Remember when Sundays were sacrosanct, all about church and family? No shops opened, so people used to worship, visit relatives and enjoy an easy day.

These days shops open 7 days a week and family dynamics are different. Single-parent families, hot-desking and travelling with business means weekends are often spent catching up on chores and outstanding tasks.

When 25% of adults report struggling with Sunday night insomnia it's increasingly clear that quality time as a couple or family matters. Sunday's often see restaurants filled with family groups enjoying each other's company. Or going for a walk together in the park. All ages, from young children through to grandparents chatting and catching up for an hour or two.

Sundays should also provide a little me time, quiet time when you recharge your batteries and do nothing except perhaps reflect on the week ahead, reducing some Monday morning stress.

Do you need a few suggestions to free up some time on Sunday?

- Share the load. Enforce a strict half day policy; maybe use Saturday mornings for chores. Could some be shared with others, done another time or outsourced, like cleaning, ironing, gardening. Ask others for help or consider paying as an investment in yourself and your stress management.

- Put yourself in the diary, just like you would an important appointment and honour that appointment. Even a thirty-minute window could give time to read a book, enjoy a relaxing bath, make a leisurely phone call to a friend. Ensure you allow time for you to use as you please.

- Double up arrangements. If there are people you simply must see maybe plan something where you socialise with several together. Give it a fun, party vibe and it could work out surprisingly well.

- Remember to exercise. An Sunday walk or run, a game of football or rounders can provide fresh air, help you feel better and improve your sleep. Plus sharing exercise with others could add fun to your relationships.

- Spend time in nature. Enjoy a walk in a local park, beach or nature reserve and absorb the peace and beauty of the scenery, birds, animals. Appreciate it all.

- Reconnect spiritually. You may not 'do' religion or church but reflecting on your purpose and what's important to you, remembering those special people gone from your life gives time to ground and reconnect with yourself.

Invest in your Sundays and treat them as special.