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Because sometimes the most productive thing you can do is nothing—but make it cute.
There’s a quiet kind of magic to Sundays. The group chats slow down, the emails stop yelling, and the world gives you just enough space to exhale.
But rest doesn’t always mean total stillness!
Sometimes it means intentionally doing—small, soothing acts that refill your cup before the week ahead tries to tip it over.
Self-care has become a bit of a catch-all term (and, let’s be honest, a marketing goldmine), but at its core, it’s deeply personal.
It’s not always a £300 serum or a silent retreat—it’s what brings you back to yourself. And on Sundays? That kind of care just hits differently.
Whether you’re in need of a full reset or just want to romanticise your routine, here are 30 ideas for turning your Sunday into something soft, fun, and completely yours.
Let’s get into it!
But First, Why Is Sunday Perfect For Self-Care?
Sundays are inherently special. They are often quieter and less hectic compared to other days.
Think about it: most people use Saturdays to run errands, attend events, or go out. But Sunday? It’s the calm after the storm.
It’s the day when the world seems to slow down a bit, making it an ideal time for self-care.
Plus, setting aside time on Sunday to pamper yourself and unwind can help you tackle the upcoming week with renewed energy and a positive mindset.
The Science Behind Self-Care
Research has shown that self-care is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, engaging in regular self-care activities can significantly reduce stress and improve mental health.
Another study from the American Psychological Association highlights that taking time to relax and recharge can enhance productivity and creativity.
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The Sunday Scaries
Before we jump into our list, let’s address the “Sunday Scaries” in a bit more depth! 😓
This term refers to the anxiety and dread that many people feel on Sunday evenings, thinking about the upcoming week.
It’s a real phenomenon, and you’re not alone if you experience it. According to a study by LinkedIn, 80% of professionals report having these Sunday night anxieties.
It also identifies that one of the ways to combat Sunday Scaries is ‘self-care’.
Although this term largely remains “broad and undefined” by mental health professionals, another survey by LinkedIn revealed that professionals have: sleeping, healthy eating, exercising, time with family and friends, learning, and self-improvement listed on their Sunday self-care routine checklist (just a few of the things I happen to have on this list 😁).
So, by incorporating some intentional self-care activities into your Sunday routine, you can beat the Sunday Scaries and start your week off right.
Here they are…
30 Fun Ideas For Self-Care Sundays
1. Make a morning playlist
Not for productivity. Not to “seize the day.” Just a soundtrack that feels like you. Maybe it’s sleepy French jazz, maybe it’s 2010 indie sleaze—whatever makes your slow morning feel a little more cinematic. Then hit play before you even get out of bed.
2. Try a “hair mask and housework” hour
Deep conditioning while you sort your laundry or wipe down the sink somehow makes the chores feel less… like chores. Pop on a robe, pull your hair up in a claw clip, and suddenly you’re multitasking in the most luxurious way.
RELATED: Try This Easy Coconut Oil Hair Mask For Damaged Hair
3. Bake something from scratch (or semi-scratch)
There’s something soul-settling about whisking eggs, watching butter melt, and smelling something warm fill your space. It doesn’t need to be perfect or Pinterest-ready—just good enough to eat off the cooling rack.
4. Rewatch a comfort show
Some Sundays call for plotlines you already know by heart. Whether it’s Lorelai Gilmore’s coffee rants or Seth Cohen’s hoodie rotation, these familiar stories feel like a warm blanket for your brain.
5. Romanticise your to-do list
Take five minutes to rewrite your list—not in all caps, but in soft cursive or with colour-coded highlights. Add gentle tasks like “go for a walk” or “wash hair with the fancy shampoo.” It’s still a to-do list, but one you might actually enjoy completing.
6. Get ready for no reason
Put on an outfit that makes you feel beautiful, even if you’re not going further than your couch. A crisp button-down, a little highlighter, perfume spritzed behind your ears—it’s a reminder that you don’t need plans to show up for yourself.
7. Do your skincare slowly
No rushed slaps of moisturiser here. Light a candle, warm your hands, and apply each step with intention. Think of it as face yoga, but prettier.
8. Rearrange one tiny corner of your space
You don’t need to Marie Kondo your entire apartment. Just switch out a stack of books, restyle your bedside table, or add a little vase with something green. Small refresh, big shift.
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9. Delete 500+ screenshots from your camera roll
Scrolling through your photos shouldn’t feel like digital chaos. Clear out the memes, menus, and mystery screenshots. You’ll feel 10 pounds lighter (emotionally, at least).
10. Try a Sunday-only signature nail colour
Create a ritual around painting your nails the same soft, signature shade every Sunday. Butter yellow? Muted coral? Choose one that makes your hands feel elegant even when holding a mug or typing out yet another email.
11. Unfollow people who make you feel bad
It doesn’t have to be dramatic. Just… gentle editing. Curate your feed the way you curate your wardrobe: things that fit, feel good, and align with where you’re headed.
12. Start a Sunday notes app ritual
Every Sunday, take five minutes to jot down a thought, a feeling, or a tiny win. Keep it in one note and watch it grow—like a digital version of checking in with yourself.
13. Air dry your sheets in the sun
If you can, give your bedding a moment of sunshine. If not, toss in a linen spray or fresh dryer sheet that makes you feel like you’re sleeping in a boutique hotel. Simple, sensual luxury.
14. Do a full-body stretch with dramatic music
Put on a track that swells and swoons—something cinematic. Then stretch like you’re in a moody coming-of-age film. Zero fitness pressure. Just movement for the sake of feeling in your body.
15. Light the fancy candle
Stop saving it. There’s no award for rationing beautiful things. Let the good scent fill the room and remind you that everyday moments are worth elevating.
16. Start a “Sunday dinner” ritual—even if it’s solo
Roast something. Pour a glass of wine or sparkling water. Put on a playlist and let dinner feel less like a chore and more like a celebration of getting through the week.
17. Make a vision board you’ll actually want to look at
Skip the corporate hustle quotes. Focus on what feels good—textures, colours, spaces, moments. Use Pinterest, a bulletin board, or a sketchbook. Keep it somewhere that makes you smile every time you pass it.
RELATED: How To Create A Self-Care Vision Board: Your Ultimate Guide To Wellness
18. Lay down with an eye mask and a weighted blanket
Close your eyes. You don’t have to sleep. Just 15 minutes of full-body rest can reset your entire mood. Add calming sounds if silence feels too loud.
19. Write a letter you’ll never send
To an old friend, an ex, your future self. Say everything. No one will read it, and that’s the point. It’s emotional decluttering at its finest.
20. Make a new drink ritual
A calming tea, a coconut water mocktail, or something sparkly in a coupe glass. The drink doesn’t matter as much as the ceremony of making it feel special.
21. Go for a “cute walk”
Not a sweaty, audiobook hustle. A slow, meandering walk in sunglasses and your favourite coat. Maybe with a little mascara. Maybe with a croissant at the end.
22. Listen to a podcast that feeds your brain gently
Nothing too high-stakes. Just something warm and interesting—like a friend talking about something they love. Bonus points if it makes you smile unexpectedly.
23. Set a tiny boundary for the week ahead
One simple rule to protect your peace. Maybe it’s muting work notifications after dinner. Maybe it’s not answering texts right away. Boundaries are a form of kindness to you and everyone around you.
RELATED: How To Set Healthy Boundaries With Friends Without Being Rude
24. Organise your makeup bag
Toss out anything expired or crusty. Wipe things down. Rediscover a lipstick you forgot you loved. It’s less about perfection, more about honouring what you use to feel good.
25. Have a screen-free bath
No scrolling, no catching up on texts. Just warm water, bubbles or salts, and the kind of stillness that invites your brain to soften. Add a paperback or a playlist if you need gentle company.
26. Do something crafty with no pressure to be good at it
Paint. Stitch. Press flowers between book pages. You’re not making content. You’re making space for your creativity to breathe.
27. Watch the sunset—actually watch it
Put your phone down. Let yourself feel romantic about the sky. It’s a free, daily show that reminds you everything’s still turning, even if your to-do list isn’t done.
28. Try a sleep-enhancing beauty ritual
Overnight hair oil, a silk pillowcase, or dabbing lavender balm on your temples. Think of it as setting the mood—for rest, for dreams, for letting go.
29. Make a Monday outfit that feels like armour
Something that fits beautifully, feels easy, and gives you that quiet confidence. Lay it out, down to the jewellery. Set the tone before Monday even begins.
30. Forgive yourself for anything you didn’t get to
You are not a productivity robot. You are a human being. You get to rest, reset, and try again next week—without guilt.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it—30 fun ideas for self-care Sundays that are sure to leave you feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to tackle the week ahead.
Remember, self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas, or use them as inspiration to create your own perfect self-care Sunday routine.