The perfect Sunday: How to beat the Sunday Blues

If there’s one thing all humans can agree on, it’s that Mondays were sent to try us. The thought of returning to work after two glorious days of freedom can make it hard to even get out of bed – let alone face emails, conference calls and the perennially broken office photocopier. Of course, it’s not just our Monday mood that suffers – that icky feeling can often leach into Sunday too.
So, what can the average person do in the face of serious Sunday blues? The answer lies in a mixture of activity, good food and relaxation. But for more inspiration, check out this dreamy itinerary for things to do on a Sunday.

9am – A good book in bed

Sundays were made for lie-ins, but you’ll want to avoid snoozing until midday and messing up your sleep schedule. Set an alarm for an hour after you normally rise for work, grab a cup of tea or coffee, and settle back in bed with a good book.
To cultivate the ultimate Sunday atmosphere, opt for some serious comfort reading; we’re thinking young adult fantasy, Jane Austen or a good old murder mystery.

10.30am – A lazy brunch

The perfect brunch is all about getting the small details right and indulging in a good balance of sweet and savoury. Foods that will satisfy your morning tummy rumbles and keep you full until the afternoon include:
Wholemeal bagels with smoked salmon & cream cheese
Porridge with semi-skimmed milk, honey & banana
Wholemeal toast with scrambled eggs, grilled tomatoes & avocado
If you’re hosting brunch for family or friends, you can make the whole affair feel that bit more special with a tablecloth, napkins, and some fresh flowers.

Midday – A leisurely stroll

Post-brunch the temptation will be to collapse on the sofa and snooze the rest of your Sunday away. Instead, pull on some comfy shoes and head to your nearest park or garden. Getting out in nature is a proven stress-buster, and some light exercise will release endorphins and help you sleep better later on.

2pm – A spot of cleaning

Cleaning and tidying might not be high on your list of fun-time activities, but there are a few genuine benefits to be gained from rolling your sleeves up and tackling the chores.
First off, a messy home can have the effect of raising your stress levels – so cleaning can be a great way to defeat pre-Monday jitters. Secondly, there’s nothing more relaxing than coming home after a long, tiring day to a clean home. Monday You will be so grateful to Sunday You.

4pm – A classic movie

Now you’ve earned some sofa time, it’s time to do some serious indulging. This is also about the time that your brunch will be wearing off and your instinct to forage for snacks will be kicking in.
So: pick out a classic film that’s high in nostalgia value and comfort factor (a good ‘80s rom-com never goes amiss), rally a film-watching buddy and prep some movie snacks. We’d have to go for a cheeky hot chocolate and popcorn with freshly melted butter, for the full cinematic experience – but fresh fruit, nuts, or even a cheeseboard can work just as well.

7pm – A light dinner

After a quiet day mostly spent indoors, a light dinner can be a good idea – particularly if it’s following an indulgent Friday and Saturday. Ideas for a light, nutritious dinner include:
Asian-style baked salmon with brown rice, avocado & peas
Cold meats with green salad & potato salad
Vegetable soup with bread & cheese
Post-dinner, you can get any washing up out of the way and prep yourself a virtuous packed lunch for Monday.