Sunday routines tend to creep up on us. They develop innocently enough as we start our adult years but slowly they set in to ingrained grooves.
In our early 20s, they may take the form of “Sunday Funday” where brunch is a competitive sport and the Sunday scaries set in like a dread disease as our weekend buzz wears off.
As life’s responsibilities accumulate, Sunday routines start to take a different shape. They may involve worship, personal fitness, self-improvement, or enrichment. Sometimes they can include hobbies, time with friends and family, or activities one does not otherwise have time for during the week.
I have a couple of variations on my Sunday routines. When I am on the road, my preference is to fly home on Monday morning. I can enjoy a leisurely Sunday in our destination and stay as close to my home routine as possible.
When at home, some mornings I’ll get up early and go to brunch. But when I don’t, those are great mornings to watch the weekly news shows and cook a leisurely breakfast. It also allows for time to catch up on proper journalism while listening to good music. When the weather is nice, I do this with the doors open to my outdoor living area.
A nice afternoon is a great opportunity to catch up on projects. I can read or write, catch an art exhibition, or enjoy drinks with friends on a sunny patio. A bit of built in leisure is good before getting back to the grind of a busy travel and work week.
Sunday evenings are usually reserved for getting ready for the work week. If I am on the road, I might spend the evening getting mentally prepared to fly to my next destination. If I am at home, we might be folding and putting away laundry while catching up on shows or watching a movie.
I enjoyed reading this Apartment Therapy piece about what some couple’s Sunday routines typically look like.
“Must Haves”
My top five “must haves” for a great Sunday include the following:
- A good playlist (Morrissey, Pink Floyd, a bit of 80s new wave, some jazz)
- Brunch, preferably on a patio
- The New York Times and other pleasure reading
- Sunglasses and sandals
- No agenda for the entire day
I’d love to know what YOUR Sunday routines are? Share your top five in the comments below.
My typical Sunday (every other week)
Drive spouse to airport at o’dark 30
Go home walk dog (podcasts are key here)
Hit gym after dog walk (catch up on one show)
Visit parents – quick touch and go
Cook lunches for week, make banana bread, throw laundry in wash
Walk dog (if weather and dog cooperate) – sometimes with friend
Garden between showers
Walk or amuse dog – nap if possible
Dry clothes, deal with paperwork (shred, file, bills)
Make dog’s dinner and mine too
Eat
Walk dog
Get ready for work – pack snacks, check’to do list, pack up work laptop, etc
Take dog out
Bed!