I Tried TikTok’s Sunday Reset Trend – And Successfully Banished The Sunday Scaries

Constantly battling the Sunday Scaries? Not anymore. The latest wellness fad taking hold on the internet is the Sunday reset, a routine that helps free up head space for the week ahead. Here’s what the trend entails – and the verdict on whether it works.

What Is TikTok’s Sunday Reset Trend?

With over 178.5 million posts on the platform, the Sunday reset trend is quickly becoming one of TikTok’s biggest wellness trends. But what does it entail? ‘A Sunday reset is a way to clear the decks and set ourselves up for the week ahead,’ explains Taz Thornton, a business and empowerment coach and author. ‘It’s about getting into the right headspace – and it can be a big help in shaking off the “Sunday Scaries” (that sense of dread some people get before Monday).’

‘The goal is to help avoid any stresses in the week,’ adds Claire Mills, a wellness and Pilates expert, physiotherapist and founder of Core LDN. ‘This can be a great time to plan in ways that help you to make better choices, ensuring your food is stocked up, meal prepping and planning workouts. I also personally use it to arrange childcare for the week ahead.’

@hollyjai_ sunday reset with meee💗 #sundayreset #resetroutine #resetwithme #cleaningroom #bedroom #aesthetic #cleaningtiktok ♬ Valentine – Sped Up – Laufey

What Tasks Go On A Sunday Reset Checklist?

On the one hand, a Sunday reset can look like a free-for-all tidy up session, while on the other, it can also be used to unwind and catch a breath before the new week arrives. Some of the more organisational things that can be included on this checklist include:

• Cleaning
• Laundry
• Meal prep
• Food shopping
• Personal admin (booking appointments, responding to messages, running errands)

Claire says she resonates more with this style of reset. ‘My Sunday checklist usually looks like making sure that laundry is done for the week, alongside the food shop and meal planning,’ she notes. ‘I write these on a chalkboard in the kitchen so it’s always visible. I’ll also check my work diary for the week, prepare where needed and cross-check against my social diary and any birthdays. As a mum of two, I also like to make sure we go into a fresh school week knowing all homework and school bags are prepared and ready to go.’

More self-care oriented tasks, meanwhile, may include:

• Long bathing rituals (a hot bath, hair treatments, skin scrubs and body brushing)
• Skincare
• Face masks
• Indulging in your hobbies
• Spending time with friends and family

This is more Taz’s speed. ‘On Sundays, I like to use the extra time I have for family, a good book and a bit of unwinding,’ she says. ‘I find it really important to take a bit of time to be fully “off” – no agenda, just letting myself relax. I’ll check in with what’s ahead for the week, but without pressure.’

What Are The Supposed Benefits?

The biggest benefit to a Sunday reset is mental; it’s the idea that you can tick items off your list and not have to worry about them later in the week. ‘A Sunday reset is really beneficial for clearing your head, explains Claire. ‘As they say, a tidy home leads to a tidy mind. I find a Sunday reset helps me to feel calm and prepared going into the week ahead. It also helps to minimise unnecessary stress if everything is organised.

‘As a working mum of two, it helps ensure that day to day routines during the week are easier to stick to,’ she continues. ‘I also try and plan my workouts for the week ahead and book into classes so that I’m accountable to doing my exercise.’

@jack.designs It’s that time of the week again, time for The SUPER Sunday Reset!!! For some reason this one took way longer to edit…hope you enjoy!!! 🥰 P.S – can you spot what new cleaning gadget I got and I’m obsessed with? 👀 P.p.s – I’ll add products used into the comments as usual 🥳 * @dyson products featured have very kindly been gifted as I’m a brand ambassador 😇 #weeklyreset #sundayreset #cleanwithme #cleaningmotivation #asmr #speedclean #cleantok #cleaningtiktok #satisfyingcleans ♬ original sound – Jack Callaghan

What Happened When I Tried A Sunday Reset Routine

When I stumbled upon the trend for the first time, I was surprised to realise that I already do quite a few activities already – tidying up, meal prepping, laundry and an inbox clear-out – although I wasn’t really adhering to any major self-care rituals.

My Sundays typically revolve around a rush of activity in the morning and afternoon, followed by a few hours of calm before Monday hits. This, understandably, meant I probably wasn’t getting the best out of my reset plans. My new priority? Finding a more balanced routine.

So, for four weekends in a row, I tried to make each Sunday a reset day – and had varying degrees of success.

Week 1

This was probably my most successful stint. Empowered by hours of TikTok scrolling, I sprung out of bed that Sunday and spent the first hour of the day writing up a list while eating breakfast (she’s a multi-tasker, too).

The next few hours were a rush of activity, starting with a quick home workout before shifting into a whirlwind of changing sheets, laundry, hoovering and tidying. Lunchtime falls somewhere between chores, and I made sure to take a break at this time and catch up on an episode of Bake Off.

Once these tasks were done, I was free to spend the rest of the day winding down. As part of my new goal to focus more on self-care, I used this opportunity to paint my nails and watch a film that had been sitting on my watch list for ages.

Sunday Evening Mood: Accomplished, slightly tired

Week 2

This weekend, I was balancing my reset routine with brunch plans – but having done more of the ‘deep cleaning’ duties the previous weekend, this didn’t feel like something to worry about. And I could consider my outing part of my self-care ritual: catching up with friends and winding down.

I was only able to squeeze in a chore or two when I got back from brunch, but still felt pretty good to take on the next week.

Sunday Evening Mood: At ease

Week 3

The Sunday plans had to get derailed at some point. A last minute trip to see family earlier in the week meant I spent most of this Sunday on the train back into London, pressed between late weekend commuters who (like me) would rather be at home. I attempted to sift through my inbox during the train journey, but had little luck with the shifty Wi-Fi and noisy train carriage.

By the time I managed to stumble through the door, it was mid-afternoon – and my energy was wiped. Forgoing any hopes of tidying or extensive meal prep, the rest of the day was spent pleasantly bed rotting in a self-care cocoon.

Sunday Evening Mood: Mildly chaotic

Week 4

It was back to routine by the next Sunday (thankfully). A slightly longer lie-in that morning left me feeling well-rested, and I was able to speed through my to-do list in record time.

This, of course, left me plenty of time to spend of the rest of the day doing my favourite thing: nothing. A rather successful Sunday, if I do say so myself.

Sunday Evening Mood: Relaxed, smug

@cleaningwithida another mini sunday reset 🧺🫧 #sundayreset #cleantok #speedclean #satisfyingcleans #cleaningmotivation #cleaningtips #cleaninginspo #girltherapy #cleaning #sundaycleaning #resetroutine #cleanhome ♬ original sound – Spotify🤞🏼

Does It Work?

Personally, I found I really benefitted from a more structured Sunday. Clearing away some chores while leaving time for a generous slice of wind-down time really helped clear my head – and yes, it did help calm the Sunday Scaries (somewhat). I’m probably always going to have one concern or another lurking in the back of my mind on a Sunday, but it definitely feels more manageable knowing that other tasks for the week are already done.

So yes, I’d say it does work. (And it makes me feel supremely smug when I have the impression that I have my s*** together.)

But, being a type A personality, I’m someone who is going to get on better with a sense of structure. If the thought of writing up lists or creating a schedule fills you with dread, then it might not be right for you.

‘It’s not for everyone,’ agrees Taz. ‘Some will find it helpful, while others might feel more relaxed with smaller routines spread throughout the week.  I find it more helpful to keep certain routines throughout the week – like eating well, drinking plenty of water, and doing a bit of journaling or mindset work each day.’

She also warns that ‘it’s easy to fall into the trap of saving all our self-care for one day’, leaving us feeling worn or burnt out the rest of the week while put off much-needed wind-down time. ‘Building in a few smaller moments through the week can have a big impact, and means we’re less reliant on one day to recharge and reset.’

What To Know Before Trying The Trend

Remember that no two Sunday resets will be the same; the means to finding a moment to relax will differ from person to person. It’s also not worth putting pressure on it. This is meant to be a day you enjoy, after all.

‘Make it easy on yourself,’ emphasises Taz. The point isn’t to create a big Sunday “task,” but to create a bit of time to reset. Go in knowing it’s a time to recharge rather than a day to get everything perfect.

‘Find what feels good, and be willing to tweak as you go,’ she continues. ‘The most effective routines are the ones that serve us well, not the ones we feel we “should” do. And even if your Sunday reset is just a bit of extra time with loved ones, it’s about giving yourself a bit of breathing room, not about ticking boxes.’

Don’t feel like you need to do everything on your list, either. ‘You might not be able to do it all,’ Claire says. ‘Along with planning and organising, you also need to have a cut off time when you can just chill and enjoy your Sunday evening – whether that be a chunk of chocolate, bath or early night.’

@annaxoxowilson SUNDAY RESET 🫧🫶🏼☁️ #sundayreset #cleantok ♬ new romantics – stqr.audi0s

Do We Need A Sunday Reset Routine?

Again, that will depend on the individual. I’ve found that having this routine in place does help get some stress off my plate before Monday rolls around – but it’s not something I can comfortably do every Sunday. And on those days, I still end up fine.

‘You don’t need anything – it’s about what genuinely supports you,’ reminds Taz. ‘For some, a weekly reset is ideal; for others, a monthly check-in is enough. It’s worth experimenting to see what rhythm works best. The main thing is that it doesn’t feel like yet another thing on the to-do list.’

‘I find a weekly check-in great myself, but there’s no reason why it should be just a Sunday reset,’ adds Claire. ‘Instead, find time when suits you to do a deeper clean, plan the month ahead and reflect on the last month to help prepare for the next. This could include planning and organising your social life, birthdays or even getting ready for occasions like Christmas.’

Featured image: Nicole Bomar, Unsplash