Meghan S.Sundays are a special day in many people’s eyes — myself included. It’s the culmination of a fun weekend and a hard week of work, all coming together to give you a final bit of respite. They are the last day we have before our work week starts, and there are plenty of ways to spend those hours, from religious practice to a long walk at the beach. Sundays are great both for when you feel like staying in, and when you would rather go out and experience all that life has to offer. They are, essentially, the best of both worlds, and that is one of the reasons I enjoy them so much. However, I do have some particular favorite activities to do on what is technically the last day of the week. Without further ado, here is my favorite way to spend a Sunday!
Early Morning Yoga
Did you know that, according to John Hopkins Medicine, yoga offers both physical and mental health benefits? That’s right, yoga can help you feel better throughout, whether it’s relief from back pain or making it easier to fall asleep at night! Best of all, it’s a form of relaxing, motion-enhancing exercise that can be performed inside or outside depending on the season. If it’s a lovely Sunday morning in the spring or summer, you can do your Downward Dog or Warrior poses out on the patio or in the yard. If you prefer, there are even outdoor yoga classes you can attend! Otherwise, you can cozy up in a hoodie and perform your poses in the comfort of your home, or in an indoor gym or yoga class. Whatever the weather, I love to start my Sunday off with some restorative yoga!
A Nice Long Walk
While a lot of emphasis is placed on jogging and running to get your morning steps in, nothing beats the pleasure of taking a long walk, in my opinion. While running at top speed can burn 30% more calories according to the Cleveland Clinic, walking a little bit longer can help even out the calorie total and ensure you are getting similar quality results without the same amount of strain and difficulty associated with a run. That is why I like to take long, leisurely walks each Sunday — it’s a great way to get some exercise while also having extra time for daydreaming and introspection. Plus, isn’t taking things slowly what Sunday is all about?
Visit the Farmer’s Market
Where I live, there are wonderful farmer’s markets open all weekend long, but some specifically open on Sundays. I find this is a great time to go shopping for local produce, crafts, and to get to know the local small business owners in my area who put so much into their products! Whether it’s taking home a bottle of homemade salsa or pickles, or picking out a beautiful hand-crafted necklace to wear on a special occasion, the farmer’s market has it all! As a notable bonus, kids love to explore them, and to see what each booth and stall has to offer; it’s like taking your kids back in time to the days when local gatherings of merchants and artisans was commonplace.
Rest and Enjoy
Sunday is also the perfect day to sit back and relax. After conquering all that the week has thrown your way, it’s time you enjoy the fruits of your labor. You do not have to feel an inkling of guilt or remorse about lounging around and watching your favorite shows, movies, or reading a guilty pleasure book. These are the rewards we give ourselves to help us push through the tough times and enjoy the good. This is probably why so many of my favorite shows release every Sunday: it’s the perfect day to kick back and enjoy yourself!
Conclusion
Sundays are one of those days that is occasionally best left unscheduled. Rather than sticking with a tight routine, enter the day with a loose idea of what you could do, should you feel up for it. Want to really go for it and try new things? Go for it! Want to rediscover an old hobby and see if you still have what it takes? Now is your moment! Want to do none of that and relax instead? Perfect! Also, if you are interested in other lifestyle, wellness, or mindfulness topics, make sure to check out our blogs for more!
