Cosy flat lay of a pink teacup, lit candle and open book on a soft blanket – perfect for a relaxing self-care Sunday at home

Self-Care Sunday Essentials: Easy Rituals & Relaxing Treats for Busy Women

Some Sundays are for catching up. Others are for slowing right down.
Whether your week’s been non-stop or you're simply in need of a little reset, there’s something beautifully grounding about carving out a quiet moment for yourself. Self-Care Sunday doesn’t have to mean an all-day wellness retreat (although I'm sure we'd all be up for that!) – sometimes, all it takes is a few simple rituals and a handful of thoughtful treats to feel like you again.

In this article…


What is Self-Care Sunday (and why it matters)

Self-Care Sunday is exactly what it sounds like: a gentle pause before the new week begins. It’s about creating a little space – physical, emotional or both – to check in with yourself, reset, and recharge. No grand plans required. No rules. Just whatever helps you feel a bit more you again.

For some, it’s a long bath and a good book. For others, it might be catching up on sleep, writing in a journal, or treating themselves to a little pamper time. The beauty of it is that it’s yours to shape. And when life feels full (read: slightly chaotic), these quiet, intentional moments become even more important.

So if you’ve been running on empty, take this as your gentle nudge. You don’t have to earn your rest. It’s allowed. In fact, it’s essential.

Easy rituals to recharge (even with a packed schedule)

Let’s be honest: the idea of “self-care” can sometimes feel like another thing to add to the list. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the best kind of self-care often happens in the margins – those small windows of time you can reclaim, even when life’s full.

Here are a few gentle ideas that don’t require hours (or a spa booking):

  • The 10-minute bath – Light a candle, add your favourite salts, and give yourself permission to just be for a moment. No phone. No pressure.
  • Sunday switch-off – Pick a time to log off from emails and social media, even if it’s just an hour. Let your brain (and thumbs) breathe.
  • Tea and quiet – Brew something calming (like chamomile or peppermint), sit somewhere peaceful, and just sip without multitasking.
  • Face mask, foot mask, hand cream – A 15-minute pamper moment while you watch TV or read can still feel like luxury.
  • Write it out – Whether it’s a quick gratitude list or scribbling down your week ahead, journalling can help calm the chaos.

The goal? To feel a tiny bit more centred by the end of Sunday – not to tick off a perfect routine.

My favourite little self-care treats from the shop

Over the years, I’ve tried and tested a lot of self-care products, a big advantage of being a gift shop owner ;) – and these are the ones I always come back to. They're small but mighty, easy to fit into a busy Sunday, and just lovely to give or receive.

  • Vanilla Coffee Body Scrub – If you want to feel like you’ve had a mini spa day without leaving your shower, this is it. Exfoliating, energising and smells amazing
    Vanilla coffee body scrub, all natural and vegan friendly
  • Self-Heating Lavender Eye Mask – The ultimate unwind. Gently warms on contact and releases a soft lavender scent to help melt away tension. Pop it on, close your eyes, and drift off for 20 minutes of bliss. 
    Divine Eyes self-heating eye mask by Sensory Retreats – relaxing lavender-scented mask to soothe tired eyes and support mindful self-care rituals
  • Reviving Rosewater Under-Eye Masks – These are a must after a long week or a rough night’s sleep. Soothing, cooling and perfect while you sip your Sunday tea. 
    Reviving Rosewater under eye mask
  • Self-Love Journal Cards – Thoughtful prompts to gently guide your Sunday reflections. No pressure, just a kind little nudge back to yourself. 
    Feel good journal cards with prompts in a pink and gold gift box on a white fabric background
  • Relaxing Wild Olive Bath Melt – A tiny cube of calm. Drop it in a warm bath and let the essential oils do the rest. 
    Wild Olive Relax bath melt and packaging – nourishing self-care gift with calming lavender oil

Each of these can be added to your own Build Your Own gift box, or sent as a little treat to a friend who needs a Sunday slowdown too.

How to build your own Self-Care Sunday gift box

Whether you’re treating yourself or sending a little love to someone else, creating a self-care box is a lovely way to package up calm in a way that feels personal. At Woodbury Blue, our Build Your Own Gift Box feature makes it beautifully easy – no faff, no stress.

Here’s how to put one together in minutes:

  1. Choose your gift box – Start with one of our signature boxes (we’ll take care of the wrapping – always pretty, always thoughtful).
  2. Pick your self-care treats – Add a mix of pampering bits like a face mask, foot mask, tea sachets, or a journal card set. You can keep it simple or go full spa-mode.
  3. Add your handwritten notecard – Every gift comes with a notecard, handwritten by us with your message. A personal touch that makes all the difference.
  4. Pop in the post – We’ll pack it with care and send it straight to them (or you), with free delivery on orders over £30.

The best bit? You can build one in under five minutes – ideal for those of us who like our Sundays chilled, not chaotic.

Final thought: permission to pause

If there’s one thing I’ve learned (and keep re-learning), it’s that rest isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. Especially for the ones always doing, always giving, always juggling. So whether your Sunday involves a bath, a face mask, or just five quiet minutes with a cup of tea, I hope you give yourself that moment.

Because you deserve to feel looked after too.

And if you ever need a little help creating those moments – for yourself or someone else – Woodbury Blue has you covered..


FAQs

Q. What are the best products for a Self-Care Sunday gift box?

A good self-care box includes a mix of pampering items (like a face or foot mask), something soothing (like herbal tea or a bath melt), and a small mindful treat (such as journal prompts or an uplifting quote card). The aim is to create a calming, comforting experience – even if it’s only for ten minutes.

Q. Can I send a self-care box directly to a friend?

Absolutely. With our Build Your Own Gift Box feature, you can create a personalised gift and have it delivered straight to their door. Every gift includes a handwritten notecard, and we never include pricing inside the box – just thoughtful packaging and treats.

Q. What are the best self-care products for sensitive skin?

Look for products made with gentle, natural ingredients and free from artificial fragrance or harsh exfoliants. Hydrating sheet masks, soothing under-eye masks, and body scrubs with nourishing oils (like our Vanilla Coffee Scrub) are great options. Always patch-test if you’re unsure.

Q. Can I build a Self-Care Sunday box for under £30?

Yes! We have plenty of lovely self-care treats starting at just a few pounds – you can easily build a gorgeous box of pampering goodies for under £30 (and still qualify for free delivery).

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