This image is in fact of my cat doing her Sunday reset routine. Where she lays down and does nothing for hours just like every other day.

Happy Easter for those of you that celebrate! He is Risen!

You know what else today is though? Sunday. That means Sunday Scaries are upon us for those of us that have to go back to work tomorrow. Here’s how to wind down and set up the next week for success!

• Reflect
• Reset your space
• Plan your week
• Prep for tomorrow
• Winddown
• Create a ritual
• Customize for success

First, take a second to reflect. What went well? What didn’t go so well? Did anything stick out to you that made your week harder or easier? I know I do so much better in the mornings when my lunch is already packed and my gym bag is ready to go. Otherwise, I’ll be running late and frazzled when my lunch isn’t packed, I didn’t take my meds, my cat is demanding pets by screaming at 6:40 in the morning, and a partridge in a pear tree. I would even suggest tracking it in a journal to discover your habits, patterns and how to have a better approach if you feel so inclined.

Second, reset your space. Make your bed, do your laundry, iron your clothes for the work week ahead, and vacuum your bathroom when your cat insists on flinging litter everywhere but in the box. This is not directed at my cat, Lilly, if anyone asks. Come up with a couple things that work for you like surface cleans, tidying up the floor space, putting away toys from your kids playtime, etc. Having everything cleaned up and organized will help your mind subconsciously take a deep breath. Destress your mind one step at a time.

Third, plan your week out. Mark down your appointments, meetups with friends, any bills that are due, and so on. Write down your biggest 3 priorities of the week. Maybe it’s to hit the gym twice or nail that big presentation at work. Review throughout the week to remind yourself what you wanted to accomplish and reassess. IMPORTANT: Schedule some time every day that is just yours and not subject to change. Even if it’s just ten measly minutes. Read your book, read a magazine, watch your favorite tv show. Just spend that time the way you want to. Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your family and work commitments.

Next, plan for tomorrow. Pack your work bag, pack your breakfast/lunch so it’s grab and go. Maybe even lay out your clothes for the next day. Eliminating little choices in the morning can make your day much smoother from the start.

Finally, make it a point down to wind down screen free after about 8 p.m. Give your eyes and mind a break before the next week starts up. Read your book, take an extra long shower or even play a board game with your family. Just a little time before bed screen free will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep.

Some Final Tips:

Consider creating a ritual to help you wind down. I often like to brew a cup of tea and read my book on Sunday evenings. I have to hit that 25 books in 2025 somehow! Try doing a face mask or a sudoku puzzle. Anything that helps let your brain know it’s time to slow down and get ready for the next week.

Customize For Success! Include things that are actually helpful to you. If you don’t want to journal, then by all means don’t. Be realistic about it. I’ve lost track of how many times I thought I would totally turn my life around if I just bought this one notebook I didn’t have. Honest. That’ll be the one. *eye roll* Try out things you think will actually be helpful and save you some time and stress. Like packing a lunch the night before. Use a checklist that’s reusable and break up these things throughout the day. It’s supposed to be helpful and make your week easier, not stress you out or make you feel compelled to be a certain way. It doesn’t need to be some Pinterest worthy aesthetic routine or whatnot. Just whatever works for you. Let me know what types of things help you relax on Sunday and keep your next week a little smoother in the comments below! I’m always looking for new tips! Until next time, the mayor of yap city, signing off.