44 things to do on Sunday that Will Set You Up for a Calm and Organized Week

ashlina kaposta September 18, 2026

There is nothing quite like the feeling of staying in bed a little bit longer on a dark, wintery Sunday morning to just soothe your soul and make you feel like a million dollars. It might even be the most luxurious thing you get to do all week.

As I sit here in my bed, with a full cup of Nespresso Melozio on my nightstand, Diptyque candle going, laptop on a pillow writing this blog post…I can’t help but just feel like I am right out of a coastal grandmother holiday movie scene. The only thing I am missing is a fireplace right in my bedroom with a gorgeous ocean view. Wouldn’t that just be divine?

For me, Sunday always just feels like that magical day. The day that makes you feel like the main character of a movie. The day typically dedicated to treating yourself, doing some self care and soul care.

According to Astrology, Sunday is the day ruled by the Sun. Your Sun sign (where the Sun was positioned in the sky when you were born) is the representation of your identity, how you see yourself. So it is a day energetically set up for you to cultivate a strong sense of your identity. ( I break down each day astrologically in this post ) Sunday is always a perfect opportunity to shift yourself back to identifying yourself as the main character of your own movie in order for you to have a healthy self concept, something key to your confidence and ability to manifest the life you want.

You see it all over TikTok, all the habits you can do to become ‘that girl’. While I love all of those green smoothie, 10 mile run, vacuum your all white living room inspired ideas, they just feel a little impractical to me. So, today, I wanted to go a little bit deeper with you and share a few ‘realistic’ things you can do today to romanticize your life so that you feel a little bit more like a main character of your own movie.

Watch this video for more:

What Is a Sunday Reset Routine?

A Sunday reset routine is a set of simple habits people do at the end of the weekend to prepare for the week ahead.

It often includes things like tidying the home, planning meals, organizing schedules, and taking time for self-care.

The goal isn’t to turn Sunday into a day full of chores, but rather to create small rituals that make Monday feel calmer and more manageable.

When a few things are prepared ahead of time, the week tends to start with far less stress.

44 self care things you can do to romanticize your weekend:

Grab that book you have half read and finish it.
If you are anything like me, you might have 2-3 books you are currently reading and it takes you a month to get back to it. Why not make a focus to actually spend some time to focus on it and finish it? The feeling of finally finishing that book feels so so good. I also love to pile all of my favorite design books in bed and just indulge in them.
A few books I suggest:
- Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza - this book will help you reset your vibe for the week ahead
- The Game of Life and How to Play it by Florence Scovel Shinn - I am obsessed with this book and this woman. It’s a short and easy afternoon read that will inspire you endlessly.
Less screen time and more presence with your environment.
Look, I know you are on a screen right now as you read this very blog post. But why not decide today to focus less on screens and more on your current space. The people in it, the decor, the smell, the feel. Put down the phone, turn off the tv and just take in the moments.
Open a window and let in fresh air.
There is just something so therapeutic about being outside. The fresh air can just intoxicate your spirit. I know the weather doesn’t always permit but opening a window and just letting fresh air in will change the energy of your home, even if its only for 5 min.
Journal on 3 things you are really really grateful for.
Even if you aren’t big on journaling, you really should make the effort. I literally love the feeling of having old journal entries to look back on 3 or 6 months down the line. It always shows you how your life is unfolding and it makes you feel like you’re in a movie when you look at your life that way.
Don’t feel like being grateful? Try the self-love journal that I created to have you getting to know your self on a deeper level.
5 journal prompts to help you make the most of your Sunday:
💛 What are 3 things I enjoyed this week? Focus on the good! What brings you joy and satisfaction in your life this Sunday? What opportunities have you been blessed with? Starting your Sunday mornings off with a positive mindset through gratitude can be a real mood booster!
💛 What are you proud of yourself for accomplishing this week? It’s time for you to get in the celebration energy so you can feel good about yourself instead of beating yourself up.
💛 What is one way I can put myself first this Sunday?
💛 What can you do to your home today to help you feel prepared for the week ahead? Make a list of things you could do and only actually do 1 or 2.
💛 What held you back from being your best self in the past week and how can you adjust for the week ahead?
Sage your space.
I have blogged about my love of sage many times, but this one will never not be a part of my Sunday ritual. If you haven’t saged your home yet. Today is that day. Get to whole foods, they have an entire selection to choose from. Start at your front door, light that baby up and go clockwise around your home. Let the smoke fill every corner and speak out your intentions for the week as you do it. Say prayers for what you want.
create a new loaded water recipe
And get all extra about it so you can drink your weight in water. Use a large cup or bottle you love. Add fresh lemon juice and chlorophyll. I also like to add electrolyte powder to my water for extra nutrients and vitamins, too.
Turn on your favorite playlist and turn it up.
One of my favorite things to do at the moment is put on Bossa Nova Beach Jazz on Youtube and let it play in the background. There’s several you can choose from, I always love the ones with fireplaces going or a view of downtown at night. It just makes your day feel so romantic and fun.
Wear your favorite robe all day.
If you aren’t leaving the house, why not put on your favorite robe and wear it all day. I swear by wearing my robes. They just make you feel so glamorous and chic. I even wear perfume for myself too. It just gives you that extra little touch.
Try Wim Hoff breath work exercise.
The first time I tried breath work, I was changed forever. Your body literally gets invigorated when you do it. This is the first one I ever did and I loved it so much. You can do it in bed, before you even get up and I promise it will just make your day so much better, energetically.
Clean & organize your HOME OFFICE
As many of you know, Feng Shui is my thing. I am always doing little habits, tips and tricks for elevating the chi in my space. Having said that, sometimes a complete organizing session or overhaul of a closet can be too overwhelming for a Sunday.
So, one trick I learned was that doing even the smallest organizing can have the same effect as a big one. I love to set up for a powerful work week by doing a little feng shui to my home office.
Go shopping for organic, whole foods & try a new recipe.
I’m not going to lie, I don’t always eat perfectly during the week. Sometimes, I even love to order out. Last week, I ordered the most amazing pad thai and it was heavenly. So, on Sunday, it can be fun to balance it out, grab some healthy, fresh foods and try a new recipe. And make sure to make it extra big so you can meal prep it to eat for the rest of the week.
Take a nap and rest when you need it.
I mean, this is one I shouldn’t have to say but I know how we women can feel incredibly guilty for allowing ourselves to be lazy and rest. We’ve been taught to look at ease, calm and flow as a negative thing. (don’t miss my podcast episode 226: 6 lies we tell ourselves as women and how to heal them)
Face time a loved one.
Every time I get off of a face time call with one of my besties who doesn’t live in my city, I honestly feel so nourished. It’s like good soul food.
Treat yourself to a houseplant.
I love my plants so much. They are like my little babies. I always water them a little extra on Sundays and wipe down their leaves with wet towels. It is such a fun, self nurturing ritual and I love teaching my little boy to enjoy it too. Why not get a new one if you don’t have any yet? See my houseplant ritual.
Wash your sheets & make your bed.
So once you are finally out of bed, throw your sheets in the washing machine. Have you ever tried the High Maintenance glamorous wash ? When I was in high school, I was obsessed with Tyler candles and the high maintenance scent. But even all these years later, I just still love this smell. And when you get into your bed Sunday evening after using this on your bedding, your life will never be the same. I also love switching out my sheets with a fresh new set. These green bamboo are my favorite and so luxurious.
Put a new inspiring/motivational screensaver on your phone.
For some reason, whenever I upload a new screensaver on my phone, I feel like my life completely just got a restart. Try it and see how it feels for you.
Try a new veggie juice.
Or some kind of smoothie perhaps? I love having carrot juice or celery juice on Sunday. It just makes me feel like I am getting a healthy start to my week. Suja is my favorite brand to use if I don’t try and make it at home myself.
Try some hip opening positions on a yoga mat at home.
I’m obsessed with yoga and my favorite yoga class in on Sunday morning. My favorite teacher always plays Eryka Badu as we are walking in and it just instantly puts me in a relaxed, leveled up vibe. But you can also google some yoga hip opener positions to help you. Did you know that you will release trauma as you do hip opening stretches? Life changing for us women. Trust me. You can start with something like this.
Create an outdoor oasis in your backyard/balcony.
If the weather permits, I love to go out to my little outdoor space and just be. I light a little sandalwood incense, sweep away any leaves and just sit and sip my coffee. Having a little outdoor oasis can be so fun for your spirit, head to HomeGoods and grab some things to spruce up your little space. Here are some really fun ideas for your backyard space.
Start a new course or project.
I always encourage the women in my community to start my courses on Sunday. Mostly because you have the time to dive into the content. This will encourage you to whip out your journal and prepare yourself for your next up-level. It helps you to shift from worry, stress or anxiety into focusing on your self. Your own growth and personal development.
💕 Want to go on a spiritual awakening? Take my course Soul Aligned.
💕 Want to unleash your inner feminine side? Dive into my course The Feminine Frequency: secrets of the divine feminine.
💕 Want to manifest big money this week? Start with Soul Aligned Wealth.
Make a slow morning drink
Whether it’s a matcha, coffee, or herbal tea, let this be the first thing you do with intention. Sit down while you drink it instead of multitasking. This is your reminder that your day doesn’t need to start in urgency to be meaningful.
23. Sleep in without an alarm
When your body wakes up naturally, it resets your nervous system in a powerful way. Let yourself wake slowly, stretch, and ease into the day without rushing. Trust that rest is productive in its own way.
24. Light a candle to begin the day
Lighting a candle turns an ordinary morning into a ritual. It signals to your body and mind that today is different — slower, softer, more intentional. Even small gestures like this help romanticize everyday life.
25. Take a short digital detox
Put your phone down for an hour and notice how your body responds. Often, clarity and calm return much faster than we expect. Sunday is the perfect day to reconnect with yourself instead of the noise.
26. Set gentle intentions for the week
Instead of rigid goals, ask yourself how you want to feel this week. Choose one or two emotional intentions, like ease, confidence, or presence. Let these guide your choices rather than pressure you.
27. Cook a comforting meal
Choose something nourishing and familiar, not complicated. Cooking with love — even for yourself — is a form of care and grounding. Let this meal remind you that you deserve to be nourished.
28. Create a Sunday playlist
Music has the power to shift energy instantly. Choose songs that feel calm, nostalgic, or expansive. Let it play softly in the background as you move through your day.
29. TAKE A LONG, UNSTRUCTURED WALK OUTSIDE
Leave your phone behind or keep it tucked away. Walk without tracking time, steps, or distance. Let your thoughts wander and your body lead.
30. Do gentle stretching or yoga
Choose movements that feel soothing rather than challenging. Stretching releases emotional tension stored in the body. Sunday is about listening, not pushing.
31. Plan a solo date
Take yourself somewhere simple — a coffee shop, park, or cozy corner at home. Treat yourself with the same care you’d give someone you love. Romance starts with how you show up for yourself.
32. Arrange fresh flowers
Flowers instantly soften a space and elevate your mood. Let this be an act of beauty without purpose beyond enjoyment. Your home deserves beauty simply because you live there.
33. Write a letter to your future self
Reflect on where you are and what you’re learning right now. Write encouragement, reassurance, and hope into the future. This practice builds trust with yourself over time.
34. Read something nourishing
Choose an article that expands your heart or perspective. Avoid anything that feels overly stimulating or demanding. Let reading be restorative rather than productive.
35. Watch a comforting movie
Pick something familiar, cozy, or nostalgic. Let yourself enjoy it without scrolling or multitasking. This kind of rest restores emotional energy.
36. Create a mini vision board
Focus on the next month or season instead of long-term pressure. Choose images that reflect how you want life to feel. Keep it light and intuitive.
37. Get dressed intentionally
Even if you’re staying home, wear something that makes you feel like you. A spritz of perfume or fresh nails can shift your mood. Feeling good in your body matters.
38. Declutter one small area
Choose something manageable — a drawer, shelf, or bag. Clearing physical clutter often creates mental clarity. Small resets are powerful.
39. Practice gratitude with a warm drink
Sit quietly and reflect on what feels good right now. Gratitude anchors you in abundance instead of lack. Let it be slow and sincere.
40. Do something creative
Write, draw, paint, or journal without expectation. Creativity is about expression, not outcome. Let it feel playful and freeing.
41. Give yourself an at-home spa moment
Treat your body with gentleness — exfoliate, moisturize, rest. This is about care, not perfection. Your body holds so much for you.
42. Spend intentional time with family
Be fully present without distractions. Shared meals, conversations, or quiet moments matter. These connections ground us in what truly matters.
43. Sit quietly and do nothing
Let yourself just be. No fixing, planning, or improving. This kind of stillness restores your nervous system deeply.
44. End Sunday with reassurance
Before bed, remind yourself that you did enough and you are enough. Speak kindly to yourself about the week ahead. Let Sunday close with peace instead of pressure.

Creating small weekly rituals like a Sunday reset is often the first step toward a larger personal reset.

Many women find that once they begin building intentional habits for their home, body, and mindset, they naturally start creating bigger shifts in their lives.

That’s exactly why I created The 40+ Glow Code, a program designed to help women build routines that support confidence, wellness, and a renewed sense of energy.

Hope this post inspires you to make your Sunday incredibly special today because of course, you deserve it.

How to Plan an Affordable Wellness Retreat at Home Step-By-Step

ashlina kaposta August 3, 2026

One of the things I’ve noticed about being an entrepreneur is that stress, worry and exhaustion can easily creep into our lives like a cozy pair of jeans, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and out of sync. When life starts to feel like one big jumble, taking a day away—even if it’s just at home—can be the ideal remedy. Creating your own wellness retreat at home offers a personal escape, a chance to reset, and a gentle reminder to prioritize self-care.

With a little planning and structure, a DIY retreat can help you find that sweet balance between relaxation, mindfulness, and self-reflection. By carving out time for self-care and intentional moments, you can shift your perspective, quiet the noise, and reconnect with your creativity.

Planning a wellness retreat doesn’t have to mean traveling to an expensive resort or spending hundreds on spa services. You can experience the same rejuvenating benefits right in the comfort of your home.

With a little preparation, some self-care essentials, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create a sanctuary that allows you to relax, recharge, and reconnect—all without breaking the bank.

Related Reading: 8 self care habits to adopt before the holidays

Why Women Need This More Than Ever

Let's be honest about what's actually going on when you land on a post like this one. It's usually not "I have too much free time and I'm bored." It's one of these:

You're burned out from being the default parent/partner/employee — the one everyone calls first, and no one checks on.
You're in a hormonal crash week — the days before your period or during a stressful cycle when your body is quite literally asking you to slow down, and you're ignoring it.
You feel guilty resting — like taking two hours for yourself is selfish unless you've "earned" it.
You're touched-out and overstimulated — from kids, notifications, noise, and never having a closed door.
You've lost your own rhythm — you can plan everyone else's day but haven't thought about what you actually need in weeks.

A DIY wellness retreat at home isn't about bath bombs and candles (though we'll have those too). It's a structured way to hand yourself back a few hours of nervous-system recovery, mental clarity, and permission to just... be. If any of the above hit close to home, keep reading.

Step-By-Step: How I Plan My At-Home Wellness Retreat

Here's exactly how I structure mine, from the night before through wrap-up. Steal the whole thing or just pull the pieces that fit your day.

Step 1: Set the Intention (the night before)

I do this the night before, not the morning of — because if I wait until the day itself, life finds a way to fill the space. Before bed, I grab my journal and answer one question: what do I actually need right now — rest, clarity, or a reset? That one answer shapes everything else. If it's rest, I plan less. If it's clarity, I add more journaling. If it's a reset, I lean into the full spa-day version.

Realistic tip: If you skip every other step in this post, do this one. Ninety seconds of writing down your intention is the difference between a retreat that actually restores you and a day that just quietly disappears.

Step 2: Clear the Space the Night Before, Not the Day Of

I learned this the hard way — starting my "relaxing" day by cleaning for two hours is not relaxing. Instead, the night before, I do a 15-minute reset: dishes done, laundry started, surfaces cleared in my bedroom, bathroom, and living room, since that's where I'll actually spend my retreat. In the morning, my space is already calm, so I can walk straight into it.

Your home environment really does set the emotional tone for the day. I add soft blankets, light a candle, and run my essential oil diffuser with lavender or vanilla — something warm and grounding, not energizing.

Related Reading: How to set up your bathroom for a spa day

Consider lowering the lights, playing gentle music, or adding white noise to enhance the serene vibe. Remember, the goal is to create a space that invites you to slow down and breathe deeply.

Step 3: My Actual Hour-By-Hour Retreat Schedule

This is the part people ask me about most, so here's my real routine, almost exactly as I do it:

Morning (grounding):

8:00–8:15am — Wake without your phone. This is non-negotiable for me. I leave my phone in another room overnight so I'm not reaching for it first thing.
8:15–8:35am — Meditation or breathwork. Nothing fancy, just 10-15 minutes of quiet or a guided session.
8:35–9:15am — Gentle movement. I roll out my yoga mat and follow a free flow online — slow, not a workout. The goal is releasing tension, not burning calories.
9:15–9:45am — Journaling. I use prompts, not a blank page, because a blank page is intimidating. "What am I holding onto that isn't mine to carry?" is one I come back to often.

Midday (nourishing):

9:45–10:30am — A slow, simple breakfast. No scrolling while eating. I actually taste my food, which sounds small but rarely happens on a normal day.
10:30am–12:00pm — DIY spa block. This is the fun part — see the full spa menu below.
12:00–1:00pm — Mindful lunch + rest. A homemade tea blend and something I don't have to think hard to make.

Afternoon/Evening (integrating):

1:00–2:00pm — Free, unstructured time. Read, nap, sit outside, do absolutely nothing. This block is intentionally unplanned.
2:00–2:30pm — Reflection and closing. Back to the journal — what shifted today, and what's one thing I want to carry into next week?

Realistic tip: You do not need six hours to do this. If you only have 90 minutes, take Steps 1, one item from the spa menu, and the closing reflection. A shortened version done consistently beats a "perfect" retreat you never have time for.

Step 4: The DIY Spa Menu (Pick 2-3, Not All)

You don't need a cabinet full of products for this to feel like a real spa day. Here's what I actually use:

Face Masks: Try a simple honey and yogurt mask for moisturizing or a clay mask if you’re looking to purify your skin.
Body Scrubs: Mix brown sugar and olive oil for a natural exfoliating scrub. You can add a drop or two of essential oil for a luxurious feel.
Aromatherapy Bath: If you have a bathtub, create a bath with Epsom salts, a few drops of lavender oil, and some rose petals for a spa-like experience.
Foot Soak: For a relaxing foot soak, mix warm water with Epsom salts and a few drops of peppermint oil. You’ll feel the stress melt away in no time!
Hair mask: I always regret skipping this one because it makes the whole day feel more "spa," not just "bath." I put this castor oil hair mask on and leave it in overnight for fuller, thicker and shinier hair.

Step 5: Disconnect and Stay Present

This is the step people skip and then wonder why the day didn't feel restorative. Phone on Do Not Disturb, notifications off, no "just checking real quick." I tell the people in my life ahead of time that I'm unreachable for a few hours — that alone removes so much of the guilt.

Whatever you're doing — a bath, a cup of tea, a meal — try to actually be in it instead of doing it while thinking about your to-do list.

Related Reading: How to do a proper tea ceremony

Step 6: Wrap Up with Reflection

As your retreat comes to an end, take some time to reflect. Grab your journal and write down any insights, feelings, or new intentions that came to light. Think about how you can carry some of this calmness back into your daily life. This could mean incorporating daily meditation, a weekly “spa night,” or simply taking more mindful moments throughout the day.

Realistic Versions for Every Kind of Week

Not every week gives you a free morning. Here's how I adapt:

The "I have 90 minutes" version: Set intention → one spa item → closing journal entry.
The "kids are home" version: Do your spa block after bedtime instead of during the day, and swap the yoga flow for 10 minutes of stretching in your room with the door closed.
The "I'm on a budget" version: Skip anything you'd need to buy. Kitchen-ingredient masks and scrubs, a bath, and your journal cost you almost nothing.
The "I have zero energy" version: Skip movement entirely. Rest is the retreat that day. Don't let the routine become another thing you have to perform perfectly.

Affordable Wellness Retreat Essentials Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist of items you might want for your retreat:

Candles or Essential Oils for ambiance
Soft Blankets and Pillows for cozy comfort
Yoga Mat or a comfortable space for stretching
Face Mask Ingredients like honey, yogurt, and clay
Bath Supplies like Epsom salts and essential oils
Journal and Pen for reflection
Healthy Snacks like fruit, nuts, or herbal teas

Creating a wellness retreat at home can be a wonderfully nurturing experience, and the best part? It’s entirely customizable to your needs.

Bringing the Lessons of the Retreat into Your Daily Life

A wellness retreat at home can be a transformative experience, but the benefits don’t have to end when it’s over. Integrating small wellness practices into your daily routine helps keep the calm, mindfulness, and renewed energy going long after your retreat day.

Here are 15 suggestions to help you bring the lessons of your retreat into everyday life:

Morning Meditation: Start each day with just 5-10 minutes of meditation to set a calm, centered tone. Morning rituals are the perfect way to start every day.
Gratitude Journaling: Every evening, jot down three things you’re grateful for. It’s a powerful way to end the day on a positive note.
Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor your meals without distractions to stay connected with your body and reduce stress.
Nature Walks: Try to spend a few minutes outdoors daily, even if it’s just a short walk. Fresh air and a change of scenery work wonders.
Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing when you feel stressed or overwhelmed to quickly restore calm.
Digital Detox Time: Designate screen-free times each day, especially in the morning and evening, to reduce overstimulation. Read: 5 things to do with your hands during a digital detox.
Self-Compassion Breaks: Take moments during the day to check in with yourself, show kindness to yourself, and let go of harsh self-criticism.
Hydration Reminder: Keep a water bottle by your side as a gentle reminder to stay hydrated. Add a squeeze of lemon or cucumber for a spa-like touch.
Mini Stretching Sessions: Schedule brief stretching breaks throughout the day to release tension in your body.
Creative Journaling or Art Therapy: Set aside time to express yourself creatively, whether through journaling, drawing, or another art form you enjoy.
Weekly Spa Night: Treat yourself to a spa night each week, complete with a face mask, a warm bath, and your favorite soothing music.
Intentional Breathers: Schedule a few minutes each afternoon to pause, breathe deeply, and bring yourself back to the present moment.
Limit Multi-Tasking: Practice focusing on one task at a time to enhance your productivity and reduce feelings of chaos.
Daily Affirmations: Use positive affirmations each morning to set the tone for the day. Simple phrases like “I am calm and capable” can be grounding. An affirmation card deck is really helpful for these experiences.
Personal Check-Ins: End each week with a quick check-in to see how you’re feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically, and adjust as needed.

Incorporating these simple practices can help you carry the sense of peace and renewal from your retreat into each day, keeping the experience alive and allowing it to support your well-being long-term.

If you are looking to visit an in person yoga retreat, check out the top 15 yoga retreats in the US.