The Art of a Slow Sunday: Embracing Rest, Rituals, and Renewal
- Jill Popolizio
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 15

Hello Bloomers!
There’s something about Sundays that makes me want to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and savor the moment. It’s the one day of the week where I try to let go of the rushing, the to-do lists, and the constant feeling that I need to be productive (no shame here for those that sleep in past 10am). I see Sundays as an invitation to embrace rest, nurture small rituals, and reset my mind and spirit for the week ahead.
Here’s some ways I make the most of my slow Sundays and how you can too.
1. Morning: A Gentle Start
I’ve learned that the way I start my Sunday sets the tone for the entire day, so I try to begin with ease and intention.
No alarms, no rushing. I let myself wake up naturally, taking a few deep breaths before getting out of bed. I learned long ago to NOT have my cellphone near my bed!
A slow morning drink. Instead of gulping down my coffee while scrolling my phone, I pour it into my favorite mug, sit by a window, and truly savor it.
Journaling or quiet reflection. Some mornings, I write down three things I’m grateful for. Other times, I simply sit in silence and listen to the world waking up.
By giving myself permission to start slow, I create space for clarity, peace, and inspiration.
2. Midday: Creativity & Connection
While sports is a constant on TV in this house (I write this blog on Super Bowl Sunday so you can imagine the buzz right now) I love that to me, Sundays feel like the perfect day to create something just for the joy of it.
Baking something simple. I love making a batch of muffins, a warm loaf of bread, cookies to gift to family. Today I made these heart pies as gifts for co-workers for Valentines Day. The recipe and how-to's will be featured in my blog post tomorrow!)


Working on a DIY or home refresh project. Whether it’s arranging fresh flowers, printing out new decor for my walls, or styling my coffee table, I love small changes that make my space feel intentional.
Touching base with family or friends - in a world of texts and quick messages, there’s something so special about a long, unhurried phone call.
Playing games. It can be surprisingly relaxing and meditative—when I’m focused on the next move or strategy, my mind lets go of all the other worries, giving me a rare and much-needed mental escape! Scrabble is a favorite, and I absolutely love this decorative vintage coffee table version (in my photo above) I found on Amazon.
Sunday afternoons are my time to disconnect from the rush of the world and reconnect with myself, my creativity, and the people I love.
3. Evening: Reset & Prepare for the Week Ahead
I want my Sunday nights to feel as peaceful as my Sunday mornings. Instead of dreading Monday, I try focus on small rituals that make the transition feel calm and intentional. I admit this is often easier said than done, but it’s a good practice to keep.
Soft lighting, cozy ambiance. As the sun sets, I light candles, turn on soft music or a romcom on TV, and wrap myself in a cozy blanket.
A warm bath or skincare routine. A long soak with essential oils or even just taking my time with my evening skincare feels like an act of self-care.
Reading before bed. Even just a few pages of a book I love instead of scrolling my phone makes a huge difference in how I sleep.
My Sunday nights are about creating a sense of peace that carries into the week ahead.
4. A Sunday Reminder: You Deserve Rest!
I'm my number one critic. If I’m not doing something productive, I feel guilty, as if every moment of stillness needs to be justified, so there’s one thing I remind myself every Sunday:
✨ Slowing down is not a waste of time—it’s how we refill our energy and creativity.
✨ You don’t have to “earn” rest. Rest is part of life, just like work is.
✨ You are not behind. You are exactly where you need to be.
However you choose to spend your Sundays, I hope you allow yourself to pause, savor, and soak in the beauty of simple moments.
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