10 Tips to Creating the Perfect Self-Care Sunday

The Sunday Scaries can be a real thing. And they can totally start your week off on the wrong foot.

On the other hand, taking some time to center yourself and get prepared for the week ahead leaves you feeling in charge, powerful, and ready to go.

That’s why we’re saying “yes” to self-care Sunday and to doing the little things that will help you be the most fulfilled version of yourself. Here are some great go-to’s to help you get the job done:

If there’s one thing that’ll sap away energy and motivation, it’s overextending yourself and committing to things that you don’t really want to do - or that aren’t good for your physical and mental health.

So say no to things that aren’t in your best interests! Saying no is self-care.

This doesn’t meet procrastinating on less-than-desirable but still necessary to-do’s (like that giant pile of laundry or a trip to the bank). That would only make things worse down the line.

Instead, learn to identify and cut out the things that are truly negative for you - like that friend that always has a crisis but never has your back or wasted hours spent on unproductive tasks.

Have a hard time saying no? Start with one thing and remember that this isn’t about disappointing the people around you or letting them down. It’s about respecting yourself, protecting your time, and valuing what’s truly important.

Here are some great 'just say no' self-care ideas:

• Say no to a meal out: Instead, cook something at home. Doing this once a week will save money and encourage healthier eating habits.
• Say no to bad influences: Do you have a friend, family member, or someone in your social circle that sucks the energy right out of you without giving anything in return? Try saying no for once and prioritizing people or activities that fill your cup. You’ll be grateful in the long run.
• Say no to stress: If you’re like most people, you probably spend the majority of your Sunday running around like a chicken with your head cut off trying to “get things done.” If your to-do list seems never-ending, cut some things out or designate a time to complete the task on another day.

If your Sunday to-do list seems never-ending, cut some things out or designate a time to complete the task on another day.

This may seem obvious but it’s often overlooked. Having 100 things on your to-do list is no excuse for skipping out on that much needed “r and r.”

According to the CDC, not getting enough sleep is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more. On the flip side, getting plenty of sleep can help you:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Have a strong immune system
• Reduce stress and improve your mood
• Get along better with people

Some tips to help you get started with a relaxing Sunday:

• Change what you do during the day: Get outside, workout, and avoid large meals and alcohol close to bedtime.
• Create a bedtime routine: Studies show that a consistent nighttime routine - going to bed at the same time every night, getting a consistent amount of sleep, and avoiding blue-light devices - helps regulate your internal clock and promotes nighttime sleepiness.
• Create a restful environment: Stop working and watching TV from bed, and make sure that your bedroom is dark, cool, and relaxing.

Can’t fit in more sleep? Relax through meditation. Studies show that meditation can not only reduce stress and anxiety but also improve immunity and create measurable changes in the areas of the brain related to positivity and optimism.

Becoming more aware of your breathing and taking a few deep breaths can be a fast track to improved well-being.

Most people live in a stressful environment. Traffic, work-related stress, and your phone constantly dinging lead to increased stress and fight or flight responses. 

This can have a terrible impact on your health, leading to high blood pressure, suppressed immune system, anxiety, depression, and premature aging.

Simply taking a deep breath helps turn off this response, sending a signal to your brain to calm down and relax.

So start your Sunday - or step away from a stressful midday activity - with a few centering, deep breaths for some impactful, easy-to-accomplish self-care.

Here are some tips to make breathing your Sunday routine:

• Start with 5 minutes a day. As you practice breathing exercises, you may find this is enough time or you need more time to fully relax.

• Get comfortable. Designate a space where you can relax free from distractions.

• Schedule set times. If you find yourself running out of time at the end of your day, set specific short time blocks. You’re less likely to skip it if it’s already penciled into your day.

• Try various breathing techniques. Don’t just stick to one breathing exercise. Try new ones until you find one that works the best for you. 

• Get some fresh air. It’s nice to change your environment every now and then.

• Stay hydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water before and after you finish your breathing exercises.

Just like meditation, breathing exercises are a great and easy way to incorporate into your Sunday or any day. Just a few minutes each day of focusing on your breathing can help to reduce stress and anxiety while giving you back a sense of control. And with consistent practice, breathing exercises can become one of your favorite self-care rituals.

When was the last time you talked on the phone with a parent, loved one, or close friend? With texting, social media, email, and other “alternative” forms of communication more prevalent than ever, chances are it’s been a while.

And that could be a problem.

Reaching out to someone you trust and care about is one of the easiest ways to ease stress and improve your mood. Plus, making a call shows a little extra effort that is sure to strengthen your relationship and your bond. So take a minute to break your day-to-day habits and pick up the phone.

You were probably expecting this to pop up somewhere on the self-care Sunday checklist - and there’s a slight chance that you were dreading it too.

But why is exercise so often mentioned like a miserable chore? Because most people feel like they're falling short here and “not doing as much as I should.”

As a result, to “start exercising” feels like an insurmountable task that you can’t “get right” or “do consistently enough.”

But that’s not at all what we’re talking about here. Just get out of the house and do something fun and rejuvenating.

• A walk around the park or the mall
• An exercise class you’ve been meaning to try
• A hike, walk through the tidepools, or other outdoor adventure
• Playing in the backyard with your kids

The point is to feel like you’ve done something great for your body - something positive that you wanted to do and that you enjoyed.

Stretching is a great way to start your Sunday and it doesn’t need to be anything physically strenuous. From reducing stress levels and relieving tensions to improving circulation and being good for your joints, there’s no doubt that stretching even for just a few minutes every day is beneficial. 

If you’re just starting out, try starting with simple neck and arm stretches, rotating back and forth for at least two to five breaths. Remember to take it slow and don’t forget to breathe!

This one can seem like a throwaway, but it’s not to be underestimated. Drinking enough water has real benefits, such as:

• Maximizing performance during exercise
• Improving energy levels
• Enhancing brain function
• Preventing headaches
• Preventing hangovers
• Boosting weight loss

Of course, this shouldn’t only be done on self-care Sunday. But it’s a good day to reset and meet your hydration goal if you haven’t been able to do so throughout your busy workweek.

Keeping your body properly hydrated is essential to your self-care. Start every morning with a full glass of water. And if you tend to forget to stay hydrated throughout the day, set timers to remind you to drink water consistently. Having a personal water bottle you love can also motivate you to stick with your hydration routine. 

But don’t forget that there are other ways of staying hydrated - load up on fruits and veggies such as cucumbers, grapes, melons, and celery, all of which are known to keep dehydration at bay. Be aware of signs of dehydration including severe headaches and dizziness, and grab your water bottle to stay hydrated.

It’s also equally important to keep your skin hydrated. If not already, taking care of your skin should be included as one of your top self-care rituals. When dehydrated, your skin can become dry, flaky, and easily irritated, which is never a good look or feeling. To prevent skin dehydration, avoid hot showers and over-exfoliating. 

Instead, keep your skin hydrated with warm showers and a gentle natural moisturizer like our Daydreamer Natural Face Moisturizer. Formulated with shea butter, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid, our natural face moisturizer not only deeply hydrates your skin, but also increases microcirculation and soothes irritation.

Use this day of rest to splurge and enjoy the best! Whether you make something yourself or go out to eat, Sunday’s a perfect day to treat yourself to something amazing. Looking for some ideas to start?

Try these ideas to make a happy self-care Sunday:

• A gorgeous smoothie bowl
• A decadent version of your favorite cheat food like parmesan truffle fries or 3-cheese mac and cheese
• A “special occasion” meal that you normally wouldn’t spend the money on
• Tapas to share with friends
• Fresh finds from your local farmer’s market

And remember to do you. If spending time in the kitchen is your jam, go all out and make it an occasion. If that sounds more like punishment than fun, take the show on the road and enjoy the culinary gifts that your local cuisine has to offer.

What gets you motivated? Maybe it's your favorite song or musical artist, a podcast or radio show, Oprah, or your favorite book.

Figure out what makes you tick and what gets you to feel something and incorporate that into your Sunday self-care routine. This could also be:

• Creating a vision board for inspiration
• Chatting with a mentor
• Watching an inspiring movie
• Taking a class to learn a new skill

Whichever you choose, the goal is to wake up your inner drive and rev your motivation so you can start off the week with a bang.

Do you spend your Sundays avoiding all of the stressful or annoying things that you know you have to do? If so, this practice may not be doing you any favors.

Knowledge is power. If you spend Saturday and Sunday avoiding responsibility, you'll wake up on Monday feeling overwhelmed. That means you'll spend much of your morning trying to come up with a game plan.

Instead, take a few minutes to come up with a Monday to-do list on self-care Sunday afternoon. What are the most important things that you have to accomplish this week? What are you going to prioritize and when?

• Start the week with important tasks.

• Prioritize. 

• Plan your meals. 

• Decide what to wear. 

• Write down appointments. 

• Plan a nap. Yep, you read that write. A short power nap may be just what you need to jumpstart your week. 

Developing this list - and crossing things off of it - will help you feel empowered and in control. Plus, it’ll increase productivity.

Finally - break out the good stuff and get your relaxation on. Nothing can make you feel tranquil and rejuvenated like a great spa day.

If you want to take it all the way, make an appointment at an actual spa - and invite a friend or significant other if you’re up to it. Alternatively, you can make your own relaxation oasis at home:

• Treat yourself to a mani-pedi
• Elevate your bath time with Epsom salts or a luxurious bubble bath
• Do some deep treatments with a hair mask, a face mask, a skin balancing face oil, or all of the above
• Add aromatherapy scents to the room, set the lights, and play relaxing music to create a true Sunday oasis.

Taking the time to self-massage can be incredibly effective in relaxing your body, reducing stress, and improving blood flow. The best time to give yourself a massage is after a self-care bath to keep the relaxation going. 

Before beginning, make sure to have essential oil on hand. To start, apply a small amount of essential oil to your hands and select an area that you feel needs a massage, such as your head, face, or chest. Focus on applying pressure for a few minutes using gentle strokes and circular motions.

Follow up your massage with a luxurious manicure and pedicure. It’s easier than it looks and does not require an expert or a trip to the salon. With some nail polish and a few products you most likely have on hand, you can create your own spa day in the comfort of your home. 

To get started, start by filing and pushing back your cuticles, then clean and file your nails into the shape of your choice. Next, grab your favorite shade of nail polish and start with one coat adding an additional coat as needed. Finish with a rich moisturizing cream like our Almond Butter Sugar High Hand Cream.

Taking care of yourself is not only necessary for physical health, such as prolonging youthful skin, but it can also lower stress levels and provide mind-boosting benefits that can increase your self-confidence and feelings of self-worth. And in today’s busy world, it can be hard to find time to take care of yourself. The simplest way is to dedicate time or a day of the week to yourself, such as Sunday. 

So go ahead, and start taking time for yourself today, incorporating Eight Saints skin care products to help you feel happy and restored.  

Start your morning with our Down to Earth Gel Facial Cleanser. Formulated to detox and restore your skin, this gentle cleanser absorbs excess oil and impurities while unclogging your pores without irritating or drying out your skin. 

Bonus - it’s also gentle enough to be used in the evening before bedtime, helping to dissolve makeup and any debris from the long day.

After cleansing, prep your skin with our Coast Is Clear Face Toner which tightens your pores while keeping impurities at bay. Formulated with witch hazel, vitamin B5, natural kelp, and seawater, this toner is rich with healing minerals and anti-inflammatory properties that absorb trapped dirt and oil, as well as restore your skin’s balance to stay hydrated. 

Follow up with a vitamin-enriched serum like our fast-absorbing Seeking C Face Serum. This concentrated anti-aging serum reduces inflammation, irregular pigmentation such as age spots, and prevents breakouts while promoting collagen production. 

Just a small amount is all you need to get brighter better-looking skin making your Sunday self-care routine rich and effective.

Taking good care of your skin is important, but it's essential to give a special place in your skincare routine to the delicate area around your eyes. During the week, your eyes do a lot of hard work - especially if you sit in front of the computer - and they deserve a little extra TLC in your Sunday routine. 

Incorporate eye exercises into your routine. Then follow up with a massage around your eyes using our rejuvenating All In Eye Cream. Our weightless formula is gentle enough for the delicate eye area yet powerful enough to counteract puffiness, bags, and dark circles leaving you with visibly plumped youthful skin.

If you’ve got a little more time in the morning of your self-care Sunday, add an extra treatment to your skincare routine with our Soulmate Brightening Treatment. Formulated with hyaluronic and glycolic acids, this brightening moisturizer combo is perfect for dry, tired skin.

Hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration while glycolic acid provides rapid cell turnover to reveal healthy new skin. This leaves you with a matte finish and can be used in place of primer under your makeup saving you time.

But if you don’t have extra time, don’t forget to moisturize with a hydrating face moisturizer like our Chase The Sun SPF 30 Face Moisturizer. Quick and easy to apply, this lightweight anti-aging moisturizer provides complete protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays leaving behind a glowing, dewy finish. 

This moisturizer is packed with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and aloe vera to provide your skin with the ultimate hydration. Bonus - it also contains green tea which has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce skin irritation and redness.

Finish your facial skincare routine with our Cloud Whip Face Cream. Whipped to perfection, this fluffy cream is packed with antioxidants to block free radicals, repair skin discolorations and acne scars, as well as reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

This face cream also has healing properties making it ideal to apply after cosmetic procedures and sunburns.

After a successful self-care Sunday, give yourself the royal treatment with a self-care bath. Up the ante and make your evening luxurious by using a handcrafted bar of soap that will make you feel like you’re on a Caribbean yacht. 

The smell of our Spicy Rum Punch Bar Soap will immediately transport you to cocktail hour, ready for relaxation and rejuvenation. Lock in moisture while exfoliating with our soap bar formulated with a natural botanical oil blend, shea butter, and a natural luffa bar.

After a productive self-care Sunday, it's important to replenish your skin and remove any day-to-day damage. After cleansing the skin and make-up removal, why not try out a Micro Needle Dermaroller? The benefits of this skincare device are immense—it helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and scarring while improving skin texture. 

Follow up with our All Nighter Routine, a powerful duo skincare kit containing our All In Eye Cream and Night Shift Face Gel. Our eye cream targets puffiness and dark circles, while our face gel works to repair skin cells as you sleep. Together, this duo will simplify your nighttime routine and get you ready for the next day.

Self-Care Sundays are the perfect time to reconnect with your best friend! What better way to show them how much you care than sending a self-care kit such as our Daily Essentials Routine and inviting them to join you for a self-care day? 

Filled with three of our most amazing skincare products, this set is sure to give the gift of glow all season long. Our Down to Earth Gel Cleanser removes makeup, dirt, and facial impurities while keeping your skin’s natural moisture levels balanced. Follow with our Pep Rally hyaluronic acid serum for next-level anti-aging benefits. Lastly, Cloud Whip vitamin C cream brightens and evens skin tone.

New to Eight Saints? Check out our Discovery Kit which contains eight travel size of our bestselling natural skincare products to get you started for the perfect self-care Sunday ritual:

• Up The Anti anti-aging night cream

• Day Dreamer restorative moisturizer

• Cloud Whip vitamin C cream

• All In de-puffing under eye cream

• Down to Earth gel cleanser

• Seeking C vitamin C serum

• Pep Rally hyalurnic acid serum

• Coast is Clear oil absorbing witch hazel toner

Note that some items in the Discovery Kit may be unavailable. These will be swapped for other stellar Eight Saints products.

This is the perfect kit to determine if Eight Saints is right for your skin. Hint: it is!

The Sunday Scaries doesn’t have to be a thing. Start implementing the self-care Sunday ideas above today, even if it’s just one of the ideas. The best way to take care of yourself is to just start. Eventually, you’ll find a self-care routine that you love so much it’ll seep into your everyday routine. So rather than one day, you can take care of yourself every day. 

Give yourself permission to relax and rejuvenate on Sunday and see how much better you’ll feel when Monday morning comes around. With just a little bit of effort, you can start your week off on the right foot - feeling refreshed, revived, and ready to take on anything that comes your way.

Happy Sunday!