Remember when Sundays were sacred, all about church and family? No stores opened, so people used to go to worship, visit relatives, and enjoy a quiet day.

These days the shops are open 7 days a week and the family dynamic is different. Single-parent families, shared desks and business trips mean weekends are often spent catching up on chores and chores.

With 25% of adults reporting that they struggle with Sunday night insomnia, it’s becoming increasingly clear that quality time with a partner or family is important. On Sundays we often see restaurants filled with family groups enjoying each other’s company. Or take a walk together in the park. All ages from toddlers to grandparents chatting and catching up for an hour or two.

Sundays should also provide a bit of me time, a quiet time where you recharge your batteries and do nothing except maybe reflect on the week ahead, de-stressing from Monday morning.

Need some tips to free up some time on Sunday?

– Share the load. Enforce a strict half-day policy; maybe use Saturday mornings for housework. Could some be shared with others, done at another time or outsourced, such as cleaning, ironing, gardening? Ask others for help or consider paying as an investment in yourself and your stress management.

– Get on the diary, just as you would an important appointment and would honor that appointment. Even a thirty-minute window might allow time to read a book, enjoy a relaxing bath, make a quiet phone call to a friend. Be sure to leave time for him to use it as he pleases.

– Double arrangements. If there are people you just need to see, maybe plan something where you socialize with several together. Give it a fun, party vibe and it could work surprisingly well.

– Remember to exercise. A Sunday walk or run, a soccer game, or a rounders game can bring you fresh air, help you feel better, and improve your sleep. Also, sharing the exercise with others could add fun to your relationships.

– Spend time in kind. Enjoy a walk through a local park, beach or nature reserve and absorb the peace and beauty of the landscape, birds and animals. Evaluate everything.

– Reconnect spiritually. You may not ‘do’ religion or church, but reflecting on your purpose and what is important to you, remembering those special people who left your life gives you time to ground yourself and reconnect with yourself.

Invest in your Sundays and treat them as special.