That familiar Sunday night feeling is all too common for many Nigerians. As the weekend winds down, anxiety about the coming week begins to creep in. The thought of Lagos traffic, demanding deadlines, and job uncertainties can turn a peaceful evening into what feels like a mini anxiety festival.
This widespread phenomenon has given rise to what experts call the Sunday Reset Routine - a simple, soothing night ritual designed to help you prepare, recharge, and wake up feeling peaceful on Monday morning.
What Exactly Is a Sunday Reset Routine?
Contrary to popular belief, a Sunday reset isn't about following strict checklists or expensive self-care rituals. Gloria Adesanya, who popularized this concept, explains that it's primarily about creating a calm transition between your weekend and workweek.
Think of it as giving yourself a soft landing before the weekly madness begins again. This is particularly valuable in Nigeria, where achieving work-life balance often feels nearly impossible for many professionals.
The Practical Sunday Reset Night Routine
The effective Sunday reset routine consists of several key components that anyone can implement regardless of their schedule or resources.
First, begin by decluttering your space and mind. Start with your physical environment - fold those clothes on the chair, wash the dishes, and tidy up your work bag. You don't need to deep clean your entire space. Just fifteen minutes of resetting your environment can significantly reduce Monday morning overwhelm.
Next, focus on preparing for the week ahead. Monday mornings are stressful enough without adding decisions about what to wear or eat. Instead of worrying about these things Sunday night, get ahead of them. Write down your priority tasks, select your outfits, pack your bag, do quick meal preparation, and arrange your transportation fare.
For those working remotely, the same principles apply. Tidy up your workspace and ensure everything is ready for a productive week. Nothing beats starting Monday with simple, energizing routines already in place.
Mental Reset and Quality Sleep
After a week of constant scrolling and navigating daily stresses, your mind deserves quiet time. Take several minutes for yourself to unplug and reset mentally. Practice skincare, journal your thoughts, or spend time in prayer or meditation.
Use whatever resources you have available - apply shea butter, light a candle, or simply sit in silence and focus on your breathing. These simple self-care habits significantly contribute to feeling calm and centered.
By 10 p.m., begin sending signals to your body that it's time to sleep. Play soft Afrobeats or lo-fi music, dim your lights, and keep your phone away from your bed. Consider drinking warm tea or reflecting on positive moments from your weekend.
Quality sleep remains the ultimate reset. When you sleep well on Sunday night, you naturally wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face Monday morning challenges.
Bonus Habits That Make a Difference
Several underrated practices can make your Sunday reset even more effective. Stop doomscrolling before bed - those social media threads can definitely wait until morning. Plug your phone in across the room to resist midnight scrolling temptations. Even a brief seven-minute exercise session can help dispel negative and anxious energies.
For those seeking a comprehensive approach, consider this ultimate checklist: Wash dishes and complete laundry tasks, make your bed and arrange your sleeping area, clean and organize your workspace, empty bins and sweep your living space, prepare meals for the week or stock up on groceries, select and iron your outfits, place shoes by the door, pack your work bag with essentials, arrange your keys and wallet in accessible locations, handle transportation needs, identify your top three Monday priorities, check your calendar for appointments, take a relaxing bath or shower, moisturize your skin, turn off notifications, do gentle stretches or prayer, journal gratitude, create a calming atmosphere, and set your alarm fifteen minutes earlier than usual.
Remember that your Sunday reset routine doesn't need to be perfect. The goal isn't following a strict checklist perfectly but rather doing something - anything - that genuinely calms your mind and spirit. You deserve peaceful mornings, clear thoughts, and a sense of control over your week. Every small effort, from washing dishes to lighting a simple candle, truly matters for your mental wellbeing.
