The Perfect Sunday Reset Routine

8 Min Read | By Ellen Conning

Last Modified 31 March 2025   First Added 15 September 2023

This article was written and reviewed in line with our editorial policy.

We all love the weekend—it’s a time to unwind, relax, and recharge after a long, busy week. While it’s tempting to spend it purely on rest or socialising, for many of us, the weekend is also an opportunity to reset. But what does that really mean? Why is everyone talking about it, and how can it improve your sleep during the week? Let’s explore!

What is a Sunday reset?

A Sunday reset is the deliberate practice of setting aside time each Sunday to re-centre, refresh, and prepare for the week ahead. It involves activities that help clear your mind, declutter your space, and recharge emotionally—while also setting you up for a productive week.

Put simply, it’s about dedicating quality time to getting your life in order. We’re talking about tidying up, aligning your thoughts, and setting intentions before Monday arrives. Think of it as a self-care carnival for your mind and space.

Sunday reset videos on TikTok

Sunday resets have risen to popularity on TikTok, and there’s no shortage of inspiration. We’ve rounded up a few viral videos to help you with your end-of-week refresh.

@virgohabits is one TikToker who offers a look into their Sunday reset with an honest take on their approach:

@virgohabits

Recalibrating.🧖🏼‍♀️ #sundayreset #productivevlog #dayinmylifevlog #resetroutine #collegestudentdayinthelife #diml

♬ Kawaii Aesthetic – LoES

Check out @emmaxcutler talking about how they love to pair their Sunday reset with music or videos to keep them motivated:

@emmaxcutler

So excited for the Summer wardrobe transition!! ☀️🫶🏼 Going to be organising all of these drawers and the wardrobe soon so stay tuned 💫 #sundayreset #reset #weeklyreset #sundayresetroutine #aesthetic #productive #organization #cleaning #cleantok Sunday reset weekly reset checklist routine clean with me cleantok organization aesthetic productive

♬ 3:15 (Breath) – Russ

One great example of an alternative checklist is this one from @vxledw, which shows their typical Sunday reset schedule:

@vxledw

here’s all the things I like to get done on a sunday reset! The finishing touch for a good sunday reset is to mop the floors with fabuloso 💖 Happy sunday! Clean my apartment with me and let’s go room by room to clean up @vxledw #cleaningmotivation #ShowOffLandOFrost #sundayreset #dayinmylife

♬ awkward sped up sza – rem

The ultimate Sunday reset checklist

Now that we’ve covered what a Sunday reset is and seen its hype, next, let’s dive into a quick list of its key elements and how they can contribute to a good sleep routine. Use this as a checklist, but don’t be afraid to personalise it to suit your needs. No two people have the same day, after all…

1. Plan the week ahead

Preparing for the week ahead will set you up for success. Lay out your clothes for the morning, get your bag ready, and update your calendar with everything you have planned—including things to look forward to and tasks that need tackling. This will help ensure you don’t forget anything while making your mornings easier.

2. Do your laundry

Unless you’re someone who keeps on top of laundry during the week, chances are your basket is full by the weekend. Use Sunday as a time to wash your clothes and towels so they’re fresh and ready for the new week.

3. Change your bedding

There’s no better feeling than climbing into fresh sheets on a Sunday evening. Wash your bedding every Sunday to maintain a clean and hygienic sleep environment. Plus, research suggests that fresh sheets can even help improve your sleep.

4. Plan your outfits

Deciding what to wear in the morning can steal precious time and leave you feeling rushed. Planning your outfits the night before or even for the entire week will make your mornings feel more relaxed and give you one less thing to think about.

5. Clean out your fridge

A clean, hygienic fridge is key to keeping food fresh and avoiding the dreaded build-up of off veggies and forgotten jars. Use your Sunday reset to toss out expired food, give your fridge a quick clean, and get it ready for your weekly shop—a fresh start for the week ahead.

6. Do your weekly food shop

Once you have a clean and organised fridge, it’s time to fill it. Make a shopping list and complete your weekly food shop, as nobody wants to have to go to the supermarket at the end of a long day at work.

7. Prep your meals

When juggling work, free time, family life, workouts, obligations—and so on—it can be hard to find time to make healthy meals. Sunday is a great opportunity to take your time preparing some of your favourite recipes, ready to go for the week ahead. That way, after Monday is done and dusted, you won’t have to worry about what’s for dinner.

8. Get ahead on admin

Part of life involves handling things like bills, budgeting, and so much more. Give yourself some time to tick these tasks off now so they won’t worry you for the rest of the week. Long to-do lists can cause stress and sleepless nights, so by getting them done, you’ll be able to rest easy throughout the week.

9. Clean your house

A bit of hoovering here, some dishes washed up there—you don’t have to do it all, but even a little will help ease the burden ahead. Plus, there’s some psychology at play when tidying your bedroom that could leave you feeling more refreshed when it’s time to snooze again.

10. Practice self-care

A Sunday reset isn’t just about preparing your home; it’s also about giving your mind a well-earned rest. Use Sundays as your designated ‘you time,’ whether through meditation, stretching, exercise, or even exploring the best ways to rest according to your star sign.

11. Water your plants

While you enjoy your Sunday reset, don’t forget about your plants! Take a moment to water them all—it’s a simple task that keeps your green friends thriving and ticks off another important job for the week.

Related: 11 Bedroom Plants to Help You Sleep.

12. Have a digital de-clutter

Emails, DMs, texts, notifications—they can pile up and take a mental toll if left unchecked. Use your Sunday to clear the clutter: go through everything, delete what’s irrelevant, reply to any messages, and take action on emails that need it. Trust us, in the future, you’ll be grateful for the extra peace of mind.

This may seem like a lot—and it can be when you’re first starting! That’s why it’s important to focus on what you can realistically achieve.

A couple are tidying a white bedroom together. One of them is sweeping the wood floors, while the other is changing the bedsheets.

The benefits of a Sunday reset

While results may vary depending on what you choose to do for your Sunday reset, this weekly ritual can boost your mood and well-being. Here are a few ways it can improve your week:

There’s also the satisfying feeling of accomplishment that comes from getting things done, and having a set time and day helps us form good habits.

How to incorporate a Sunday reset into your life

To embrace the Sunday Reset trend, start by dedicating a few hours on Sunday to activities that rejuvenate you. Experiment with different activities from the list above and create a routine that suits your preferences and lifestyle.

For instance, you might start by making sure all your laundry is done. Whether you live alone or with a large family, this can be a big task. But consider how nice it will feel to snuggle into clean bedsheets at the end of the day and have fresh clothes ready for a fresh week.

Or, if you know you’re tempted to order takeaways all week, make meal prepping your priority. Try preparing a few different meals and snacks to prevent your mind from reaching for takeaways, and see what works for you.

Remember, the Sunday reset is about finding balance and caring for yourself, so feel free to tailor it to your needs and priorities.

Sunday reset quotes

To kickstart your productive day of preparation and recharging, we’ve gathered some of the most inspiring quotes to get you feeling motivated and ready to take on the week:

  • ‘It takes as much energy as it does to wish to plan.’ – Eleanor Roosevelt
  • ‘Every moment that you spend on activities that fail to bring you joy is like telling the Universe to write a story about your life that you would refuse to read.’ – @shamoniquemattox
  • ‘Sunday is a good day to save the world in one’s pyjamas.’ – Adrienne Posey
  • ‘You cannot have the beginnings of a productive week without a Sunday spent in the calmness of the day.’ – Byron Pulsifer

A Sunday reset isn’t just about the housework—it’s a chance to set yourself up for success, both mentally and physically. By dedicating time to tidying your space, organising your thoughts, and prioritising self-care, you can step into Monday feeling refreshed and ready to take on the week. The best part? There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Whether you follow the full checklist or pick just a few key habits, what matters most is finding a routine that works for you.

Reset your bedtime for a productive week

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