29+ Unexpected Self Care Sunday Ideas To Unlock True Bliss

This post is a curated list of 29+ Self Care Sunday ideas that will help you set yourself up for successful week ahead.

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If you’re looking for self care Sunday ideas, you are in the right place! This post covers all things self care Sundays from what they are, why you need one, and how you plan your next day of self love.

It goes without saying, but today’s world is moving at a frantic pace and it’s near impossible to keep up. Don’t worry, you’re doing great girl!

Between the demands of your job, your family, and your friends, it can feel like there’s nothing left for you.

But we all know the saying, you can’t pour from an empty cup. We also love this quote:

“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.”
– Katie Reed

Self care is a POWERFUL tool to recharge, rejuvenate, and give yourself the love you need to be your best.

So claim each Sunday as yours and indulge in the ultimate self care Sunday with these ideas.

What Is Self Care? And Why Is It So Important?

You know all the ways you show up for the people around you? The ways you care for them physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally?

Just turn that around to yourself, now that’s self care!

There are so many benefits to self care but to name a few:

Improved physical health: Whether your self care consists of getting enough sleep, flossing every night, or moving your body, it can have a huge effect on your physical health over time. Even small changes make a big difference.
Stress and anxiety reduction: Making time to unplug and relax is hard to do but with a dedicated self care routine you’re far more likely to do it. Making small steps toward managing your stress, even if it’s just on Sundays, can affect your mood all week long.
Enhanced self-esteem: Treating yourself with kindness can actually psychologically make you look at yourself more kindly. They say that how we judge others is a reflection of how we judge ourselves so speak kindly.
Improved mental health: Prioritizing self-care can help you manage your mental health by improving your awareness and making small steps to take care of your inner world.

What Is A Self Care Sunday?

Self Care Sundays are a specific day of the week that we set aside for our precious “me time.”

We take the day, or just a couple of hours, to dedicate to our own self care and give ourselves the love we need to be our best.

Don’t forget to make it extra special and romanticize it. You are the main character of your self care Sunday!

Of course, if Sunday doesn’t work for you, you can change it to any other day of the week too. But just saying, self care Tuesday doesn’t exactly have the same ring to it…

Why You Need a Self Care Sunday

We all know that feeling when we’ve told ourselves we’re going to start doing something and weeks go by with no change. It happens to the best of us.

Failing to plan is planning to fail.

Dedicating time for self care on Sundays is a great way to make sure that you block off time to spend on yourself.

Sometimes spending time on self care can make us feel guilty and selfish but if it’s in the calendar, you’ll be much more likely to stick to your commitment.

That’s where these self care Sunday ideas come into play. Let them be your guide for what to fill your glorious “me time” with.

How to Practice a Self Care Sunday

Okay, you’ve made it to Sunday and you’re ready for some self care but now what? You’ve got a case of the ever-so-common brain fart.

Don’t worry, that’s where we can help. We’ve compiled a list of the 29 best self care Sunday ideas to take all the hard work out of it so you can get to the relaxing part.

Feel free to save this list of self care Sunday ideas to reference at any time!

29+ Self Care Sunday Ideas

We’ve broken out the list into the 4 main self care categories: physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. It’s your day so choose whatever tickles your fancy. Could even be fun to do one from each category!

Physical

1. Sleep in

Turn off your alarm and sleep in as long as your body wants to. Sleep is highly underrated and it can have a huge effect on just about everything in our lives. Sundays are the perfect day to sleep in and enjoy a slow morning in bed. Want to get the best sleep of your life? Check out these 11 sleep-transforming products under $20.

2. Go to sleep early

If you don’t have the luxury of sleeping in, why not go to sleep early instead? Pamper yourself with a luxurious night time routine and crawl into bed early with a cup of tea and a good book. You’ll be snoozing in no time!

3. Peaceful movement

Tune into your body and read the signs for what it needs. A relaxing yoga session? A walk in nature? A deep stretching session? Treat your body to the movement it’s asking for and it will thank you all week long.

4. Do a little pamper routine

If you’re a woman, you probably have a never ending list of self upkeep items that can feel hard to manage. Choose an item on your list and make an event out of it. Turn a simple face mask into a full out at home facial.

5. Paint your nails

There’s really nothing like having a set of freshly painted nails to make you feel like yourself. Search for a cool nail design, throw on your favorite show and spend an hour refreshing your mani.

6. Take a bath

This must be the most classic option on our list of self care Sunday ideas. But if you’re a bath girl, make time to do your thing. Go all out with candles, bath bombs, and aromatherapy.

7. Scrub and moisturize your whole body

Do it for the feeling of climbing into bed with perfectly soft and smooth skin if for nothing else! Make an at-home sugar scrub and go to town from head to town. Lock in the smoothness with a rich cream or body oil.

8. Meal prep for the week ahead

Making healthy food choices all week long can be near impossible but meal prep makes it so much easier. Take the decision fatigue out of your week by preparing lunches or dinners ahead of time. Looking for inspo?

Emotional

9. Digital detox

If your screen time is starting to scare you, take some time on Sundays to go screen-free. Whether it’s 15 minutes or 5 hours, it can have a big effect on your mental health.

10. Gratitude journal

One of the easiest ways to journal is just to write a stream of consciousness list of all the things you’re grateful for. Plus, it’s scientifically-proven to make you happier.

11. Affirmations

Affirmations are powerful tools to change your thought patterns. If you feel like you might be holding yourself back or have some limiting beliefs, try reading some affirmations.

RELATED POST: 37 Morning Affirmations for Positive Thinking to get your started.

12. Create a vision board

When was the last time you made a vision board? Spend some time searching Pinterest or magazines for images that inspire you. Create a physical or digital collage and put it somewhere to remind you of your dreams and aspirations.

13. Do some manifesting

It seems like everyone is singing the praises of manifestation these days. Curious to see if it can work for you? Set some time aside to practice manifesting your dreams.

14. Read some inspirational self care quotes

The power of inspirational quotes cannot be overstated. Just reading a couple quotes can totally change your mindset. If you’re feeling a little down, check these out:

15. Spend time on your hobbies

Here’s another obvious one on our list of self care Sunday ideas. Today is the perfect day to dive into your hobbies and totally lose track of time.

16. Clean up or declutter

A cluttered space is a cluttered mind. Choose a zone in your space and turn it from drab to fab. Whether it needs a deep clean or a total declutter, put on a good podcast and get it done.

17. Read a book

There may be no better Sunday activity than reading a book. No matter what you like to read, books can have a hugely positive effect on our minds, expanding them with new ideas, new worlds, and escaping into fantasies.

18. Go to a museum

Take yourself on a solo date and visit your favorite museum. Whether natural history, contemporary art, or science, go at your own pace and soak in all it has to offer.

19. Start a new creative project

Go to the local craft store and walk through the aisles until something calls your name. Take it home and go to town!

20. Complete an unfinished project around the house

Everyone has one of these! Finally take the time to finish the project and put it out of your mind. Your future self will be grateful.

21. Just sit and do nothing (especially not feel guilty!)

Sometimes the best form of self care is sitting in bed and doing nothing. Our lives are so busy and hectic so why not relish a moment with no to-dos or scheduled plans?

Social

22. Catch up with a friend or family member

Call, text, or Facetime a loved one that you’ve been meaning to catch up with. Give them your full and undivided attention and do a full catch up sesh.

23. Spend quality time with your pet

This is perhaps our favorite idea on this list of self care Sunday ideas. If you have a pet, plan a date and do something you both enjoy. Whether it’s just cuddling at home or playing fetch at the dog park, the choice is yours!

24. Make plans with a friend

Somewhere in the back of your mind you might have a lingering feeling of guilt that you haven’t seen one of your good friends in too long. Take the time to plan your next outing together and get it on the calendar.

25. Text or call someone you miss

There’s a beautiful quote that says something like it’s a huge gift to miss someone you haven’t lost yet. Call or text someone you miss and let them know!

Spiritual

26. Nurture your spirituality

No matter your religion or spirituality, you know what works for you to connect with your higher power. Carve out some time to nurture this connection.

27. Go for a walk outdoors

Deepen your relationship with nature with some time outdoors. Whether it’s a walk in your local park, a hike in the mountains, or walking your dog, go outside and enjoy the small things that this earth has to offer.

28. Practice mindful breathing

Sometimes the best way to strengthen our spirituality is to connect with ourselves. Practice some mindful breathing and tune inward.

29. Listen to your favorite album

Okay, maybe this is a stretch but we’re not the first ones to call music a spiritual experience. Put on your favorite album and do your thing!

Did you find something you love on this list of self care sunday ideas? This list is just the beginning, the options are limitless.

The most important thing is to check in with yourself and make sure that your self care is serving YOU. We are all different and we find different things nourishing and rejuvenating.

Did we miss any self care Sunday ideas? Tell us in the comments below.

More ideas you’ll love:

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Posted By: Victoria · In: self-care