Reclaiming My Sundays

OK, this isn’t profound or indeed important in the greater scheme of things, but for the last two months or so, I have kept to a strict policy of just one weekend trip to the supermarket. For ages we had found ourselves shopping on Saturday and then going again on a Sunday. Why? Well, because it was open. I was talking about how much simpler Sundays were in the 70s and 80s when suddenly I realised that I could recreate them as long as I only went to the shop on Saturday. It was so simple and so obvious when I thought about it. Modern Capitalist society has not just said that shops are open on a Sunday now, it has persuaded us that we need them. The truth is that as long as we plan effectively, we don’t. Now, if you have shifts that mean a rolling two day weekend, you can still apply this policy by making one of those days a day you don’t go to the shops.

So, what has been the impact? Well, first of all, it’s really focused me on planning meals, something I promised myself I would do. It’s made me buy what’s really needed rather than being led astray by shopping on a whim. Yes, that still happens from time to time but less than it used to. Much the most important effect though has been the much more relaxed Sundays when we can now look at the day and plan to do something or not do something with freedom. I know it sounds unlikely in a sense, but I have actually relaxed far more as a result of this approach. Knowing that the day has no requirement to shop has given me a sense of calm and ease. I know that many of you probably already do it or that it may not always be possible for many others, but if you can make it a regular thing I promise you will find it makes a real difference.