Sundays are supposed to be for rest, but mine felt like a slow-motion meltdown. I’d wake up late, scroll through my phone for way too long, and boom, it was 6 p.m., with a sink full of dishes, zero groceries, and that creeping Monday anxiety sinking in. I knew it was time for a Sunday reset checklist.
Laundry is still in the basket. Meals? Just some instant noodles. My planner? Who knows where it even was? I’d go to bed angry with myself, promising that next weekend I’d do things differently.
It took me too many chaotic Mondays for me to finally realize something had to change. I didn’t need a perfect aesthetic routine, I just needed a Sunday reset checklist that made life easier. Something that would help me feel refreshed.
That’s when I started building my Sunday reset checklist. Nothing overwhelming, just a few small things I could do each week to feel more in control and calmer.
If you’re wondering what a Sunday reset is, or looking for a doable Sunday reset routine that works in real life, you’re in the right place.
I’m breaking down the exact Sunday reset checklist that saved my sanity and how you can create your version, too.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through one of my links.
Clear Your Space, Clear Your Head
Let’s be honest, walking into a messy space on Monday morning can cause stress. I used to ignore the clutter and tell myself I’d deal with it “sometime during the week,” which I never did.
Now, part of my Sunday reset checklist includes a quick 30-minute tidy-up. I’m not talking deep cleaning. Just the basics:
- Clear off surfaces like your kitchen counter or desk
- Do a speed vacuum or sweep
- Toss or put away clutter (I use this laundry basket to gather it all fast)
- Run the dishwasher or clean out the sink
- Light a candle or open a window for fresh air- check out this amazing scented candle
Reset Your Mind (Brain Dump + Journal)
My brain gets just as cluttered as my house. Thoughts flying everywhere, reminders, worries, random grocery items.
Every Sunday, I take 10–15 minutes for a brain dump. I write down everything that’s swirling in my head: to-dos, random ideas, things I’ve been avoiding. No judgment, no organizing, just empty the mental junk drawer.
Then, I pick one or two Sunday journal prompts that help me reflect and get focused:
- What felt hard this week, and what helped?
- What do I want more of this coming week?
- What can I let go of?
RELATED POST: 100 Powerful Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts
Prep Your Meals
I used to dread figuring out meals for the week. So many tabs open, so little time. But planning just a few basics has changed everything.
Here’s how I do it now:
- I jot down 3–4 dinner ideas based on what’s already in my kitchen
- I pick 1–2 lunch options I can prep ahead (salads, wraps, pasta bowls)
- I check my schedule to match meals to busy or slow days
- I write a short grocery list and shop if I need to
Even if I don’t prep every meal, just having a loose plan saves me from decision fatigue during the week.
| Meal Idea | Ingredients Needed | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken stir-fry | Chicken, broccoli, soy sauce | 15 min |
| Pasta salad | Pasta, tomatoes, olives | 20 min |
Reset Your Calendar and To-Do List
I normally would spend Sunday nights thinking about everything I hadn’t done and all the things waiting for me in the week ahead. The anxiety would creep in just as I was supposed to be winding down.
That changed when I started sitting down with my planner on Sunday evenings. Nothing fancy, just 15 minutes with a cup of tea, my calendar, and a little music in the background. It’s now one of the most calming parts of my Sunday reset.
Here’s what works for me
- I open my planner or digital calendar and scan the upcoming week
- I plug in any appointments, work blocks, errands, or social plans
- I schedule in non-negotiables like workouts, grocery runs, or meal prep, even if I end up moving them
- I choose my top 3 priorities for the week. This could be a deadline, a goal, or something personal like “cook at home 3 times.”
- Then, I take a quick look at the following week, just to avoid surprises
Sometimes I add sticky notes for anything that doesn’t have a specific day yet. Other times, I use color-coding to see work, personal, and self-care blocks at a glance.
This isn’t about packing every second with productivity. It’s about giving your brain a map so Monday doesn’t feel like a maze.
Reset Your Body (Gentle Self-Care)
I used to try to “cram in” self-care on Sundays. Long bath, intense workout, face mask, full skincare routine, then wonder why I still felt drained.
Now, I pick one or two things that help me feel calm and rested:
- A long shower with your favorite body wash
- Doing your skincare with no rush
- A light stretch or walk
- Drinking herbal tea before bed
- Going to sleep 30 minutes earlier
These small acts of care set the tone for the whole week. It’s not about doing everything, it’s about choosing what refills your cup.
RELATED POST: How to Practice Self-Love: Boost Confidence and Well-Being with Simple Self-Care Exercises
Your Sunday Reset Checklist
Here’s a simple Sunday reset checklist to save. You can tweak it based on your routines!
- 30-minute home tidy-up
- Quick brain dump + journal prompt
- Plan 3–4 meals and make a grocery list
- Review calendar and top 3 priorities
- Choose 1–2 self-care activities
- Prep anything that makes Monday easier (clothes, lunch, etc.)
Permit Yourself to Start Small
You don’t need to do everything on this list every single Sunday. Seriously. Some weekends, you’ll do the full reset and feel so good. Other times, you’ll just manage to wash your sheets and order groceries, and that’s enough, dear.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating little rhythms that make life smoother. The more you practice your own Sunday reset routine, the more natural it will feel.
So if you’re waking up on Mondays feeling scattered and tired, maybe it’s time to reset your Sundays, not just your to-do list. Start with one thing this week. Then build on it. You deserve a week that begins with peace, not pressure.
Want to feel more grounded next week? Try just one idea from this post and see how it shifts your energy. Then come back and tell me what worked for you.
