Summer in London is slowly loosening its grip, the air carrying that first whisper of autumn. And I’ll be honest—I am not entirely ready for the shift. After weeks of relentless sunshine and a heatwave, the thought of shorter days and cooler nights sends me into a mini spiral. Whenever I feel myself resisting change, I know it’s time to anchor myself with a self-care day.
Now, self-care means something different to every woman, and I’ve learned that finding your own version is essential rather than copying someone else’s. For me, self-care often looks like conscious solitude: carving out a day in the city, just for me—a day of wandering, eating, drinking, reading, and shopping, but also of listening closely to what my mind and body need in that moment.
Morning: Flowers, Coffee, and East London Charm
I started my Sunday with a simple craving: fresh flowers. It had been far too long since I last treated myself, so I headed straight to Columbia Road Flower Market. There’s something grounding about weaving through the chaos of flower stalls, arms brushing petals, vendors calling out their prices, the smell of fresh flowers hanging in the air. I eventually picked a bouquet that resonated with me and carried my small luxury through the day.
Before leaving, I ducked into Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters for my ritual coffee and a soft bun. Coffee in hand, I perched on the curb, letting myself just be—watching people and soaking up East London’s particular brand of energy. It felt like the perfect way to ease into the day.
Midday: Books and Solitude at Shoreditch House
From Columbia Road, I wandered over to Shoreditch House, where I tucked myself away in a quiet corner with a pot of lemon and jasmine tea. This was reading time. I had just finished Roxane Gay’s Not That Bad, a powerful curation of essays written by survivors of sexual assault—necessary, heavy, and deeply moving. After closing that chapter, I opened Oloni’s The Big O, which explores female pleasure with unflinching honesty and humour. Two very different books, but equally vital. Reading them back-to-back reminded me how layered womanhood is—pain and pleasure, grief and joy, silence and expression all coexisting.
Afternoon: Cinema, Hot Dogs, and Unexpected Fire
Later, I tubed my way to Everyman Cinema in Canary Wharf to watch Caught Stealing, the new Austin Butler and Zoë Kravitz film directed by Darren Aronofsky. I ordered a beef hot dog (self-care sometimes looks like comfort food) and settled in. The film was a surprise—not Aronofsky’s usual style, but that’s exactly why I loved it. Without his signature markers, I had no expectations, no framework—just the film in front of me. And it delivered. Austin and Zoë’s chemistry was electric, the kind of on-screen tension that keeps you thinking about it long after the credits roll.
Evening: Walking, Moving, Cooking, Recalibrating
After the movie, I walked the 40 minutes back from Canary Wharf to my flat. There’s something therapeutic about walking in London: the rhythm of your own footsteps, the quiet moments when your thoughts finally line up. Once home, I changed into gym clothes and gave myself another hour of movement at the on-site gym.
Later, I cooked dinner for Miro and myself, and we ate together before watching a film—our way of closing out the weekend. Later, I slipped into my evening routine: skincare, teeth care, a quick scroll through my phone to highlight Monday’s tasks, and then into bed, ready for my 7 am wake-up call.
The Lesson: Recalibration
That Sunday was exactly what I needed: a recalibration. A day of flowers, books, cinema, movement, and quiet connection with myself. As the seasons shift, I’m reminding myself (and you!) that it’s okay to create your own rituals to stay grounded. Your version of self-care doesn’t need to look like mine—it just needs to serve you. Find what nourishes you. Let it set the tone for your week. And carry it with you into the colder months ahead.
What does your version of a self-care Sunday look like?
Love, Tofi Caroline Adedoyin