There’s something about Monday mornings that can feel a little crazy – especially if you’re waking up to a messy house, an overflowing to-do list, and no plan for the week ahead.
After a nice relaxing weekend, it’s easy to dread Mondays. You probably start them already feeling behind, scrambling to get everything ready for the week, and wishing there was just one more day of the weekend! At least that’s how I used to feel.
Then, I read about doing a Sunday Night Reset. I’d like to say that I now look forward to Monday morning, but that would be silly. But I will say that now Monday mornings are a lot easier, and I don’t dread them as much as I used to.
How did that happen? Instead of waiting until Monday morning to start doing what I need to do, I take a little time on Sunday night to set myself up for success. It doesn’t take long, but it makes my whole week feel more organized, productive, and way less stressful.
What Is the Sunday Night Reset?
The Sunday Night Reset is a simple routine designed to help you start the week feeling prepared and in control.
It’s a chance to:
- Clear out messes that grew over the weekend
- Plan your meals, schedule, and priorities
- Set up your space for a smoother, stress-free Monday
And the best part? It doesn’t take all night. Even just 30–60 minutes can make a huge difference in how your week begins. And if you don’t have that much time, you can probably get it done in a little bit less if you need to.
How to Do a Sunday Night Reset
Here’s a simple routine to make Monday mornings easier:
- Do a Quick Clean-UpA cluttered space can make your week feel more stressful before it even begins. Take 10–15 minutes to reset your home by:
- Clearing off countertops and tables
- Putting away anything left out over the weekend
- Doing a quick vacuum or wipe-down of surfaces
Bonus Tip: If laundry is piling up, start a load now so you have fresh clothes ready for the week! Also, if you can, do the dishes so you start the week off with a clean and empty sink!
- Plan Your Meals for the WeekIf you’ve ever hit Monday night with no dinner plan and ended up ordering takeout, you’re not alone! I can’t tell you the stress I used to have each night when all of the sudden it was 6pm and I had no idea what to make for dinner. Forget about the fact that now we’d end up eating late…almost every night of the week. To stop that from happening, take a few minutes to:
- Decide what meals you’ll make this week
- Prep any ingredients in advance (wash/chop veggies, marinate meat, etc.)
- Pack lunches if needed.
Bonus Tips: If meal planning feels overwhelming, just plan the first few days. That alone can reduce stress! Also, if you can, do this task even earlier, preferably before you go food shopping so you can make sure you have the ingredients you’ll need to make everything for the week.
- Set Your Top Priorities for the WeekFeeling scattered on Monday morning? A little planning on Sunday night can help you focus. Take a few minutes to:
- Write down 3–5 key tasks for the week ahead
- Look at your schedule (appointments, deadlines, events)
- Set realistic goals so you know what to tackle first
Bonus Tip: If your to-do list is long, highlight the most important tasks so you don’t get overwhelmed.
- Prep for Monday MorningA few simple steps can make Monday morning so much smoother:
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- Lay out your clothes (or at least decide what you’ll wear)
- Pack your bag, work essentials, or anything else you’ll need
- Set your alarm with enough time to ease into the day
Bonus Tip: If you drink coffee, set up the coffee maker the night before so all you have to do is press a button in the morning!
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- Take Time to UnwindYour reset isn’t just about getting things done – it’s also about mentally preparing for the week.
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- Do something relaxing (read, take a bath, journal, or watch a show)
- Get to bed at a decent time so you wake up well-rested
- Set a positive intention for the week ahead
Bonus Tip: Try writing down one thing you’re looking forward to this week – it’ll help you start Monday with a more positive mindset.
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The Secret to a Smoother Week
Mondays don’t have to feel overwhelming. A Sunday Night Reset is a simple, low-effort way to start your week feeling organized, refreshed, and in control.
Even if you don’t do everything on this list, picking just one or two habits can make a huge difference.
Try it this week and see how much smoother your Mondays feel!
