In college, it’s easy to get caught up in the school grind. But, it’s not good for us to just go, go, go— we need to make time for ourselves or run the risk of getting burnt out. I find myself struggling with that a lot. There’s so much to do, and any time not spent working is usually spent feeling guilty for not working. So, I decided to implement something that’s been all over my TikTok feed lately— a “Sunday reset.” For the last few weeks, I’ve spent Sunday mornings focused on only taking care of myself and my environment, with no homework or studying allowed.
For me, a Sunday reset (and every other day) starts with coffee. I let it brew while I get ready for the day, and then I go out on my apartment’s balcony and just sit to drink my coffee. I don’t rush to drink it, instead taking the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the fresh air. Once my coffee is gone, I do some chores. This includes cleaning that doesn’t get done every day, like deep cleaning my bathroom, dusting, and vacuuming to make sure I have a clean, happy environment for the coming week.
Once I’ve finished cleaning, I wash my sheets and any other laundry I have from the week, because what’s better than sliding into a clean, freshly-made bed at night? While that stuff is going through the washer/dryer, I take some time to read whatever book I’m working on at that point. With a busy student schedule, it’s hard to find time to read for pleasure without feeling like I should be working on other things, so setting aside specific time to do it is very helpful. By the time the laundry is done and ready to be put away, I’ve usually read a good amount. Once I’ve done all of this, it’s usually around lunchtime, so I’ll make myself something to eat and catch up on that week’s episode of SNL (I’m a sucker for Colin Jost). When I’m finished eating I’ll wash any dishes I used, and then I’m ready to start preparing for the coming week. I make notecards for my language classes, fill out my planner for the week, and make sure I know what’s going on. This is the start of my homework session, and the end of my Sunday reset.
I’ve found that having time set aside for a Sunday reset has helped me in many ways. I like being able to do some of the deeper cleaning that I don’t have time to do during the week, especially because I work best in a clean environment. I also think it’s super beneficial to have a designated time when I don’t do any homework or even think about school. If I didn’t, I would just be constantly working and would burn out quickly. Having time for a Sunday reset also helps me feel more prepared for the future. Everything at home is in order, so I can focus on taking on the coming week. Finally, it’s nice to just slow down for a morning, not constantly rushing to the next event or thing to do and always being on the move. It helps me stay grounded and keep in touch with myself more.
So, if you’re looking for a sign to add a Sunday reset to your schedule, this is it. You’re a busy person, and you need to take time for yourself to keep your mental health up and keep you feeling your best. You’ll appreciate having a clean environment and taking care of yourself in the long run.