I write this laying in bed with a decaf mint medley tea, football on, and a nose peel on my face — could I be more glamorous! If you’re the type of person, like me, that thrives off R&R, take advantage of your Parasympathetic Sunday (Siff Haider coined this day). Sunday is an opportunity to refresh your mind and reset your body for the week ahead. Here are a few tips to have a productively refreshing Sunday:
- Wake up early. You probably were expecting me to tell you to sleep in. However, I think the opposite. Waking up early will make your day longer, giving you more time to check off your chores, get a workout in, and watch mindless TV.
- Go for a walk. A little exercise can give the brain and body just what it needs to re-energize.
- Eat a meal with your significant other, friends, or family. Whether connecting with friends at brunch or eating dinner with family, relationships are the backbone of good health.
- Complete simple tasks like laundry, dishes, meal prep, etc. You’ll feel better having them done before Monday rolls around. Which leads me to —
- Don’t let Monday sneak up on you. Sometimes the weekend gets away from us. However, try to stay ahead of Monday. Your future self will thank you.
- Do something for you. Whatever you love, do it! Sometimes treating yourself is medicine for the soul.
- Last but not least — go to bed early. I promise Monday will feel better and again your future self will thank you.
This list does not have to be specific to Sunday. Let these rules apply to your weekdays too. I’ll leave you with your Sunday mantra — “Resting is not a waste of time. It’s an investment in well-being. Relaxing is not a sign of laziness. It’s a source of energy. Breaks are not a distraction. They’re a chance to refocus attention. Play is not a frivolous activity. It’s a path to connection and creativity.” — Adam Grant, Author and Professor.
<3 Annie