Sundays are a free pass for sleeping in, Netflix and chill, and…well, pushing all responsibilities to Monday.
That’s what I thought.
Then my Mondays were ever chaotic: piled up emails, impossible to-do lists and I’d spend half the day trying to get into the groove. I was tired even before the week began.
Then it hit me. It wasn’t that I hated Mondays (well, I kinda did), it was that I wasn’t preparing adequately for them. Sunday was the pivot for change.
If you are tired of scrambling through the week, these simple Sunday habits should change everything.
1. No Alarms
You’ve been working too hard all week. You deserve that long-awaited rest on Sunday. Like a worked-out machine, this is the time to rest and recharge.
Sure, you may not sleep until late since your body is already used to waking up early. But still, an early unwarranted morning, without an alarm, makes the day slightly special.
All week, I limit my screen time, so Sundays are the days to reward myself.
I Scroll through social media, watch an episode here and there, and listen to my favorite podcast. Most of the time, I have breakfast in bed.
2. Declutter
Having dirty dishes in the sink and heaped clothes in the laundry basket would be an awful way to start your Monday. A messy environment creates mental clutter.
Once out of bed, I spend an hour or two cleaning and tidying up my home. Some prefer to do this on Saturday, but Sunday also works. I mow the lawn, do the dishes, and change the bedsheets.
For those working from home, clean your workspace. Organize your desk and clear out unnecessary papers. It sets you up for productivity.
A clean home will motivate you to start the week on a high note.
3. Meal Prep
Bachelors know the struggle. It’s midweek, you are hungry and you have no idea what to eat. Takeouts suddenly become heavenly and healthy eating goes out the window.
To avoid this, take time on Sundays to:
- Plan your meals for the week to avoid last-minute unhealthy choices.
- Batch cook staples like veggies, rice, and chicken to make meal prep quicker.
- Pack your lunches if you work outside the home.
Even small preppings like marinating proteins or chopping vegetables will save you time and stress throughout the week.
4. Fun Day
Sundays are for fun, for doing things we genuinely enjoy.
Being an introvert, this isn’t much. A stroll around the neighborhood and a cup of warm cocoa does it for me. But it could be as big as you want it to be.
Go out for an adventure. Fresh air is good for clearing the mind and uplifting the spirit. There are so many activities to do on weekends for fun. All it takes is one to three hours of moving your body to recharge fully.
When you do something fun, you start the week feeling happier and more motivated.
5. Sort Out Your Clothes & Essentials
As a man, it takes all the strength in me to iron and sort out my clothes. But there is instant gratification in staring at my well-sorted closet.
I’ll then pick out the outfits I plan to wear through the week. It doesn’t have to be well planned out, but a rough idea.
It saves me the hassle of standing in front of my closet Monday morning, completely clueless about what to wear.
6. Reflect on the Previous Week
You’ve got a big week ahead that requires your full attention.
But before you begin planning for the new week, how about you take a moment to reflect on the previous one.
- Wins: What went well? Celebrate small victories.
- Challenges: What didn’t go as planned?
- Improvements: What can you do differently this week?
A simple journal or list helps you gain insight into what’s working and what’s not. You can then use this insight to avoid repeating mistakes and move forward with clarity.
7. Schedule for the Week
This is also the time to create your objectives for the coming week and break them down into achievable actions.
- Write down your top priorities: Choose 3–5 key goals for the week.
- Schedule tasks: Use a digital planner or calendar to block out time for meetings, work, and personal tasks.
- Maybe not your favorite task, but set deadlines. Spread things out realistically over the week. Don’t pile everything on Monday.
A plan gives you order and saves you from little confusion that can easily frustrate you.
8. Your Finances
It’s easy for money stress to spill over into your week. Take a pause to review your finances.
Did you stay within budget last week? Are there any payments due this week? What are your priorities, and do you have enough for emergencies?
Being financially prepared will help you make smarter money decisions and avoid midweek surprises.
9. Set Your Mindset
A positive mindset helps you begin the week with the right energy. Make time for yourself.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. Different activities work for different people.
- Meditate
- Practice yoga
- Take a warm bubble bath
- Read a self-help book
- Create art
Your self-care time is to help re-energize your mind and body so that you are prepared for the coming week.
10. Tuck in Early
How you wake up depends largely on how you sleep. A proper bedtime routine gets you the best sleep possible, reduces your anxiety levels, and preps you for the next day.
Avoid caffeine and screen at least one hour before bed, and go to bed at a consistent time to regulate your sleep cycle.
Proper rest is essential for productivity. You will perform best when your body and mind are well-rested.
Ready for the Coming Week?
This list can seem overwhelming if you are starting out, and that’s okay. You don’t have to accomplish everything at once.
Start with a few habits that resonate with you like cleaning and going out, then slowly work your way to the top. Your Monday self will thank you.
All it takes is a little bit of time and effort. Wishing you a happy and productive week ahead!
