One of my favorite rituals of the coming new year is getting a new planner. Even though I use various digital calendars with my email and phone, I still really like having my reminders and to-do lists on paper. I like being able to see my whole week and month laid out, as it helps me to avoid double booking as well as be ready for upcoming events. I try to put all my “likely to forget” items in my planner. I’m big into list making, as I find it helps free up my headspace to better concentrate and be present in the moment. I don’t have to constantly run through my list in my head, I just go through my planner and check things off as I go. It significantly reduces stress for me. Here are a few other good reasons to use life planners:
It helps with time management
Using a planner allows you to schedule each event, appointment, errand, and task so you know what to expect and don’t run out of time. You can set deadlines to help you stay on track and have extra time for yourself and your family. I even schedule in self-care activities. It keeps you from going from one thing to the next, running constantly, without really thinking about everything as a whole. And you will be able to make time for the things that are most important to you.
You Can Improve Your Productivity
This might include getting cleaning and home organization done or working on projects you keep putting off. Regardless of what it is, planners help you to stay on track with each individual task you need to complete and encourages you to move on to the next one effectively and efficiently.
They Provide Excellent Stress Relief
Stress shows up in many ways, but often stress comes with feeling overwhelmed. Having a hectic schedule, too many demands, or putting too much on your plate can cause immense stress. Using a planner can help you see HOW you can get everything done. Getting it on paper helps you feel more capable. Again, also schedule in that self-care! 5:15 Yoga. It’s on the plan.
There are a Multitude of Health Benefits
Planners can help you stay healthy by helping you track things like diet and exercise, doctors and dentist appointments, and remembering your vitamins. Reducing stress and anxiety has a ripple effect across all areas of your body’s health and wellness from improved digestion, sleep, and cardiovascular health. You can also use pages from your planner as a journal when you need to write it all out – give it a good brain dump.
Time for Creative Activities
Sticking to a schedule for your “must do” activities helps you make time for hobbies and artistic endeavors. You can even turn your planner itself into a creative outlet by using colored pens, stickers, and pictures. I LOVE my colored pens.
A Place for Records
Trying to remember if it’s time for your dog’s next grooming appointment? Flip back in the planner and take a look. Same for your haircuts, dentist, or even remembering how long it’s been since you’ve seen or had a video chat with a specific friend.
Do you use planners? What’s your favorite benefit? As a special gift, I have designed 2 different printable planners for you to try out. Check them out here: https://bit.ly/wellnessplannerjournal and enter your email to instantly receive the planners to print. One is a weekly planner in color that also has a daily page if you prefer. The other is in black and white if you want to use less ink - or even color the pages yourself. It also has journaling pages for you to use. Try them out, then let me know in the comments what you think!
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