20+ Self-Care Sunday Ideas to Rest and Recharge for the Week

Sundays are a great time to relax and recharge, and self-care can help you do just that. In this article, we’ll share self-care Sunday ideas to help you reset and take care of your mind and body for the week ahead. While warm baths and shopping sprees are common self-care activities, there are many other ways to care for yourself. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) defines self-care as taking time to do things that support your mental and physical health. Self-care looks different for everyone, so it’s important to focus on what you enjoy. Below, we’ll explore Sunday routines and activities with something for everyone.

What is a self-care Sunday?

A self-care Sunday is about setting aside time to focus on yourself and do things that make you feel good. It doesn’t have to take up the whole day; it can be just a few hours or even a few minutes to relax and recharge. The purpose is to take a break from stress and spend time doing things that bring you joy or peace. Self-care doesn’t need to be difficult or require a lot of effort. Simple activities like reading a book, listening to music, going for a walk, or enjoying a cup of tea can make a big difference. What matters most is that you choose activities that feel right for you and help you unwind. A self-care Sunday is a great way to take care of yourself, reset, and feel refreshed for the week ahead.

1. Enjoy your morning coffee or tea

During a busy workweek, it’s hard to fully enjoy your morning coffee or tea. You’re usually in a hurry, grabbing your cup and moving on with your day. But on Sundays, you can slow down. Take your time to sip your coffee or tea. You can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air or relax on the couch. Focus on how warm and comforting your drink is. Enjoy the quiet and calm of the moment. This slow start can help you feel peaceful and ready for the day. It’s a simple way to give yourself a break. Taking time for your drink helps you recharge. You don’t have to rush, just enjoy the moment. This peaceful time makes your Sunday feel special and relaxed. Starting your day this way can set a good tone for the rest of your day.

2. Go for a walk

It’s hard for many people to find time for a relaxing walk during a busy week. With work and other things to do, it can feel like there’s no time. But taking a walk is good for both your mind and body. It helps you feel less stressed and gives you more energy. You might start a new tradition of walking around your neighborhood or park every Sunday. Once it becomes part of your Sunday routine, you’ll look forward to it. The walk gives you a quiet time to relax and enjoy the fresh air. It’s a simple way to take care of yourself and feel better. Over time, it will become something you enjoy and want to do every week.

3. Spend time with friends or family

It’s hard to find time to hang out with people when you’re busy. But spending time with friends and family is good for you. It helps you feel happy and less stressed. It’s best to be with people you like. Simple things like having coffee or brunch are good ways to spend time together. You don’t need anything fancy—just being with them is enough. Another idea is having a game night. These little things can make you feel better and more connected. Taking time for them can really help your mood.

4. Have a phone call date with someone you love

It’s easy to get busy, and before you know it, a lot of time has passed without catching up with a friend or family member. Use your self-care Sunday as a chance to reconnect with someone you care about. You can set up a regular Sunday phone date to stay in touch and enjoy talking to them. It’s a simple way to keep your relationships strong, even when life gets hectic. Phone calls are perfect for staying connected without having to leave the comfort of home. If you’re having a day when you’d rather stay cozy, a phone call lets you practice socializing while relaxing. It doesn’t take much to make someone’s day better, and it can also boost your own mood. These calls give you a chance to laugh, share updates, and enjoy meaningful conversation. Adding a phone date to your routine ensures you don’t lose touch with those you care about. It’s an easy way to keep your social life going without any stress. Taking the time to catch up on Sundays can make your week feel more balanced and connected. It’s a simple but effective way to practice self-care while nurturing your relationships.

5. Treat yourself to a spa day (or hour)

Spa days are great for reducing stress, easing pain, and helping you sleep better. Sundays are the perfect time to enjoy these benefits. You can either go to a spa or make your own spa day at home.

To make your DIY spa day easy, try these Oakwell Cosmetics products delivered to your door:

Herbal Beer Bath Tea: A relaxing bath tea with hops, barley, and herbs.
Calming Bath Salts: A mix of Epsom salt, sea salt, herbs, and essential oils to help you relax.
Relaxing Cedarwood & Amber Candle: A soy wax candle that creates a cozy, peaceful vibe.
Waffle Bath Robe: A soft, comfy robe with an adjustable belt for a good fit.

These simple products will help you create a calming spa experience at home.

6. Spend time on a hobby

How often do you make time for hobbies? With so many things to do, it’s easy to push hobbies aside, even though they offer many benefits. Dr. Jaime L. Kurtz explains that hobbies can help you in several ways. They allow you to practice mindfulness by engaging in “active leisure,” which can be calming. Hobbies can also help you build new social connections, especially if you share them with others. By having a hobby, you can make your life more interesting, feel more inspired, and more fulfilled. Hobbies also help you manage stress and give you something fun to focus on. Whether it’s gardening, baking, organizing, or playing music, a hobby is any activity you enjoy. Taking time for hobbies can bring balance to your life, making you feel more relaxed and happy.

7. Cook a new recipe

Cooking is a fun hobby that’s also good for your health. When you make healthy meals or treats, you take care of your body and enjoy yourself. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday. You can try new recipes or make your favorites. Cooking helps you choose what’s in your food, so it’s a healthy choice. It’s also a relaxing way to spend time. Cooking on Sundays helps you feel good both inside and out. You can enjoy the food you make and feel proud. Sharing it with others makes it even better. Cooking on Sundays is an easy way to be healthy and happy.

8. Plan your week ahead

Planning your week helps things go smoothly, keeps you motivated, and reduces stress. If you like making to-do lists, spend a few minutes each Sunday planning ahead. This helps you feel in control of your time. By deciding what’s important, you’ll know what to focus on first. A weekly plan makes things feel less stressful. It can also give you more time for self-care. When your week is organized, you can relax and do things that help you feel good. Planning on Sundays sets you up for a calm week. It helps you feel ready for what’s coming. A simple plan lets you control your time and avoid stress. Planning creates more space for peace in your day and makes you feel confident.

9. Reorganize

Reorganizing can help you feel ready for the week ahead. It can be fun if you enjoy it. You can tidy up your workspace, bedroom, or car. A clean space helps you feel calm and ready. It also makes you feel proud. Reorganizing doesn’t take much time, but it can make a big difference. Whether it’s cleaning your desk, making your bed, or organizing your car, it helps you feel more in control. It’s a simple way to start your week feeling good. Reorganizing helps you take care of yourself and set a positive tone for the week.

10. Write a gratitude list

Many studies show that gratitude is good for your mental and physical health. One study found that people who write about gratitude feel more positive and better than those who focus on problems. While it’s great to make a gratitude list every day, doing it on Sundays can be a nice way to start your week. You can spend time on Sundays thinking about what you’re thankful for. During the week, you can also talk about gratitude with your family at dinner or notice moments of thankfulness as they happen. Starting your Sunday with gratitude helps set a good tone for the week. It’s an easy way to focus on the positive things in life. Writing down or talking about what you’re thankful for can make you feel happier. A regular practice of gratitude can really help your mood and overall well-being.

11. Appreciate quiet time

We often don’t have time to be alone and quiet. When we do, we’re usually busy with something else. Taking a few minutes, or more, to enjoy some peace and quiet can be very calming. You might rest or take a nap. You can also add this quiet time to other Sunday activities, like walking or writing a gratitude list. Having time for quiet helps clear your mind and reset for the week. It’s a good way to feel calm and peaceful. Quiet time lets you take a break from everything and recharge. It helps you feel relaxed and ready for the week ahead.

12. Watch a movie

If you want to stay in your pajamas with a blanket and a good movie, go ahead and do it. Weekends can feel like a time to do chores, but it’s okay to relax too. Rest is good for your mind and body. Watching a movie helps you feel better. You don’t always need to be busy. Taking a break is good for you. It can help you feel less stressed. Don’t feel bad about resting. Relaxing helps you get ready for the week. So enjoy your movie and take care of yourself. It’s okay to do nothing sometimes. Your body and mind need rest.