Raise your hand if Mondays feel like punishment after a lazy Sunday. The alarm clock seems louder, the to-do list seems longer, and your brain just isn't ready to cooperate. You're not alone-research from the University of Sydney found that many people experience "anticipatory anxiety" on Sunday evenings, popularly called the Sunday Scaries. This anxiety can mess with your sleep, mood, and productivity when Monday arrives-a condition that many recognise now as Monday Blues. But here's the good news: you can actually reset your body and mind on Sundays to make Mondays feel less like a chore and more like a fresh start. Think of it as pressing the refresh button with small, intentional rituals that help you recharge, realign, and re-energise.
From Ayurveda-inspired skincare to meal prep hacks and calming bedtime routines, these rituals are designed to be light, enjoyable, and practical. No complicated regimes, no expensive gear. Just everyday wellness tools that you can try this very Sunday.
So, if you're tired of dragging your feet on Monday mornings, keep reading. This edition of Sunday Health Reset is your weekend toolkit for walking into Monday not just awake, but radiant.
Start With A Digital Detox Hour
Scrolling endlessly on Sunday evening can make anxiety worse. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry linked high screen time with poor sleep and low mood. Instead, try a "digital sunset" and switch off screens at least an hour before bed. Use this detox time for activities that calm your nervous system: light stretching, journaling, or even simply chatting with family. Trust us, Instagram will still be there on Monday.
Prep Your Skin, Prep Your Mood
Your skin deserves a Sunday treat. Ayurveda recommends abhyanga (oil massage) with warm sesame or coconut oil to nourish skin and calm the body. Pair it with a gentle face mask, like haldi (turmeric) with yogurt, for that natural glow. Research in the International Journal of Neuroscience shows that self-massage not only improves circulation but also lowers cortisol (the stress hormone). When your skin feels good, you carry that confidence into Monday.
Cook Once, Stress Less
Nothing adds to Monday chaos like scrambling for breakfast or lunch. Beat the rush with Sunday meal prep. Chop veggies, soak dals, or pre-cook a batch of upma mix, poha, or quinoa salad base. A study in Public Health Nutrition (2015) found that people who planned meals were more likely to eat healthier and feel less stressed about food. So, future-you will thank Sunday-you for that dabba ready-to-go.
Move Your Body, But Keep It Gentle
Yes, Sunday is for rest, but too much lounging can make you sluggish. Try 30 minutes of light movement: a walk in your colony park, yoga stretches, or even dancing with your kids. Physical activity boosts endorphins and improves sleep quality, according to the CDC. The goal here isn't to burn calories, but to move joyfully and shake off that weekend lethargy.
Plan Your Week, But Don't Overplan
Grab a notebook or use your phone's calendar to jot down the top 3 priorities for your upcoming week. Don't make it a 20-point to-do list, because that will only overwhelm you. A simple "big three" planning method keeps you focused. Research from Harvard Business Review notes that setting fewer, clear priorities increases productivity and reduces stress.
Reclaim Sleep With a Wind-Down Ritual
Sleep is your best weapon for a radiant Monday. Yet, Sunday-night insomnia is real. Create a bedtime ritual that signals your brain it's time to power down: herbal tea, a warm shower, dim lights, and maybe 10 minutes of deep breathing. According to the Sleep Foundation, consistent bedtime routines help regulate circadian rhythms, leading to better quality sleep. Remember, sleeping well tonight is the ultimate Monday prep.
Try A Gratitude Reset
Instead of dreading Monday, shift your focus with gratitude journaling. Write down three good things about the past week and one thing you look forward to in the coming one. Studies from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center show that gratitude practices improve mood, reduce stress, and even boost immune function. Think of it as mental skincare, and you'll wake up lighter and happier.
Sip Smart In The Evening
That late-night coffee or sugary dessert might be sabotaging your sleep. Research from the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine confirms that caffeine consumed even 6 hours before bedtime can disrupt sleep quality. Opt for calming alternatives like chamomile tea, warm turmeric milk (haldi doodh), or jeera-ajwain water. These not only support digestion but also help your body wind down.
Small Rituals, Big Impact
Mondays aren't going anywhere, but your experience of them can change. By treating Sunday as your reset day, you walk into the week with clarity, calm, and energy.
So, this Sunday evening, don't just binge-watch or doom-scroll. Try one or two of these rituals, and notice how your Monday feels different. With small, joyful tweaks, you'll start your week not with dread, but with radiance.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
