There is no moment more sacred to me than my weekly bathtime, and Dr. Teals is always the guest of honor. While I typically opt for unscented Epsom salt, learning to relax ahead of a busy week calls for soothing lavender to help me lean into rest and relaxation.
Highly Recommend
11.03.23
11.03.23
13 Products That’ll Help You Fight the Sunday Scaries
Be so cozy you forget about your Monday morning alarm.
If you typically feel like an overwhelming ball of chaos every Sunday night, you’ve come to the right place. While we can’t do anything about your pre-scheduled meetings or micromanaging bosses, we can help ease some anxiety and dread ahead of the workweek.
Rather than look at Sunday nights as a thing of nightmares, reframe it as a time of restoration and balance. Sundays should be all about leaning into self-care and taking necessary pauses to help recenter yourself before you head to work on Monday.
“Within Western culture, there is a strong emphasis on productivity and outcomes that can be highly motivating but also extremely exhausting for our mental health, says licensed psychologist Jenny Wang, PhD. “When we practice mindfulness, we are deliberately guiding our attention and actions towards being present to this current moment instead of letting our minds take wild rides into the future and past.” Basically, a more mindful Sunday might help fend off the anticipatory anxiety of all you have to get done this week.
With an emphasis on “being” rather than “doing,” Dr. Wang says slowing down and resting allows people an opportunity to reflect and set a future vision for themselves that is necessary for leading a purposeful and meaningful life. “Our minds are wired to have periods of focus, productivity, and purpose, but we also require complementary periods of ease, play, and rest to prepare us for future seasons of our lives. This is why the act of slowing down the pace of our lives is crucial for sustainable mental wellbeing,” she says.
To help you jumpstart your foray into soft Sundays, I rounded up some of my favorite self-care products that help me prep for the week ahead, from ultra-cozy blankets to daily gratitude journals and everything in between.
All products featured on Wondermind are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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What pairs better with a relaxing bath than a soothing oatmeal mask? This ultra-nourishing vegan face mask is great for all types of skin and is super hydrating, so your dry winter skin doesn’t stand a chance.
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Doing my end-of-weekend wind down with these towels always sets the tone for a relaxing night. Cozy Earth’s luxurious towels are made with super soft viscose from bamboo. I’ve been using mine for years and not only do they maintain their vibrant color, but they’ve gotten even softer with each wash.
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Is any soft Sunday complete without a pair of cozy sweatpants? I wear these everywhere. From grocery runs to stay-at-home work days, these pants are super comfortable and come in a ton of cute colors that match all my favorite fall hoodies.
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Feeling good in my space is necessary for me to feel at ease, and I’ve noticed that having flowers around just instantly chills me out. I’ve been particularly obsessed with the orchids from The Sill lately. The bright pink petals instantly add a pop of color to my space, and they’re pet-friendly, so I don’t have to worry about my cats getting sick if they eat the petals.
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If my cat could talk, she’d tell you this is her all-time favorite blanket. She loves it so much she has two (I know, I know, she’s spoiled). And she’s not the only one head-over-heels for this super chic throw—tons of celebrities have posted their love for the Barefoot Dreams blanket too. The price tag is a little overwhelming, but trust me (and my cat) when we say it’s truly the softest blankie we’ve ever owned and makes our Sunday nights a lot less frightening.
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Make your everything shower way more chill with this soap-lotion duo from Bath and Body Works. I’ve been using this line of products since high school (which was longer ago that I’d like to admit). All hail the powerful healing effects of aromatherapy!
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In my opinion, scent can have a huge impact on your mood, especially when it’s seasonal depression season. I often choose scents based on the seasons and this Replica By the Fireplace scented candle smells exactly like a warm, cozy cabin in the woods. I love this scent so much I even have it in the perfume version. Plus, as someone who lives in a tiny apartment in NYC, it fills the void of having an actual working fireplace.
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9.AmazonPracticing gratitude is a great self-care activity, whether or not you’re fending off the Sunday scaries. I’ve had this gratitude journal on my must-have list for months now since it offers a few easy prompts for you to fill out each day. One journal covers six months worth of gratitude. And it’s made out of eco-friendly materials, which makes it a win-win in my book.
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Get a little weird with this creative self-help book from actor and author Felicia Day. Not only will this book have you laughing out loud, but its thought-provoking exercises will complement any necessary introspection you need to do ahead of the workweek.
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Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. As someone who lives in an apartment that faces east, the morning sun is my constant companion. On the days when I don’t want to be rudely awakened with the sunrise, I fall asleep with this cozy mask. It also has a secret pocket for a thin sleep stone crystal, if that’s your vibe.
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12.Alo YogaFuzzy socks are an integral part of my nightly routine. I’m particularly obsessed with this plush pair from Alo Yoga. I love to wear these around the house after a nice warm shower and sometimes I even pair them with my beloved Dr. Martens Mary Janes for an added dose of comfort on an everyday basis.
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You don’t have to chase away the Sunday scaries with hot yoga and at-home pilates, but light stretching after a hard day can make all the difference in your mood. To make it more luxurious, do it on a truly comfortable mat, like this extra thick one from Amazon, so there’s ample cushioning for your body to ease into the flow.
Wondermind does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health or mental health professional with any questions or concerns about your mental health.
