We’ve all fallen victim to a bad case of the Sunday Scaries. You know what I’m talking about: those days where all you can do is lay in bed and binge an entire Netflix series, feeling sad that the weekend is over and worried about the stressors that Monday will bring. The good news is that the weekend is here! Not It is important to take control of your Sundays and make sure you are not putting too much stress on Mondays. The most successful women know that their Sunday routine can make or ruin their week. Here are eight Sunday rituals that successful woman never skip.
1. Clean your home
You might not Think you’re a neat freak, but trust me when I say that you will sleep better with the shower cleaned and the dishes put away. You will find your week easier when you get rid of the chores that you put off (looking, pile of dirty clothes). A one-hour deep clean of your home or a quick closet organization can make a big difference in how you feel about your home and your outlook for the week. If those major chores (like organizing the junk drawer) feel overwhelming, start with a quick clean-up of the kitchen (doing dishes and wiping up counters), tidy up the living room (fold throw blankets and stack coasters), and declutter your bedroom (that means putting away the clothes on your “worn-but-not-yet-ready-for-laundry chair–I know you have one!).
2. Plan your week
This one is for you if your way of dealing with Sunday Scaries involves completely forgetting that work starts tomorrow. You may think that not acknowledging your to-do list is the best way to deal, but even if hours of Netflix helps you “forget,” you still know Monday morning is coming, leaving you with dread, anxiety, and a whole lot of stress at 9 a.m. the next day. Planning ahead is the best way to prepare your week for success. You’ll feel much better when Monday arrives. Review your upcoming schedule, add in time to prepare for big meetings or presentations, and include time for when you’ll actually get those things on your to-do list checked off. You’ll feel much more in control and will be better prepared throughout the week.
3. Prep your meals, and prepare your wardrobe
Another way to feel in control of your week is to plan your meals and prepare your outfits. Every day we make many decisions, even within the first few minutes of our awakening. These include whether to hit snooze or not, when to turn off the coffee pot, what time to make breakfast, what to wear, and how to dress (which is about 1000 decisions). No wonder we all feel exhausted or overwhelmed when we’re required to make decision after decision throughout the work day itself. No matter how big or small, decisions add up–decision fatigue is real.
The good news is that Sundays can be used to limit your decision-making throughout the week. Prep your meals in advance (whether that looks like actually chopping veggies and making easy dishes, or just writing out a plan and making a grocery list) and plan out outfits (including which shoes you’ll pack to transition into happy hour on Thursday). You’ll limit some of the decision fatigue throughout the week so you can spend more time on those really important decisions, but you also might find yourself excited for those meals or that power outfit, instead of dreading the week ahead.
4. Set goals
Sundays can be used for more than self-care and laziness. They can also be used to set goals. You can think about the specific things you want and how they relate to your larger goals. For example, if you’ve always wanted to learn piano, add in a goal to practice for a total of two hours by next Sunday. If you wish you exercised more, set a goal to attend three workout classes at any point throughout the week, and then schedule in when they’re going to happen. If you want to be in a relationship, plan to go on one date this week, or if you’re dying for a promotion, set an intention to connect with your boss. Whatever your goals and intentions, it doesn’t matter what they are. Instead of focusing on what you want in life, set them. You’ll feel more excited for your week, but will also feel like you’re making progress towards those huge life goals.
5. Unplug
PSA for whoever needs to hear it: you do not have to (and should not) be “plugged in” 24/7. A temporary digital detox can help you reduce stress if your weeks are overwhelming and your Sundays seem scary. When we’re constantly bombarded by Instagram, work emails, or even that never-ended group text, we can feel like we’re constantly missing out on something (I like to call it chronic FOMO). It can help you relax and reduce the overwhelm by turning off your phone for a couple hours. Turn off all screens and unplug. You can read a book or go for a walk with your dog. Or just relax by watching your favorite television show for a few hours.
6. Set your Monday morning alarm a few seconds earlier
Monday mornings are a rude awakening, I know. That 6 a.m. alarm is probably the last thing you want to hear, and you’re tempted to sleep in until the last second possible to savor the last of your weekend bliss. However, hitting the snooze key can cause a rushed morning that leaves you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and behind. Set your alarm for Sunday night to wake you up 10-15 minutes earlier than normal. You will be able to spend that extra time either meditating, preparing a luxurious skincare regimen, or simply brewing a cup with silence. Not You will feel more prepared for the week ahead if you don’t get the extra 10 minutes of sleep.
7. Read this article
One of the greatest secrets of successful women is reading. Reading. Many people have many excuses for not reading more often. “I’m too tired,” “I don’t have any new books,” and “How am I expected to do anything else in my free time when all six seasons of Sex and the City You can find them on HBO Max!?” are excuses I personally use on a regular basis. But reading is not only enjoyable; it’s good for you. Whether it’s winding down before bed, taking a break in the afternoon, or as a way to kick off your Sunday, fit in some time to read during the day to inspire you and help you feel motivated for the week ahead. As for What What books do you like to read? These books are inspiring and can help you reach your goals in life and success.
8. Get your inbox down to zero
If Monday mornings feel like a race against your clock, start your week off right by getting your emails in order. Sundays should be a day of rest. Feel Spending 10-20 minutes a day working will help you feel better about your week. If email is a source for stress, address it immediately. If scheduling seems tedious on Monday mornings or you feel like it is a burden, plan your meetings and deadlines the previous day. Think about how much more pleasant your Monday mornings will be if you have your inbox at zero.
9. Have a financial check-in
Self-care doesn’t always mean bubble baths or face masks. Self-care can also mean being independent and taking control of your finances. It is possible to have a self-care lifestyle, but it is not necessary. Detail financial plan and setting goals can help you reduce money-related stress achieve what you want in life, feeling in control of your finances doesn’t always require a lot of time and energy. Spend five minutes each Sunday looking at your bank and credit card statements. Getting in the habit of frequently checking in can help identify fraud early on and will also give you a good idea of where you’re spending and where you can be saving. Set a financial goal for the week, whether it’s to put a certain amount of cash into your savings account or invest in a course or service that will improve your wellbeing.
Source: The Every Girl
