The Essential Self-Care Sunday Checklist For A Glowing Aura

Nurture your soul, glow from within.

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This post features wellness ideas for a self-care Sunday routine.

Collage of a self-care Sunday moment: wearing gold eye masks, a cup of matcha, a sunset, flowers, books, and light through a window.

To me, self-care Sunday isn’t just a relaxing ritual — it’s a necessary reset that sets the tone for a positive, intentional week ahead.

For years, I spent my weekends playing catch-up on work, taking advantage of the rare quiet moments without emails, calls, or meetings. It became my focused time to get in the zone. And while I still carve out a little space for that, I’ve learned to treasure Sundays. They’ve become an opportunity to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with myself before the week begins.

Recently, I’ve made it a personal goal to follow a self-care Sunday routine. Because when we’re our best selves, we can be better company to others.

A friend of mine recently complimented my aura, and I thought that was the nicest thing ever. An aura is invisible yet visible at the same time. It’s in the energy someone gives off and how they carry themselves. When you’re in a state of calm or happiness, your inner radiance shines outward. I’m still learning how to nurture mine, and find that sometimes the simple things like a good self care routine works wonders.

Wearing a robe holding a beauty product with text overlay that reads 'Self-Care Sunday'.
Sunday rituals.

In this post, you’ll find revitalizing self-care Sunday ideas and the best ways to transform any ordinary day into one full of peace and purpose. This is the to-do list you’ll want to follow, not only to beat the Sunday scaries but to feel grounded and prepared for the busy week ahead.

The most important thing is to do what feels good for you and to make it a regular practice. 

The Most Relaxing Self-Care Sunday Checklist

Sunset photo with text overlay with a self-care Sunday checklist of calming and nourishing ideas.
A slow Sunday things to do list.
Vision board featuring cutouts of calming images, including nature, skincare, and soothing lavender colors.
Manifesting calm and clarity.

Self-Care Sunday Ideas

1. Calm Your Mind

The first step to truly relax is calming your mind. Take some time to practice mindfulness through simple ways, like meditation, journaling, or better yet, both!

When it comes to meditation, I can’t stop talking about the Calm app. I find it much easier to follow a guided meditation, and this app has a wide variety to choose from, including both short and long sessions with different speakers. Weaving this into my daily routine gives me a fresh start to the day (try Calm free for 30 days here.)

As for journaling, I like freestyle writing the most. It’s the art of jotting down anything and everything that comes to mind without worrying about grammar or if your words even make sense. The point is to untangle your thoughts and let your mind run free. You can even create a vision board while you’re at it. Trust me, you’ll always feel better after a journaling session!

If you find it easier to journal with prompts, I recommend the The Five Minute Journal which is meant to take, yes, about five minutes to complete every morning and night. Each page features the same questions that ask you what you are grateful for. The key here is to be specific, since this will help you truly feel grateful for what you’ve written down.

Another way to calm your mind is to unplug from technology and social media. I know, I know, you’re reading this post on a screen right now! But setting aside dedicated time away from your phone and computer can dramatically help reduce mental fatigue while leveling up your emotional well-being. Even just a short break can make a big difference in how you feel.

Two cups of matcha and a pastry next to a blooming flower.
Savoring the simple joys.

2. Physically Recharge

Moving your body can help you feel much more energized. Once you begin an exercise like running, it can be motivating to keep going. Remember, the type of movement you choose doesn’t have to be intense; it could be gentle yoga or a walk in a nearby park. Do what feels right and comfortable for you.

To nourish your body, it’s essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and detoxifying tea, along with eating healthy meals. 

Lately, I’ve been starting each morning with a matcha from Matcha.com. I’ve tried many, many matchas before, and I can say that this brand is one of the best that you can make at home. My favorites include the Premium Ceremonial Master’s Blend Matcha, as well as the ones with different flavors like chocolate and mango

I rarely have coffee (even though I secretly love it) because the caffeine doesn’t make me feel great. In contrast, matcha doesn’t cause a caffeine crash; it makes me more relaxed and is packed with antioxidants.

Maybe Sunday’s your day to replenish groceries at the farmer’s market and meal prep something hearty — or maybe it’s all about treating yourself to a healthy meal (and a sweet treat).

For me, a perfect self-care Sunday includes a cozy at-home spa day. A warm bath or a full “everything shower” is my go-to way to physically recharge. There’s something so soothing about indulging in body care essentials — scrubs, serums, oils, and rich moisturizers — it’s pure bliss.

I also love taking my time with an extra-long skincare routine. Think: a gentle face scrub, a calming face mask, some gua sha, and layering my favorite serum and moisturizer. It’s the kind of ritual that leaves me feeling refreshed from the inside out.

Two affirmation cards with uplifting sayings shown in the sunlight.
Empowering words to brighten the day.

3. Nurture Your Soul

Taking the time to nurture your soul is a huge part of mental health, emotional health, and physical health. It’s easy to overlook this kind of care, but it’s not just a “nice to have” — it’s so needed for a balanced, fulfilling life.

Start by tuning into what genuinely brings you joy. What are the favorite things that you up, even in small ways? Soul care might look like a long walk in nature, tending to a garden, or simply breathing in fresh air. 

For me, it’s anything creative—writing, drawing, painting, and especially junk journaling. These moments of expression leave me feeling deeply joyful and recharged.

Reading a personal growth book is another way to open your heart. I’m currently reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and with every chapter, I’m amazed by the amount of aha moments I have from the real-life examples the author shares. The book is filled with tiny ways we can improve our lives through good habits. 

Nurturing your soul looks different for everyone. It might be watching your favorite reality show, dancing around your living room, volunteering, or practicing self-compassion with rituals like journaling or affirmation cards.

Whatever it is, doing what lights you up is how you stay connected to your truest self — beneath the noise, the stress, and the expectations of daily life. 

When you care for your soul, everything shifts: you feel more grounded, clearer in your thoughts, more resilient, and open to joy and creativity.

Sunlight streaming through a window with sheer pink curtains, illuminating a vase of tulips.
Clean space for a clear mind.

4. Refresh Your Home

To set the tone for a self-care Sunday, having a clean home can work wonders. A refreshed space brings peace, clarity, and serves as an energetic reset.

Not only does a tidy home look better, but it also helps quiet the noise in your mind. Visual clutter can be mentally overwhelming, even if you don’t realize it. Another plus: a clean space makes it easier to find things, which reduces stress.

Beyond cleaning and organizing, small touches can make a significant difference. Open the windows to let in fresh air, diffuse essential oils, change your sheets, fluff your pillows, water your plants, and play music you love.Remember, it’s not about bring perfect or having the most luxurious space; it’s about creating an atmosphere that supports how you want to feel.

A desk with a computer, lamp, and flowers, a tidy space for a productive self care Sunday.
A workspace for peace and productivity.

5. Organize For The Week Ahead 

Getting a head start on the upcoming week is like giving yourself a warm, supportive hug. It can feel as if a weight has been lifted from your shoulders on Monday morning, and that feeling is priceless.

Taking time on Sunday to organize for next week lets you be more intentional, especially if your work week tends to be busy. You’ll have the chance to think through decisions, big and small, such as planning meals, choosing outfits, doing a financial check-in, and scheduling tasks on your calendar.

When you’re not scrambling to meet deadlines, you can take the time to enjoy the little things in life. Organizing your week doesn’t have to take a whole day; even a few moments can be a powerful way to build self-trust, gain confidence, and find calm.

Overall, self care Sunday is more than just a weekend routine — it’s a gentle reminder to pause, reset, and realign with your inner self before a new week.

When you practice kindness towards your mind, body, soul, and environment while planning for the week ahead, each small act contributes to more intentionality in all areas of your life.

The idea of wellness looks different for everyone. Just remember to do what feels right for you and that your routine doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. It’s all about making time for yourself and nurturing your well-being. 

By focusing on simple, mindful activities, your aura naturally radiates with calm, clarity, and positivity! This will help you set the tone for a brighter, more balanced week ahead.

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Wendy Sy

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