My Ultimate Sunday Routine for Productivity, Fitness, and Self-Care
- Marielle McElrath
- Dec 10, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 13, 2024
There's truly nothing like a Sunday to reset and slow down after a hectic week. I love embracing this opportunity to begin fresh, taking a moment to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. It's a chance to be mindful of my progress and focus on areas where I can continue to grow, whether it's in my personal development, health, or relationships. Sundays remind me to recharge and approach the week ahead with a renewed sense of purpose and balance.
How I Set Strong Foundations for the Week
My Sunday Workout and Active Routine
Pampering My Skin and Mind for a Fresh Start
Boosting Morning Productivity:
How I Set Strong Foundations for the Week
Mornings are the perfect time to reflect, set goals, and prioritize your day. In the first hour after waking up, I make it a point to avoid my phone. Instead, I jump out of bed right away and start with some stretching.
Here are a few things that have helped me make the most of my mornings:
1. Discovering My Purpose and Passion
I’ve found that waking up becomes much easier when you have a clear sense of purpose and a strong desire to achieve your goals in life. A defined vision gives me the motivation to rise with intent.
2. Getting Out of Bed Right Away – No Snoozing
This habit is all about consistency and determination. There’s nothing worse than waking up late and rushing through the morning. By getting up as soon as the alarm rings, I set the tone for a productive day.
3. Meditation & Reading Affirmations out loud
Through repetition, this practice has helped me condition my mind and body to take action and stay open to receiving new opportunities. I switch up my meditation focus daily—some days it’s mindfulness and breathing, and other times I focus on visualization.
4. Planning the Day/Week
Planning is an essential part of my routine. By mapping out my tasks, I move through the day with a clear sense of purpose and organization. It’s especially helpful when working on projects, as it gives me a clear roadmap of where to start and what to tackle next.
These habits take time and commitment to nurture, but they’ve been key to creating a productive and purposeful start to the day.
The Book That Helped Me Create the Perfect Morning Routine
The Miracle Morning Routine, Hal Elrod
Hal Elrod’s Life S.A.V.E.R.S. technique has helped thousands of people unlock their full potential, and this book explains exactly how it works. By incorporating these practices into your morning routine, you can accomplish so much while the world is still asleep. I’ve personally tried it and often return to it to refresh my mindset. Each letter represents a powerful habit, which can take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour depending on how much time you're willing to commit and what suits you best:
S – Silence
A – Affirmations
V – Visualization
E – Exercise
R – Reading
S – Scribing
This simple yet effective system has made a lasting impact on my mornings and overall productivity.
Prioritizing Health & Fitness:
My Sunday Workout and Active Routine
Fitness helps me in many aspects of life, from improving my physical health to boosting my mental clarity and emotional well-being. Beyond the physical benefits, fitness lits up the mood, teaches me discipline and resilience—qualities that extend into other areas of my life, including my work and relationships. Whether I'm tackling a tough workout or unwinding with yoga, fitness nurtures my mind, body, and spirit, helping me maintain a sense of balance and overall well-being.
Some benefits and changes I started to see since I have been regularly working out
Less drowsiness throughout the day
Increased stamina and the ability to keep going without feeling tired
Greater awareness of my surroundings and a sharper sense of alertness
A more energized and positive feeling when waking up
My Favourite Gym in Dubai
I can't recommend Barry's enough. Ever since I discovered it two years ago in Miami, it’s felt like a fitness program that took me to a whole new level. If you think your trainer is tough, wait until you experience Barry's — "no" isn’t an option here, and I love that. Being pushed to my limits is the only way to see real results. The Red Room never fails to make me break a sweat. What I really appreciate is how they structure the schedule with flexible slots, so I can target different muscle groups throughout the week—whether it’s arms and abs, lower body, chest, back, or more. The best part about Barry’s is the efficiency of the workouts and the punctuality of the classes, making every minute count.
Beauty & Self-Care:
Pampering My Skin and Mind for a Fresh Start
We pick up so many impurities each day that can clog our pores, and over time, they only build up. To achieve a healthy, glowing complexion, our skin needs regular care—and who can deny that a facial or a Moroccan bath every now and then works wonders? I usually reserve Sundays for this self-care ritual. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of smooth, baby-soft skin after a thorough scrub.
My Favourite Facial in Dubai
From IV drips to facials, this clinic offers a wide range of treatments. Their signature HydraGlow facial is hands down the best I’ve experienced. The innovative techniques they use to cleanse and exfoliate the skin, combined with their expert staff and top-quality products, make it a standout. Located in DIFC, this clinic provides a variety of services to meet all your skincare needs.
