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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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