Dog moms especially need the downtime on Sundays. Having a furry companion is nothing but tail wags, long walks, and endless fun – though it can be a chore meeting all your pup’s needs on top of your own.

Sunday resets can be key  in helping you recover from the week prior, and preparing to lock in for the week ahead. Dog moms deserve the time to unwind and relax with their fur babies.

Instead of worrying about answering emails on Monday, take a look at your dog lying on his back, basking in a sunbeam. And reset.

We have the ultimate way to soak in the most respite possible before the start of a new week.

This is the Sunday reset every dog mom deserves:

The Creep

Early afternoon on a Sunday, and your brain starts kicking up a notch. Here come the Sunday Scaries! Tomorrow’s meetings, endless emails, that dreaded work phone call… And then you take a look at your pup.

She is simply existing in the moment, watching you exist in the moment. The dog is still having its Sunday on a Sunday, while you are living a Monday that has not yet come.

See the issue here?

Too often, we jump into the future. What we have to do tomorrow. The weekend. That next meeting. Dogs can easily remind us of what is truly important – the now. All they can sense is “the now.” We can learn so much from our beloved companions, especially how to “Sunday” properly.

The Realization

Let’s examine your dog’s Sunday. They wake up, stretch, take a look around, and waltz over to the food and water bowl. Their day starts with relaxation and nourishment. Your Sunday should be no different. Look how they deliberately move about their day with total intention. Food, favorite toy, then a quick afternoon snooze.

Here is how dogs stay present and mindful, according to science:

• Immediate, instinct-driven reactions and responses – Their “moment-to-moment” focus is a survival strategy.

• Memory and time perception – They gauge memory recall and patterns. Yes, they can remember past events!

• Present-focused – Limited functional memory meets a combo of instincts and sensory cues. They are rooted in the now.

Instead of racing into the next day that isn’t even here yet, take pause. Look around. Take in all of your senses. You have nothing to do today and nowhere to be. Immerse yourself in that notion before the busy week ahead, as it will be here before you’d like.

Brew that necessary cup of coffee, change into comfy daytime clothes, and grab the leash. Your next step is to get your (gentle) steps in with your pooch as you bask in the day’s weather. Slow and steady is key to getting the most rejuvenation from this walk.

Curl up with your dog and binge-watch that new show on Netflix. Being in the moment can change the trajectory of your entire day. Staying present equals mental health boosts and benefits.

When you watch your dog peacefully exist, you have the best option, to deliberately borrow their rhythm. They are not worried about the next moment. They are fully immersed in the present moment with you.

The Ritual Object

Just as your pooch has their favorite toy, you can have your favorite mug, or blanket, anything that may act as a signal for you to enjoy the day at hand.

Create special rituals around Sunday with your dog – stretching when they stretch, lounging when they lounge. Maybe it’s a special leash for them for their Sunday walks, or a treat jar that is just for after-Sunday-dinner.

The more you ritualize and romanticize your Sunday, the more intentional the reset becomes. Heck, you may look forward to Sundays more than you do Friday and Saturday nights!

Allow yourself to simply enjoy the slow and special moments that Sunday provides. They are designed to be easy, not a segue into the next Monday workweek.

Get yourself a case of the Sundays (Office Space reference, for those who don’t know).

Go-To Guide on Sunday Reset

Here is a quick guide on the perfect Sunday reset for you and your pup:

• Begin with a calm morning ritual – Tea, coffee, light stretching

• Reflect on the past week – Take a few minutes to think about what went well/didn’t/what you want to focus on in the upcoming week. Write these things down to keep a log of your weeks.

• Lightly tidy up – Change bedding, wipe counters, vacuum

• Small chores – Take out trash, prep weekly meals, do laundry

• Indulge in self-care – Face mask, file nails, long bath/shower, short nap

• Prepare for new week – Review calendar, stock essentials, mentally prep

• End with a wind-down – Undo your bed, listen to calming music, lightly stretch, take dog for an evening walk

Closing

Yes, Monday is coming, but that does not need to fill you with dread. Creating special rituals with your dog and watching how they simply exist is the best way to duplicate their methods.

Slow, intentional, and steady wins the race.

 Any excuse to cuddle up with your furry friend is the best excuse. Sundays can be that excuse, and even dog moms get tired. That is what Sundays are for, after all.