For most of us, Sunday’s are the day we unwind and get ready for what the next five days have in store for us. If you work a 9-5, then this is the one day of the week we get to regain our sanity and prepare us for the stress of real life before we unwind and do it all over again. If this is you, or if you’re just looking for something new in your life, taking advantage of these precious 24-hours is a must.
Sunday’s used to be filled with spending time with those you value you the most, but in the case of most families, those days are long gone. This of course was before smartphones and digital technology which seems to consume everything we do and controls what we do daily. This Sunday, I want you to reflect and remember what means the most to you and take full advantage of those 24 hours.
The following depicts the Top 10 Things to Do on a Sunday Afternoon while letting you get back to the finer things in life.
10. Visit the Park or Enjoy Something Outdoors
According to a recent study by the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend 87% of their life indoors and another 6% in an automobile. This leaves only 7% of their time is spent outdoors and as astounding as it may sound, it’s true. How much time do you spent enjoying the beauty of nature, hiking, or just enjoying a romantic picnic at the park for two?
9. Play a Board Game or Cards
Most people in the millennial generation don’t even know what a board game even is, and those who do know, haven’t touched one in years. Games like Life, Monopoly, or Sorry are a thing of the past, but boast some of the most entertaining time on a Sunday afternoon. Playing these types of games provides entertainment and allows people to connect, converse and engage with each other face to face, which is all-but a thing of the past.
8. Throw a Bring Your Own Everything Party
OK, to make this clear, #8 here has nothing to do with alcohol and have everything to do with everything else. Sunday’s are the best time for inviting friends and family over for entertainment. Bring your own everything can mean everything including games, food, drinks and anything else you can imagine. Engaging face to face means putting down your smartphone, exiting Facebook and taking up real conversation.
7. Get Ice Cream or FROYO Out
So, who doesn’t like ice cream or a nice cup of frozen yogurt? According to another study, nearly 90% of Americans enjoy eating ice cream or FROYO including me. Sunday’s are a great day to splurge and take in the calories we’ve starved ourselves from over the previous six days. You don’t have to go all out and there are plenty of sugar-additive alternatives to keep you lean and healthy, yet they all offer the same great taste.
6. Create a Romantic Evening in For Two
Take the time and show your loved one just what they mean to you. It doesn’t cost much to create a candlelight dinner for two as the idea of being romantic was never meant to cost a fortune. A simple Italian dinner, glass of wine and a few candles it all it takes, costs much less then dining out and will have greater rewards for your relationship in the long-term.
5. Take a Trip to the Zoo
When was the last time you were at a zoo? Odds are it’s been years and you’ve probably got one within an hour drive. Getting back to the basics and cherishing everything life has to offer allows us to connect and remember what means the most to us. Animals always have a way to brighten up any day, and for those you don’t see every day, they’re enough to turn any Sunday into a day to remember.
4. Pretend You’re a Tourist in Your Own Community
How long have you lived where you’re at now? Do you know everything your city has to offer? Odds are you don’t, and this Sunday is the best day to find out. Don’t be afraid to be open and pretend you’re a tourist in your own community and visit the places around town that you probably didn’t even know existed.
3. Have a Neighborhood Cleanup
We all do it; complain under our breaths when we drive by an area that’s less then desirable, but for some reason we do nothing about it. Constant complaining gets no results, so this Sunday, organize a neighborhood cleanup and do something about it. Invite friends and family, pick a city block, organize a cleanup and just do it. With the right attitude, this can become an enjoyable 2 – 3 hours and you’ll feel better about yourself when you’re done.
2. Bake
Baking has become a favorite pastime, and for those of us who never have the time, make time on Sunday’s. Baking not only what sounds good to you, but what sounds good to others will show you a new-found respect for time in the kitchen. It’s not easy and everyone knows that, so why not bake a pie for you, your neighbor and the local soup kitchen?
1. Talk With Those You Love
Old fashioned communication is another thing of the past. Too many people rely on social media, email and other forms of technology to do the communicating for us, but what happened to talking? Reconnect with those you love even if they’re living in the same house with you. Turn off the TV, enjoy a cup of coffee and open up a dialogue and continue it for hours. Find out what your kids are really doing, what your wife’s week was like and make plans with your family for the next six days.
Time is precious, and one day you’ll regret not doing those little things we all take for granted. Everyday can be a Sunday, we can do everything we do on a Sunday any day of the week, but it all starts with this Sunday and moves forward to the next.
