How a 'Sunday Reset' helps me to prepare my home for the upcoming week

Picture this: it's Monday morning, and you're already feeling the weight of the week ahead. Your to-do list is a mile long, your inbox is overflowing, and your energy levels are at an all-time low. If this scenario sounds all too familiar, you're not alone. In today's 24/7, always-on work culture, it's easy to feel like you're constantly playing catch-up, never quite getting ahead of the game.

But what if I told you that there was a way to break free from this cycle of stress and overwhelm? What if, by dedicating just one day a week to resetting and recharging, you could set yourself up for success in all areas of your life?

Enter the Sunday reset day. I know that the idea of taking a whole day to rest and reset can feel daunting, especially in a culture that often equates busyness with productivity. But I promise you, the benefits of a Sunday reset on your mental-wellbeing far outweigh any temporary discomfort or inconvenience. 

How a Sunday reset day has changed my whole week 

So, what exactly is a Sunday reset day, and how can it transform your entire week? A Sunday reset is a deliberate, intentional practice of taking one day each week to prepare yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally for the days ahead. It's a time to step back from the chaos of the work week, reflect on your goals and priorities, and take actionable steps to set yourself up for success.

For me, my Sunday reset routine has become a sacred ritual, a non-negotiable part of my week that allows me to show up as my best self in all areas of my life.

Here's a glimpse into what a typical Sunday reset looks like for me: 

1. Reflection and Goal-Setting

I start my Sunday by taking a few moments to reflect on the week that's just passed. I celebrate my wins, acknowledge my challenges, and think about what I want to achieve in the week ahead. I set clear, specific goals for myself, both personally and professionally, and break them down into manageable action steps. 

2. Physical Self-Care

As someone who works in a high-pressure, high-energy industry, I know how important it is to prioritize physical self-care. On my Sunday reset day, I make sure to engage in activities that nourish my body and mind, whether it's a long hike in nature, a yoga class, or simply taking the time to prepare healthy meals for the week ahead. 

As part of my Sunday self-care routine, I like to transform my bathroom into a mini spa. My bathroom serves as both a functional space to prepare myself every day, as well as a place I can retreat to for some tranquility. A couple of the ways I make my bathroom more relaxing is by removing all of the clutter and introducing some aromatherapy. 

My go-to bathroom scent at the moment is the Cythera Aromatique Room Spray from Aesop. With scents of Geranium and Patchouli, this smell immediately transforms my bathroom and helps me relax. 

3. Mental and Emotional Clarity

In addition to physical self-care, I also use my Sunday reset day to cultivate mental and emotional clarity. This might involve journaling, meditation, or simply taking a few moments to sit in silence and check in with myself. 

I ask myself what I need to feel grounded, focused, and energized in the week ahead, and I plan to prioritize those needs.  I even purchased a weekly planner from Amazon to help me keep track of my weekly organization schedule and help reduce the mental strain of having to remember everything. 

4. Practical Preparation

Finally, I use my Sunday reset day to take care of any practical tasks that will help me feel more organized and in control throughout the week. 

Lauren Saltman, professional organizer and Founder of Living. Simplified. suggests that you use this time effectively to complete some preparation tasks. These tasks may include:

Meal prepping: Grocery shopping and meal prepping is a great way to reduce the chaos of cooking during the week. If you have the time during your Sunday reset, prep some of the foods for meals and you might even find that you choose to cook a few meals on Sunday, so it's just a matter of reheating it for dinner during the week.  

Tidying your workspace: This will help you curate and maintain a healthy workstation for the upcoming week. By prioritizing productivity you will be able to remove distractions,  complete daily tasks easier, and manage stress more comfortably. 

Resetting your living room: A living room reset sets the tone for the rest of your home. Being one of your home’s main communal spaces, you may want to organize your living room and free it from clutter on this day. This way you can return to your living room after a long day and just relax, not having to worry about the disorganized chaos around you. 

Lauren Saltman

For professional organizer Lauren Saltman of Living. Simplified., decluttering, and organizing are how she lives her daily life, whether she is organizing her home, a friend’s office, or a client’s garage, her resourceful approach yields happy clients who learn to incorporate techniques for a happier and more simplified lifestyle. 

Now, you might be thinking, 'This all sounds great, but can one day really make that much of a difference?' The answer, in my experience, is a resounding yes.

When I first started implementing a Sunday reset day, I was skeptical. As someone who's always been driven and ambitious, the idea of taking a whole day to rest and organize myself felt indulgent, even irresponsible. But as I began to make my Sunday reset a regular practice, I started to notice a profound shift in the way I approached my work and my life.

Suddenly, I felt more focused, more energized, and more in control. I was able to tackle challenges with a clear head and a positive attitude, and I found myself being more productive and effective in all areas of my life. 

FAQs

How to recharge yourself mentally?

One way to recharging yourself mentally, is by establishing a healthy sleeping routine. For a typical healthy adult, doctors recommend that you have between seven to nine hours of sleep per night. One way to better your night's sleep is by trying to keep a consistent time of going to bed and getting up or by using the 10-3-2-1-0-sleep-rule. 

You can also aid your sleeping pattern by preparing your bedroom in a way that promotes better sleep. Investing in high-quality pillows and adjustable lighting will allow you to incorporate soft, warm light sources for a calming atmosphere. 

So, my challenge to you is this: embrace the power of the Sunday reset. Carve out one day each week to disconnect from the chaos of the work week and reconnect with yourself. Use that time to reflect, recharge, and prepare for the days ahead. And trust that by making this practice a non-negotiable part of your routine, you'll start to see a transformation not just in your work but in all areas of your life.