For the longest time, the running joke at the start of my work week was “Monday mornings suck.” And they really did. I’d wake up tired, unmotivated, and completely unprepared to tackle anything productive. It used to take me all of Monday just to get my mood up, which, looking back, was such an incredible waste of time.
Don't be like the old me. Instead, learn to see Mondays for what they are: a fresh week full of opportunities to do more of what you love. It wasn’t until I started a Sunday Reset that I finally learned the secret to a successful week.
What Even Is a Sunday Reset?
I’m no stranger to TikToks and Reels where someone films a vibey montage of cleaning, skin care, and lighting candles… all under the label of a “Sunday Reset.” I watched those on loop, equal parts curious and nosy, but never really understood the true value behind it all.
Eventually, it clicked. These people weren’t just making aesthetic content. They were setting themselves up for the week ahead in a way that actually felt good (or at least, portraying that idea). So, I started creating my own version of a Sunday Reset, one that was actually manageable and guaranteed a great Monday. And it all comes down to a simple plan.
My Sunday Reset Routine
I'm a huge fan of planning, especially when it’s visual, whether on paper or in a digital planner. Time blocking all the activities you want to do is a lifesaver for not underestimating how much time and effort certain things take. My one rule? Always plan for longer than you think you need - you’re not a robot, you need breaks and you should take them.
You don't need to dedicate your entire Sunday to your reset. The key is to choose the right amount of time to do the things you need to have a great start to the week. Here’s what my Sundays usually look like, starting from the afternoon.
🥦 3:00 PM – Meal Prep
Why did I only start doing this this year?! Meal prepping has saved me so much time and mental energy. Knowing dinner’s handled means fewer decisions, less stress, and more time during the week for things I actually enjoy.
🍽️ 6:00 PM – Dinner Time
I sit down and enjoy the food I just made. No rushing, no deadlines. Just a quiet dinner, soaking in the calm of a slow Sunday evening.
🧽 7:00 PM – Kitchen Cleanup
Batch cooking = a chaotic kitchen. So I schedule cleanup time. No illusions here, cleaning doesn’t magically happen on its own. I also use this moment to switch out kitchen towels (because otherwise I forget every time).
🚿 7:30 PM – The Big Shower
It’s not always a 90-minute beauty marathon, but when I do take the time: chefs kiss. Clean hair and post-shower pampering before bed? Unmatched.
🗓️ 9:00 PM – Rough Weekly Plan
A quick calendar check helps me avoid the dreaded “Wait, I have a what tomorrow?!” panic. I review any appointments and sketch out my week. This small step has eliminated so much last-minute anxiety.
🌿 9:30 PM – Water the Plants
They used to be forgotten soldiers. Now, they’re part of the ritual. A quick watering session, and they’re happy again.
📵 10:00 PM – Wind Down
I either scroll a bit (I know, not ideal before bed, but it doesn’t affect my sleep) or read. Either way, my brain is off-duty. The week is prepped. My space is calm. No loose ends. Just me, winding down with peace of mind and a good night’s sleep ahead.
This routine sets me up for a solid eight hours of sleep, and the pattern has become almost automatic. You might notice there's no major cleaning or laundry on my list, and that’s because I handle those things during the week. Of course, not every Sunday is perfect, but when I stick to this routine, I consistently have a great start to the week.
Your reset doesn’t need to mirror mine. The goal is to set up a version that works for you. Not one that just looks nice on video, but one that addresses your priorities, clears your mind and gives you a sense of control.
The Sunday Reset has real value, so use it to clear your mind and start the new week on the right foot. Soon enough, Mondays will become your new best friend, and Garfield won’t know what to say anymore.
Until next time, take care.
~Raluca
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