Self-care has been a buzzword for the last few years. From quick fixes to silent retreats, there are a number of avenues to pursue self-care. But what good is a self-care date if you’re always canceling on yourself? Think about all the specific planners out there that can help. Such as planners specifically designed for ADHD or self-care!
Going beyond the bubble baths and quick fixes takes thoughtful planning and time. A planner is the perfect way to prioritize mental health and make that change. Let’s talk about it.
Why Do Planners Help?
Setting the record straight is important. A planner has many benefits, but mental health isn’t always the first to come to mind. Clearing your head is a popular expression for a good reason. A planner does just that.
Taking Care of the Heavy Lifting
How many times in one’s life do they say, “I can’t remember what I was supposed to do?” The stress of forgetting our to-do lists and tasks can take a mental toll on us. That’s why automating a system to take care of it for us is key.
Writing things down in a secure place means freeing up space in our heads for more creativity and less stress. When it’s all mapped out, it’s easy to make decisions based on what’s already there.
Hard Boundaries
Blocking out the time and scheduling things is best done with a pen. Why? Because once we start getting into the habit of rearranging all the time, the calendar loses its meaning. There is always just enough room for one scribble, but not many.
Using a pen may sound like a silly thing, but it helps us set boundaries we didn’t even know we had. The items that are really important will find their way into your schedule.
Diving Into Some Deeper Activities
Hubble baths are great. And who doesn’t love a good face mask? But it’s worth taking time for something a little more impactful and long-lasting. Meditations, retreats, and even massages are all great investments in self-care.
Looking at Self-Care Through a Mental Lens
Our physical health is not much of anything without our mental health. Mental health is self-care, and we live in a world where it’s becoming increasingly hard to care for our mental health.
The reason for that is the fast-paced world we live in. Technology has erupted and changed the demands of our professional and personal lives.
So now, can we use a journal to help in this field?
- Scheduling reminders or time blocks to stay offline is important. We can keep track of our phone usage by writing down no phone times and reconnecting with the world around us.
- Planners give room for motivational routes and personal mantras at the top of each page. This helps remind us of the positivity we need.
- Journaling sessions to get our thoughts and feelings are incredibly important. Sometimes, it can take some time to truly understand our emotions because they are complex. Reflection is a beautiful thing that allows us to learn.
- Writing down what’s not working for you is just as important as talking about what is working for you. Being able to set boundaries is one of the most powerful things you can do
Some of these simpler concepts above can make major changes to our mental health.
What Type of Planner Do You Need?
There are 1000s of planners on the market, which adds to the stress and anxiety of the world we live in. Too many choices. Technology has allowed for mass production, which is why options are endless.
Finding a planner that’s right for you depends on your personality. Some people need more structure to keep them organized, while others prefer to have open creativity. Thinking about what you need during the time of journaling and planning is the best place to start.
Prioritizing Mental Health
If it doesn’t feel good in terms of your mental health, then the type of journaling you’re doing may not be a good fit. Having said that, any new skill or activity may have its unfamiliarities.
Give yourself a few weeks to develop a new habit and really test out planning. You may forget at first, and that’s OK! Even small daily improvements can make a positive impact.
