The Art of Slow Sunday: How to Relearn Doing Nothing (Without Guilt)

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The art of napping, the art of meditation… what if doing nothing or almost nothing was one of the keys to preserving our mental health? And I see you coming: no, we’re not talking here about “doing nothing” while scrolling on your phone.

The art of a lazy Sunday is a way to claim the right to a pause. Taking a day in the week, Sunday, of course, to rest your mind, relax your body, and indulge in activities that aren’t necessarily productive but are deeply soothing.

Let’s focus on this art of a lazy Sunday, a simple but precious ritual that you might quickly adopt… as an essential interlude to regain your balance and, who knows, spark new ideas.

Accepting to Do Nothing Productive

A lazy Sunday is not a catch-up day for everything you didn’t have time to do during the week. It’s a day of rest, a real one. And it’s not by chance that, in the past, it was dedicated to religious rituals: on Sunday, we slow down. We refocus, we share a meal, we take a walk, we breathe a little.

Let’s face it: the idea of curling up in a fluffy bed with a book and a cup of coffee for thirty minutes is dreamy… but it’s not that simple. The organization of the upcoming week, notifications on our phones, or that little inner voice reminding us of our “to-do list” often spoil our desire for a lazy Sunday.

And then, there’s the number one enemy of Sunday rest: guilt. In our Western societies, being “overwhelmed” or “underwater” remains valued, even though mindsets are changing, particularly due to a growing awareness of the importance of mental health.

Learning not to be productive is also learning not to feel guilty. Yes, watching Love is Blind on a Sunday afternoon at 4 PM with a plate of surimi-cheese and a latte is okay!! Try it, you’ll see, it feels good.

Creating a Lazy Sunday Ritual

In the past, there was religion, Sunday mass for Catholics, or other spiritual rituals often followed by a big family meal. You know, the one that lasts until 4 PM, with the slightly annoying uncle and the grandfather who almost falls asleep at the table? These Sunday meals remain important for part of the population, but as families today often live farther apart from each other, this ritual sometimes tends to fade. So, even if you live in another city or abroad, nothing prevents you from creating your own ritual alone or surrounded!

For example, you could decide that lazy Sunday will be reserved for brunch and flea market in a neighborhood you love. If you’re alone, a little café on a terrace with a book is also perfect. The main thing is to take time for yourself, whether at home or outside, and to slow down a bit this crazy race against time to observe the little details of everyday life, and why not, interact with others.

Another ritual idea: start reading a new book in the morning, accompanied by breakfast in bed or simply a coffee before starting the day. You can then integrate other practices like yoga, a morning walk, or some journaling.

Rest as a Skin and Mind Care

Taking time for yourself is obviously good for your morale, but it’s also good for your skin and body. I don’t need to tell you this, everything is connected, and to have good morale, it’s essential to feel good in your shoes. How can taking time for yourself improve your skin?

Because You’re Well Hydrated

Generally, when we relax at home, we tend to drink more: tea, lattes, matcha if you follow the trends, or just water. The result: your skin is hydrated and more beautiful. It makes sense, yet we don’t drink enough when we’re too busy.

Because You Breathe Better

Breathing is the number one natural tool to combat stress. When we’re rushing around, of course, we breathe poorly, but when we settle down and breathe mindfully, a few inhalations through the nose and some exhalations through the mouth are enough to relax us.

Because You Take Time to Make Food for Yourself

You don’t need to be a chef to create a lovely brunch plate with a bit of cheese, fresh vegetables with hummus or tzatziki, for example, and toasted bread. And while you’re at it, enjoy eating mindfully: take the time to savor, chew, and look at the food on your plate.

Featured image: ©Anthony Tran / Unsplash