They weren’t kidding when they named it the ‘Sunday scaries’. The thought of Monday looms over your head, and there’s an anxious feeling that follows you while you complete your weekly to-do list. Grocery shopping, meal prepping, and laundry consume your day while you feel like you’re in a race against time.
When Monday rolls around, you feel just as exhausted as you did on Friday. Although the general consensus is that the weekend needs to be 3 days long: one day for catching up on tasks, one day for fun, and one day for relaxing, until that day comes, here’s why we’re making a case for the French Sunday.
The French view Sundays differently from parts of the world consumed by hustle culture and endless productivity. The French see Sunday as a day for a completely clear schedule, zero commitments, and absolutely no brunch. If your weekends leave you feeling drained, it may be time to hop on the French Sunday train.
Mindset Shift-
A French Sunday is a cultural mindset. Instead of rewarding yourself with relaxation, you automatically deserve it. You’re allowed to exist and be instead of always needing to do. The day is reserved for slow, intentional living that fosters connection. Learn to live in the present moment and romanticize an ordinary day.
In France, especially in the countryside, many shops and restaurants either close between 1 pm and 2 pm or don’t open at all. The country collectively takes a moment to breathe. Creating your own French Sunday is simple and doesn’t cost money or include a strict regime. All it takes is a mindset reframe.
How to have a French Sunday?-
Morning-
Begin your day without an alarm clock. Sleep until your body and mind are ready to wake up. Since you likely have an alarm every other day of the week, use today as your sleep-in day.
Next, drink your coffee, tea, matcha, or other drink of choice slowly, until you notice it’s gone cold. Accompany this ritual with a book or a magazine while you indulge in a buttery croissant, cheese, and fresh fruit. Screen time is heavily discouraged on a French Sunday, especially at the beginning of your day.
Treat yourself to some self-care. Take a hot shower, stretch, dry brush, complete your skincare routine, spray your favourite perfume, and get dressed. The French don’t do athleisure, comfy jeans and a cute top will have you put together without overdoing it.
Afternoon-
Lunch should be something cooked low and slow, like a roast chicken or pot roast. This meal is reserved for family or close friends, with a properly set table and flowers as a centerpiece. Since it’s Sunday and you’re celebrating making it through another week, don’t forget dessert like a tartine or chocolate mousse. Lunch is unhurried and will last as long as it needs to.
Digest lunch by taking a flâner, a long and leisurely walk without a specific destination. Since many shops will be closed in France, wherever you are, pretend that shops and restaurants will also be closed. Try to get any important errands done the day before, so you leave your French Sunday completely free.
Evening-
Dinner will typically be something lighter and easier to whip up than lunch. After dinner, play card games, or put on a movie to watch while you enjoy a glass of wine or some tea. Aim to head to bed early after doing a luxurious nighttime routine. Maybe run yourself a bath followed by your favourite face mask. Hop into bed with a book and read for a while. Try to sleep earlier than you normally would so you’re ultra refreshed for Monday morning.
Why you deserve a French Sunday-
It’s hard to fathom that doing less can lead to better results, but here’s a case on why you should make the end of your week a little more French.
No Burnout-
The culture of making every minute of your day count for something might initially lead to more output, but eventually, if you never allow yourself a break, it can lead to burnout. You have enough days in the week, 6 to be exact, that you can spend trying to get as many things done as possible. Give yourself one day of rest to reinvigorate yourself so that you can show up in a better headspace throughout the rest of the week.
Rest-
Our society has come to believe that rest isn’t something you inherently deserve but something you must earn. Rest is something that you have a right to. Reclaim your rest and look at the French Sunday as an act of resistance against hustle culture and capitalism.
Connections-
A French Sunday focuses on togetherness without social media getting in the way. This day should be reserved for family, partners, close friends, or your cat as a time to connect and strengthen bonds. With everyone leading such busy lives, you may not have a ton of time throughout the week to spend time together intentionally. Use this day to fully immerse and be present in the moment with the special people or pets you surround yourself with.
Clear your Mind-
Who doesn’t feel like their mind is running at a million miles per minute? Projects, to-dos, appointments, and life admin can leave your brain feeling like a hamster on its wheel. By embracing the concept of a French Sunday, you can give your mind time and space to breathe.
Clear your head and let the worries of all you have to get done float away somewhere until tomorrow. The French Sunday can help you compartmentalize these thoughts and store them away until a more appropriate time.
French Sunday Itinerary-
Wake Up-
Wake up without an alarm, let your body tell you when it’s ready to get up and start the day.
Coffee-
Drink your morning beverage of choice, whether it’s coffee, tea, or matcha, slowly enough that it goes cold. Read a magazine, your favourite book, or work on crosswords or puzzles. Whatever you do, aim to stay off your phone and social media as much as possible.
Breakfast-
A buttery croissant, fresh fruit, and cheese are heavily encouraged.
Self-Care-
Take your time getting ready today, after all, your schedule is completely clear. Do some stretching, do your skincare routine, do light French makeup if you feel inclined, and get dressed in a casual but chic outfit.
Lunch-
Lunch will be the biggest meal of the day. Typically, a roast chicken, pot roast, or whatever special meal that’s cooked slowly and with love. Sundays definitely require dessert, so a tartine, chocolate mousse, or a glass of wine isn’t a bad idea.
Flâner-
Head out for a flâner, a walk without a specific destination, and a good way to digest after lunch. Just don’t get lost or wander into super unfamiliar territory.
Dinner-
A lighter meal that’s quick and easy to whip up.
Post Dinner-
Play card games, solve puzzles, watch a movie, enjoy a glass of wine, or have tea. Disconnect from social media and enjoy the present moment while you spend time with your loved ones and/or pets.
Night Routine-
Get in your pajamas, do a face massage and your skincare routine, light a candle, and hop into bed with a book. Set your alarm for the next day and head to bed earlier than normal to feel extra refreshed for Monday morning.
Final Thoughts-
You may feel like there isn’t enough time in the week. The weekends meant for rest and reprieve often end up even more chaotic and busy than your week. That’s why the French protect their Sundays at all costs. They have a cultural mindset that individuals deserve time to relax without feeling guilty about it.
While it might seem counterproductive, giving yourself one day to enjoy a slow, intentional day where you can be fully present can decrease your chances of burnout, foster closer connections with your loved ones, and help to clear your mind so that you can be more focused when it counts.
So wake up late, put on a cute outfit, leave your phone on do not disturb, have a long lunch with a glass of wine, take a flâner, and notice how much more refreshed you feel after a perfectly French Sunday. Hopefully, you use this guide as a way to romanticize your Sundays; you deserve it.
As always, wishing you peace & tranquility, xo.
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