![fashion love people woman](https://i0.wp.com/feelgoodesprit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pexels-photo-7219901.jpeg?fit=868%2C579&ssl=1)
So here’s the thing about a sunday routine. I’m a planner in all aspects of my life whether that’s planning a holiday (love that even when I’m not even intending on going away), planning a meal or planning a work project. Yet, when it comes to planning the household, I’m a work in progress.
I don’t think I’ve ever mastered it. I’m not one for a Sunday to do list. I’ve never been great at batch cooking and I’m not a fan of ironing. However, becoming a mama has meant reviewing my sunday routine to make sure that we’re off to a flying start rather than an unsatisfying sparkler that fizzles within 3 seconds of lighting it.
So here are 7 things to inject into your sunday routine to ensure you are off to an explosive start!
1. Meal prep – whether that’s simply thinking ahead or batch cooking
![person pouring salt in bowl](https://i0.wp.com/feelgoodesprit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pexels-photo-1109197.jpeg?resize=366%2C549&ssl=1)
One thing to put on that Sunday to-do list is to write a list (whether that’s on your phone or a notebook) of the meals you plan to have. I’ve tried this in various formats – apps, my notes on my phone, a google docs – and right now the only thing that works is the genius whiteboard my husband installed in our kitchen.
I write down what I think we can make as meals so that I can align my shopping list to ensure we actually have the items in house. It’s also one less thing to think about – win, win. Typically what then happens is I batch as I go. For example, when I make that spaghetti bolognese, I make enough to then freeze.
As a mum, and with a toddler it’s a lot easier as she can eat pretty much what we have so I can batch for her too. I always try to have a few back ups in the freezer if it’s been a tough day at the office and I need to make a quicker meal than planned.
2. Reset, relax and rest – it’s great to have a busy weekend but rest doesn’t mean always doing nothing
![turned on flat screen smart television ahead](https://i0.wp.com/feelgoodesprit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pexels-photo-1444416.jpeg?resize=577%2C384&ssl=1)
It can get very busy as a mum. You are the bottom of your to do list, so making time for you is important. You can read more about the different ways to incorporate self-care into your routine by reading How to make self-care a priority as a new parent.
The key takeaway is that even when you are going 100 miles per hour, find time to reset and relax. Examples of this can be:
- Cook sunday dinner with your favourite music on and have a little dance off in the kitchen – you v you
- Go up to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual and read something that makes you laugh
- Jump on that sofa or bed and tune into your favourite Netflix show. These are the ones that kept me going through breastfeeding last year 5 Netflix shows to binge when cluster feeding
- Take a stroll around your nearest park to unwind and decompress (you can do this with toddler in tow)
3. Habit stack and habit stack some more
![green white philips iron](https://i0.wp.com/feelgoodesprit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ironing-iron-press-clothing-53422.jpeg?resize=475%2C316&ssl=1)
I came across this idea of habit stacking in James Clear’s book Atomic Habits. I’m still dipping in and out, but seriously I’d recommend it now.
One thing that stuck with me and I apply is this idea of habit stacking. We need to make things as easy as possible for ourselves to carry out a task.
You have to treat yourself like a child. Reward yourself for that great bit of washing up you’ve done (as long as that doesn’t equal unhealthy habits like a chocolate bar 🙂 )
Essentially a habit stack is tying something you don’t like doing with something you do.
For example, I really don’t enjoy ironing but I do love listening to podcasts. I now look forward to ironing as it’s an hour I can listen to my favourite podcast.
It’s that easy, so are there things you don’t like to do on your Sunday? Try incorporating something you do while doing it.
4. Set an intention
![two brown pencils](https://i0.wp.com/feelgoodesprit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pexels-photo-1764436.jpeg?resize=347%2C463&ssl=1)
We all know that we can’t see progress if we’re not benchmarking it against anything. One simple way to know you’re having a brilliant week is setting that intention.
This week will be a great week because I will be able to/will have been able to…. [FILL IN THE BLANK]
In addition, if you’re in a relationship why not have weekly meetings where you talk about what your plans are for the week ahead. For example, you can discuss who will be getting in contact with the mechanic about the car or who will do the food shop etc. It saves all the back and forth but also keeps momentum on things where there just isn’t time to speak about them during the week.
I love this part of my Sunday as I come away feeling pumped and focused on what needs to get done. Don’t forget it’s not all task driven, it can even be wellbeing related such as you carving out a night where you plan to have a bubble bath, and letting your partner know in advance so he can tend to the kids.
5. Put your clothes out/items out for the next day
![shirts on hanger](https://i0.wp.com/feelgoodesprit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pexels-photo-10131161.jpeg?resize=361%2C541&ssl=1)
It’s another one that features in Atomic Habits but one that really does work wonders for someone like me. That is someone who finds it far too frantic to figure it all out the morning of and often more than not, will inevitably forget something behind. If this sounds like you to then this simple approach to your Sunday routine will work wonders.
Think about the next morning and what that typically looks like. What can you do now to save yourself the headache of decision making/prepping the morning itself? Here’s a few things I try to do:
- Put out my clothes and my toddler’s clothes in advance. This helps speed things up around what on earth to wear and allows me to focus on other things.
- Sort out my toddler’s nursery bag and any other items that need to be taken in and pop it on the mat by the front door. This not only makes it quicker, but it’s right at the point of leaving so can’t forget her nursery bag that morning!
6. Do a spot of deeper cleaning where you can
![brown wooden floor](https://i0.wp.com/feelgoodesprit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cleaning-washing-cleanup-the-ilo-48889.jpeg?resize=457%2C304&ssl=1)
The week can get away from you and so Sundays are great for some deeper cleaning. I really enjoy tidying up a space and moving things around so it feels fresh. That said, it can be overwhelming to do it all. As part of your Sunday routine, try to pick a section of your home to focus on. For example, this Sunday it could be about the Kitchen and finally cleaning those cupboards out or next Sunday, perhaps it’s a deep clean of the bathrooms. Either way, you’ll find major satisfaction cleaning those spaces and getting to enjoy them over the week.
7. Create an atmosphere to feel pumped for the week ahead
![black books and burning candle on bed](https://i0.wp.com/feelgoodesprit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/pexels-photo-11563557.jpeg?resize=396%2C594&ssl=1)
It’s true that your environment plays a major factor in how you feel. So when it comes your sunday routine, it’s important to create the feeling of relaxation or energy when you need to. Think about what it is you need and then implement those small moments to get off to a good start. Examples include:
- I need a restful night, so I will light a candle in my room ahead of going up to bed so it’s smelling delightful and I can feel so rested.
- I want to feel energised, so I will carve out a moment for some high intensity cardio (15 minutes is great and I really enjoy post partum pregnancy tv for those short routines).
- I would love a spot of indulgence, so I will eat my favourite cake in the garden after dinner or have a long bubble bath with a glass of bubbly.
What is part of your Sunday routine? Can you incorporate any of these?