New Era of Me: Slowing Down On Sundays

It's important to find ways to slow down and recharge. For me, that means taking some time on Sundays to do things that nourish my mind, body, and soul. From making a big breakfast to spending time outside in nature, I make sure to fill my Sundays with self-care activities. Here's why slowing down on Sundays is so important for your wellbeing.

Table of Contents

    The idea of "new era of me" and slowing down on Sundays.

    Are you ready for a new era for me? With our hectic, multi-tasking lives, some are slowing down on Sundays to take care of themselves and their soul. This trend to take stock and recharge is becoming commonplace in the modern era. Not only is disconnecting from social media and daily stresses beneficial for mental well-being, but it also unlocks creativity and a newfound appreciation for the simple things such as going for a nature walk or reading a book without interruption! Do yourself a favor this coming Sunday— permit yourself to sit back, quit scrolling, and be present with what truly feeds your soul!

    Sundays are meant to be cherished, treasured, and spent around family and friends, making memories. A new era of “me-time” has been born that seeks to embrace that mentality with the idea of Slowing Down on Sundays.

    Re-centering our personal goals, visions, and life choices can allow us to reset and roar through the following week. People are now seeking ways to support others more sustainably within their lifestyles; this is why Slowing Down on Sundays was created. Allowing yourself to relax from the hustle and bustle of everyday life can light some spark in your passion for purposeful living. It's all about embracing this new era of “me-time” with a side of creativity. Take a step back from it by Slowing Down on Sundays, so your motivation comes from within!

    How this new me era has changed my perspective on slowing down

    Over the past few months, I've had a unique opportunity to take a step back and reflect on life. While I used to think slowing down was synonymous with stagnancy, the new me era has demonstrated something different entirely - that taking a break from my routine wasn't just permissible but desirable. Instead of coasting through life, focusing solely on production, I'm taking purposeful pauses and allowing myself to appreciate moments free of obligations and deadlines. It's an amazing feeling to take stock of what matters the most: spending time with loved ones, basking in nature's beauty or nurturing myself through wellness practices. This newfound appreciation for slowing down has opened up a world of possibilities and helped me deepen my connection with the present moment and all its gifts.

    What I do on a typical Sunday now

    I love slow mornings, to slowly wake up, ease into the day, and relish in the silence of the morning. On Sundays, I like to rise with the sun and start my day with genital movements, like a walk outside or the treadmill or yoga at home with ALO Moves or mat pilates. It helps me ease into the day and sets my intention for what I want to achieve in the week ahead. A big part of this is journaling. I personally love using the Notes to Mindfulness Journal and Productivity Planner from Intelligent Change.

    Afterward, I enjoy having brunch with friends or family and catching up on life or enjoying lunch alone at a favorite cafe, people-watching, and just being. I’ll often go for a walk through nature – nothing beats getting close to Mother Nature and soaking up its peacefulness. 

    When the night falls, o spend time reading a good book, watching a movie, or taking a long shower with aromatherapy, candles, and ambient music. This is how I usually spend my Sundays. Make your Sundays work for you. Self-care should be something that works for you and your life; removing things from your plate not adding to it.

    Tips for others who want to slow down and enjoy their Sundays

    Many of us must cram as much as possible into our weekends to make up for a lost time during the week. But what if we told you that slowing down on Sundays can benefit you? Taking it easy occasionally can do wonders for your mental and physical health.

    If you're looking for ways to slow down and enjoy your Sunday meaningfully, start by setting a sleep schedule. Make sure to hit the hay, wake up refreshed, and nourish yourself with a cup of tea or coffee to start the day in the best possible frame of mind. Get into the habit of dedicating some time to mindfulness: meditation, breathing exercises, or listening to peaceful music can help ground you for the week ahead. If you can, carve out an hour or two each Sunday for nature activities – take a relaxing walk in your local park, do some gardening in your backyard, or try Yoga outdoors. Finally, declutter your mind before turning off all electronics so you can savor every moment – journaling is a great option here! Bottom line? Sundays are meant for slowing down and cultivating inner peace – make it count!

    Wake up slowly and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in bed

    There's nothing quite like slowly waking up and reveling in a few blissful moments of just lying there in bed, sipping on a hot cup of coffee or tea. Catching those few moments in the morning to reflect and enjoy the warmth of your favorite beverage can be incredibly calming and set the tone for the rest of your day. Who said mornings had to be rushed, chaotic, and unpleasant? Take some time out of your morning routine to savor a cup of joe or tea – you won't regret it!

    Make a big breakfast to start the day off right

    Starting your day with a wholesome and hearty breakfast is one of the greatest rewards you can give yourself. Instead of settling for a quick grab n' go snack, why not take some time to make an amazing meal that will keep your energy level up all morning?

    As you prepare your ingredients and stir up a creative mix of proteins, fruits, and grains, the joy of cooking will start to warm the atmosphere and get your day off on the perfect note.

    Get creative - instead of snoozing or sleeping until late morning, wake up a little earlier if possible - to make the most of this special way to kick off each morning. With thoughtfully crafted meals full of flavor, color, and nutrients, you’ll be sure to start each day energized and excited to conquer whatever comes your way!

    Take a leisurely walk around the neighborhood or go for a run

    Taking a stroll around your neighborhood is ideal for getting some fresh air, enjoying the sunshine and views, and discovering what’s new in the area. You can window shop from afar or explore nearby parks, or hidden gems you never knew were there. If you’re feeling more ambitious, take a jog or light run around the block and invite your friends to join you for some much-needed exercise. In any case, getting outside and moving your body will revitalize your Soul!

    Spend time reading a book, magazine, or newspaper

    Reading an enlightening book, a thought-provoking magazine, or a newsy newspaper is an enjoyable way to pass the time and can prove surprisingly enriching. You never know what new knowledge you might discover in the pages of literature, current events, and the written word. This could be from a beloved novel that dives into unfamiliar worlds or poignant poetry that reveals something you hadn’t noticed before about life.

    Perhaps a magazine article will introduce you to new research in a field of study that captures your interest. Even Flipboard – a personalized platform for digital newspapers – can keep up with international issues. Reading from any medium is an opportunity to expand your perspective and better understand yourself and our communities. Plus, it can bring hours of reading pleasure for all ages! This year, I’m making it a point to utilize my Kindle Unlimited Membership to discover new books, and it’s been fun browsing through the library for my next book.

    Catch up with friends and family via phone, text, or social media

    Keeping up with our friends and family could not be easier these days! It's as simple as picking up the phone, sending a text, or hopping onto your favorite social media app. Whether you want to send a silly selfie, ask a serious question, or check in to see how they're doing, it's never been more convenient to connect with the people that matter most to us. Plus, mixed into all this is the bonus of getting updates every once in a while when something exciting happens – like when your best friend gets promoted or your cousin has their first baby! Staying in touch has never been this fun, easy or rewarding!

    Cook dinner using fresh ingredients from the farmer's market

    Cooking up a meal from fresh ingredients from the farmer’s market is an exciting experience and a satisfying one! From the vibrant hue of veggies to the tantalizing aroma of fruits, you can’t help but be moved by nature’s beauty. Be sure to select each ingredient thoughtfully, and watch as they come together into a dish that looks and tastes like none other—it's no small accomplishment. Plus, you'll be satisfied knowing your dinner was prepared with the finest ingredients around, all locally sourced within miles of your home. Who says homemade food has to be ordinary?

    Reflect on their own relationship with time

    Time is a precious commodity we don't fully understand until it slips away. Our daily lives can be filled with obligations and responsibilities that take up too much of our time. We need to step back and question our current relationship with time- are we spending it wisely? Are we giving enough attention to the people and things that matter? Engaging in self-reflection allows us to identify areas in which we can make changes so we can better use our time each day. Learning how to balance our needs with everything else this world demands of us will result in more productive days, accomplishments of goals, and ultimately - happiness.

    Thoughts on the importance of taking time for yourself

    Taking time for yourself is incredibly important for our well-being and emotional health. Self-care builds resilience, helps us process our emotions more effectively, and allows us to reset and recharge after periods of stress or intense emotion. It isn’t selfish to take time for yourself—it’s a vital part of taking care of your mental and physical health. Going on walks in nature, reading a book, talking with friends—whatever gives your soul its peace can help you become a happier version of yourself. Take the time to be still and exist every once in a while! You deserve it!

    Final Thoughts

    Slowing down on Sundays has allowed me to recognize and appreciate the importance of taking time for myself. We need those moments for relaxation, creativity, and inspiration in order to look at our lives from a different perspective when Monday morning comes around. Not just once a week, but being mindful of time throughout the week to maximize your output and ultimate success. Whether that means waking up early to read a book or working ahead so you can take an afternoon off with friends, it’s important to practice self-care. Reclaiming Sunday as a day of reflection, mindfulness, and unplugging can help us find harmony between life’s busy moments and slower times.  Ultimately, creating our own “new era of me” is what we need more of right now than ever before - and I hope this post inspires you to make your Sundays special!

    Valerie Alvarez

    Valerie Alvarez is the creator and voice behind WellnessBum.  Through her blog and social media influence, she shares bits and bites of food, clean beauty, mindfulness, sustainable living, and travel that are part of her everyday life. Although Valerie often dreams of faraway places, frolicking through cobblestone streets, she is thrilled to call beautiful San Francisco home.

    http://www.wellnessbum.com
    Previous
    Previous

    Everything You Want to Know About Pilates

    Next
    Next

    Sea Veggies & Smoked Salmon Gratitude Bowl