Sunday Reset Routine: A Cozy Way to Prep for the Week

Got the Sunday Scaries? If you’ve had a long week, it’s Sunday evening and the thought of the upcoming week sends your stress levels soaring, you need a Sunday reset routine. This post is here to help.

A person in a brown sweater writes in a spiral notebook on a table with books, a cup of coffee, dried flowers, and a croissant.

Why I Started a Sunday Reset Routine

I’ve been there, so I really do understand. Friday evening comes and I’m all excited about the weekend! The past week disappears, but the work-related stress of the past week takes over on Saturday, so I spend most of the day scrolling social media.

Feelings of anxiety start to creep in, and instead of planning dinner, we order takeout. But taking the first step is always the hardest right? In the present moment, those feelings of anxiety are usually front and center.

That anxiety made me understand that I needed to change. By creating and then acting on (very important!) these manageable steps and achievable goals I began to see Sundays in a whole new light. What might sound like a ton of work to try and plan out the week required very little struggle.

The planning itself created a calmer, and much slower pace to the day, so that Sunday did become my “reset” day and I became much more relaxed.

Ready to start? Let’s get to it.

Step 1 – Set the Atmosphere

Take 10 minutes and do a quick tidy up. The object here isn’t to do a full spring cleaning. Set your timer on your phone and get to it. A tidy home sets the tone for a calm week.

Bright living room with large windows, modern furniture, indoor plants, a dining table, and a cozy seating area with rugs and decorative cushions. Sunlight streams in through the windows.

Now let’s reset the mood. Light your favourite candle, play some soothing, easy listening music, and soften the lighting. Feels good right?

A lit candle next to two pumpkins and berries on a wooden surface, with a rainy window in the background.

Step 2 – Reset Your Home

Now let’s do a quick zone cleaning – upstairs, main floor, bathrooms. Remember this will now be part of a weekly reset routine, so you can choose what items to do this week, and next week change it up.
Change up the beds, and add fresh towels to the bathrooms. Check the fridge for anything that’s expired or empty, and add the empties to your grocery list.
Now let’s do some cozy kitchen prep. What do I mean? Well this is a great time to whip up a batch of cookie dough and get it ready to freeze for baking later in the week. Need to do something with the veggies in your fridge? Find a yummy soup recipe and get cooking. Soups are a great meal that can be made ahead of time, and popped into the freezer to enjoy later.

Step 3 – Reset Your Mind

Set aside time to tune into your inner world. Try journaling, guided meditation, gentle yoga, or any self-soothing ritual that helps you reset. These mindful moments can realign your thoughts and emotions, giving you a fresh perspective for the week ahead.

Simple journaling could just be noting what you are grateful for today. My favorite method is to write Morning Pages – three full pages of anything and everything that comes from your mind. I like to think of it as writing meditation.

Person in a knitted sweater reading a book on a dark surface, next to a handmade mug of coffee, candles, and cozy decor items.

Pick 3 intentions for the week Maybe sleep in just a bit longer. Savor your coffee or tea in bed, or take a long, warm bubble bath.
Spend a little quiet time dreaming and goal-setting. Jot down a few personal and professional goals, then break them into micro-steps you can start on Monday. Remember: small, consistent action is what sparks real change. Start now, and let Sunday be the launchpad.

Step 4 – Reset Your Meals

Choose your favourite cozy dish and prep it so that it’s all ready for Monday. Have you tried my version of Chicken Pot Pie? So easy and absolutely delicious.
Bake some of those cookies that you prepped in Step 2: Reset Your Home. There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked cookies on a Sunday afternoon!
Think about what other easy freezer-friendly recipes you could make for the week ahead. Muffins are a great choice, because 1. they’re easy to make and 2. they freeze so well. Our Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Muffins and Low Carb Blueberry Muffins are so good.

Two people wearing aprons chop fresh vegetables on a kitchen counter, preparing ingredients and placing them into a glass baking dish.

Final Thoughts

It’s not about doing it all. That’s how we get overwhelmed right? Once you’ve had a chance, pick a few of these ideas and tips that you could easily fit into your Sunday. And then perhaps next Sunday, add a few more.

Just one cozy Sunday at a time. That’s my wish for you.

Do you have a Sunday ritual you love? Share it in the comments or tag me on Instagram @pieladybakes!

Judy Kahansky

Judy Kahansky is an experienced writer and baker, creating delicious desserts (including pie!) for over 40 years. She loves to take classic and vintage recipes and update them to fit the busy lives of her readers. When not baking, Judy and her husband Mark are passionate golfers, enjoy the simple life, and are travelers and dog lovers, spending as much time as they can with their sweet pup Ruby.