How to Have a Productive Sunday

Productive and Sunday are two words you rarely hear in the same sentence. When you hear the word Sunday, it’s typically followed by words like funday, blues, or scaries. There’s no doubt that taking the time to prepare for the week ahead will increase your productivity, reduce your stress, and leave you feeling fulfilled. Try these eight tips to set you up for a successful work week.

Organize and Clean:

When our surroundings are in order, we’re more likely to feel prepared and less stressed. Knocking out chores on a Sunday can also make us feel less rushed and chaotic during the week. So tidy-up your apartment or house, do your laundry (and put it away), and organize your purse. The less physical clutter you’re surrounded by the calmer and focused you’ll feel.

Meal Prep:

While this task may seem time-consuming, it’s a great way to save time during the week. By going grocery shopping and preparing meals on Sunday, you’re taking the guesswork out of what you’re having for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When you don’t have meals planned and waiting for you in the fridge, it’s easier to grab take-out and stray from healthy eating. Meal prepping ensures you’re eating nutritious meals that make your body feel good, even when life gets busy.

Plan Your Outfits:

Planning your outfits for the week on Sunday saves you time in the morning. It’s easy to decide what you’re going to wear when you already have options laid out for you. This doesn’t just apply to your work clothes, it’s also great to plan out your gym clothes. You’ll be less likely to hit snooze when it’s time for your workout if you already have your clothes ready to go.

Make a Plan:

Monday mornings are rough, but they don’t have to be. Taking the time on Sunday to set goals for the week can be a life-changing habit. Make actionable goals and take the time to set your intentions for the week ahead. You’ll be more productive and accomplish more when you already have your tasks laid out for the week.

Disconnect:

A majority of careers today involve sitting in front of a computer screen and being in the know 24/7. So try for at least a few hours on Sunday to disconnect. Unplug from emails, social media, text messaging, even TV. Consider it a mini digital detox. A few hours of disconnecting can add huge benefits to your mental and physical health.

Relax:

Relaxation is what Sundays are for. Make sure you spend some of your day doing something just for you. Read a book, catch-up with your family, go to brunch with friends, soak in a bubble bath. Do at least one thing unproductive that brings you joy.

Go to Sleep Early:

The best way to make sure your productivity on Sunday serves you throughout the entire week is to go get a good night’s sleep. Staying up late and binging on Netflix won’t delay the fact that Monday is coming. You’re going to feel better and more prepared when you’re well-rested. So get some sleep and rest well knowing that you’re ready to conquer the week ahead.

By Danielle Koban: Danielle is a freelance writer with focuses on career and wellness topics. Her work has been featured in Mavenly + Co., Elana Lyn, and Her Agenda. When she’s not writing, she can be found planning her upcoming wedding and hanging out with her German shepherd, Moose. To learn more about Danielle, visit www.danielledoolen.com.