dog days Mary Stubberfield

Mary Stubberfield

Keep Sunday Special is a campaign that asks us to (when we can) not go shopping on Sundays. Not always possible, but if you’re organised enough, it helps to stop pressure being put on workers to give up their weekends.

Not many realise that you do have certain legal rights, if you don’t want to work Sundays. Citizens Advice has good info. But if you refuse – they may find some other way to fire you?

Another reason to rest on Sundays is because small indie shops usually have Sundays off. So big shops that open on Sundays are taking custom away from them.

Stores over 280 square metres are now allowed to open for 6 continuous hours on Sundays, but not allowed to open on Easter Sunday or Christmas Day.

Originally, Sundays were a sacred day for many religions—a time for attending services and spending time with family. In Christianity, for instance, Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, prompting a tradition of rest and worship. This idea of setting a day aside for rest isn’t exclusive to Christianity. Many cultures around the globe hold a day of observance and peace.

Fast-forward to today, and Sundays aren’t just about staying indoors or heading to church. People are now redefining Sundays as a day for leisure, wellness, and even adventure. From pottery classes to yoga retreats, the options are practically endless.

Activities for a Refreshing Sunday

Feel like communing with nature? Why not try hiking? Find a local trail and get lost in the beauty of the green outdoors. Feeling lazy? A simple picnic at a nearby park offers relaxation and fresh air. No need for extravagant planning—just pack a few sarnies and a blanket.

For those who love a touch of culture, consider a trip to a museum or an art gallery. Many places even offer free entry on Sundays. Alternatively, local festivals provide a charming mix of entertainment and community spirit. They are perfect for leisurely strolls and a bite of local food.

If you’re in need of a mental reboot, consider a day of yoga or meditation. Many studios offer drop-in classes that leave you feeling refreshed and centred. Alternatively, a spa day with a massage can do wonders for your stress levels, melting away tension like butter on toast.

The Benefits of Taking Sunday Breaks

Taking a day to relax can drastically cut your stress levels. It’s a chance to reset your brain and prepare for the week ahead with a fresh mindset. Studies have shown that regular downtime is linked to better focus and less anxiety.

Spending Sundays with family and friends can strengthen your social bonds. Whether it’s a game of footie with the kids or brunch with your mates, these shared moments create memories and deepen connections that last far longer than just the day.

Interestingly, taking Sundays off can make you more productive during the week. A refreshed mind is sharper, more focused, and ready to tackle tasks with vigour. By investing in rest, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Tips for Maximising Your Sunday Break

Getting the most out of your Sunday starts with a plan. Decide what activities you’d like to pursue, but remember to keep things flexible. Whether it’s booking a slot at your favourite yoga studio or planning a leisurely walk, knowing what lies ahead makes for a smoother day.

Work emails and messages can be hard to ignore. Yet, true relaxation comes when we draw clear boundaries. Switch off those notifications. Don’t let pings ruin your peaceful Sunday.

Add a sprinkle of adventure by trying something new. Ever thought of taking a painting class or seeing how well you can cook vegan meals?

Long Living People Don’t Work Sundays

You may have heard of Dr Ellsworth Wareham, the vegan cardiologist who continued his practice well into his 90s (he said the only problem was when the patients saw how old he was, just before they went under the knife!)

Although his diet and lifestyle played a key part, it’s interesting that he was from the Californian town of Loma Linda. This town is religious (Seventh Day Adventist). So apart from emergency services, everything shuts down on Sundays, and people do nothing. And the town has the highest longevity of any town in the USA.

Do not let Sunday be taken from you. If your soul has no Sunday, it becomes an orphan. Albert Schweitzer

The Igbo (who live mostly in Nigeria) have a four-day week (the second day Orie is a holy day of obligation when farmers rest). On Ghana’s coastline, no fishing is allowed on Tuesday, to give the sea time to replenish. Mohandas Gandhi took each Monday as a day of total silence. Try it. One day a week. It could be merely a question of doing nothing. Jonathan Schorsch

Preparing Your Heart for Weekly Mass

Bath Abbey Emy Lou Holmes

Emy Lou Holmes

Bath Abbey is a unique building with grand stained-glass windows, honey-gold stone and beautiful fan vaulting, creating magnificent light. A place of worship for over 1200 years, it still holds regular services throughout the week.

This historic holy place also features unique ‘ladders of Angels, created after the Bishop of Bath had dreams of Angels descending and ascending from Heaven.

One Sunday at a Time is a beautiful colour book to help you prepare for 10 minutes each week, to help experience the Sunday Mass more fully, and deepen your love for the Word of God. An ideal resource for Catholics who wish to get more out of Mass, learn to understand the Bible better, receive God’s grace and learn how to make the liturgy come to life in a whole new way.

In this book you’ll find brief summaries of Mass readings for Sundays and engaging reflections to draw your attention to primary themes and common threads each week. Also find explanations of key Greek and Hebrew words in Biblical texts.

The book also includes prayer and a weekly challenge to help put into practice the message of each week’s readings in daily life. Author Mark Hart is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and research fellow at the St Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He lives in Arizona, USA.).

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