The Sunday Reset Checklist: Easy Rituals To Start The Week Fresh

Sunday has a way of sneaking up, doesn’t it? One minute, it’s Saturday night, and the next, it’s time to think about Monday again. 

But here’s the thing: Sundays don’t have to be all about dread. In fact, with just a few simple rituals, they can feel like a soft landing and a gentle push into the week ahead. You don’t need a perfect routine. Just a few low-pressure habits that make you feel more grounded and less scattered.

Let’s talk about the small things that make a big difference.

1. Clear up the clutter around you

Let’s be honest—when your space is messy, it’s hard to feel settled. So, start small. Pick one or two areas that always seem to collect junk. Maybe your bedside table, bathroom counter, or that kitchen chair you treat like a closet.

No need for a full spring clean. Just 10–15 minutes can help clear your head. Wipe the surfaces, fold the throw blanket, and put things back where they belong. Light a candle or open a window while you do it. That little bit of order? It makes the rest of the evening feel better.

2. Refresh your hair and skin

If there’s ever a good time to reset your self-care, it’s Sunday. You’ve got a little space to breathe, so use it to give yourself a mini spa moment.

A great way to start is with your hair. If it’s feeling dry, flat, or just needs love, a deep-conditioning mask works wonders. Popular stores like hairbb.com offer many restorative treatments people often swear by to get their hair back in shape after a long week. Add a scalp massage while you’re at it—it’s easy and calming.

While that sets in, slap on a face mask or do a quick exfoliating scrub. You’ll feel fresher by the time the water runs clear.

3. Set a few intentions for the week

This isn’t about productivity hacks or color-coded planners. It’s just taking a beat to think: What do you want this week to feel like?

Open your notes app or grab a notebook. Pick three simple things. Maybe one’s about work, one’s about health, and the last is something just for you. Think small—drink more water, take one walk, call a friend. It helps you walk into Monday with purpose, not panic.

4. Light meal prep (or just a loose plan)

Let’s be real—no one’s expecting you to prep an entire week of meals unless you want to. But a little bit of planning? That can take the edge off.

Maybe it’s chopping a few veggies, washing fruit, or prepping a quick breakfast for Monday. Or even just writing down three meal ideas so you’re not staring into the fridge at 7 p.m., wondering what happened to your energy.

These small steps go a long way when you’re tired midweek.

5. Do a quick digital reset

Digital clutter can feel just as heavy as a messy room. Take a few minutes to sort through your phone. Clear out those old screenshots. Delete a few apps. Tidy your home screen if it’s been chaotic for a while.

Then, this part really helps—put your phone on silent or “Do Not Disturb” for a bit. Even just an hour. Let your brain rest from the scrolling and buzzing. It’s quieter in there than you think.

6. Make time for something fun

The fun doesn’t have to be fancy. Just find something that makes you smile and carve out a bit of space for it.

Read a few chapters. Bake something sweet. Water your plants. Put on music and stretch. Watch that show you’ve been saving. It doesn’t matter what it is—what is important is that it feels like a little win.

And no, it doesn’t have to be productive. In fact, it’s better when it’s not.

7. Ease into sleep

If you do nothing else on this list, try this one.

Sunday sleep hits differently when you set yourself up for it. Turn off bright lights. Put away screens. Slip into soft loungewear. Maybe sip some tea or warm milk. Create a little wind-down routine that tells your brain, “Hey, you’re done for the day.”

Good sleep makes Monday less rough. It gives your body and mind a real chance to start fresh.

Are you ready for the week?

You don’t need to follow every step. You don’t need a perfect reset. But picking one or two of these habits can help you feel more in control. More relaxed. A little less tangled up in the chaos that Monday often brings.

So take what works, leave what doesn’t, and ask yourself—What’s one small reset you can give yourself this Sunday?

Top photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash