimes, what you choose as your self-care activity changes, or you need to make adjustments 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.
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.
If you are an introvert, you probably find that you are the most relaxed when you are alone. This doesn’t mean you want to be or should be alone all the time, but that you often need a little bit of time to yourself each day to recharge and gain your composure.
Extroverts are more social creatures, getting their energy from being around other people. If you consider yourself an extrovert, you probably enjoy time with others more than time alone.
But what does that mean for your self-care routine? You may need to adapt your self care activities to find something that will really recharge your soul and fill your cup.
We have a whole article all about this so check that out too for more ideas
A Common Mistake is Forcing Your Self-Care
This can’t be said enough – your self-care routine should not make you more stressed! This is a sign that you are forcing yourself to do something you don’t want to do and that is doing nothing for you.
It might be because your friend is participating in this form of self-care, or you read that it is a good idea. But remember everyone is different and everyone is going to benefit from different things.
Anna is a Wales-based writer and graduate from SOAS University of London.
As the voice behind On Your Journey, she empowers women to embrace holistic well-being and spiritual growth through her expert insights into wellness and symbolism.
When she isn't writing thought-provoking articles, you'll find her busy crafting and raising her 4 children.
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