8 Ways Using a Planner Reduces Stress

As with all successful efforts, it takes some initiative to use a planner. But when you look at the alternatives, using a planner eliminates many stressful situations from your life. Here are eight examples.

1. Avoid double-booking

If you’ve ever accidentally double-booked your schedule, you know how stressful it can be when you get a reminder call for an important appointment while preparing for highly-anticipated time with friends and family. Writing your appointments in your planner lets you check your availability before planning another, even if months pass in the meantime.

2. Track long-term projects

Modern navigation systems make it easy to find your way: Google an address, and your phone will tell you every turn you need to make. Your planner performs a similar function for long-term projects, letting you lay out each step to help you keep on track and meet all upcoming deadlines.

3. Capture and retrieve information

While sticky notes are wonderful, they’re also hard to find if the bottom of your purse is covered with old papers. Stick your important information in your planner, and it will be there when you need it.

4. Feel the peace of a routine

Most days, your brain gets a serious workout, making important decisions and constantly moving from one task to another. The last thing it wants is to think about the small, routine details—but this leaves you with anxiety that you’re missing something. Following a routine set in your planner can help with decision fatigue.

5. Anticipate upcoming events

Your planner also helps you prepare for the days that fall outside of your routine. With weekly planning sessions, you can look ahead to birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and other important occasions, and plan well in advance to make them even better.

6. Rest with a clear mind

When you have important tasks to think about, your brain will try and make connections, no matter what time it is. Writing ideas down in your planner gives your thoughts closure, and you’ll sleep better knowing that you’ve got a plan.

7. Recover your passwords

There’s no place like a planner to write down the things you only reference occasionally. Use it to store passwords for less-frequented websites, phone numbers for takeout, model numbers of appliances, prescription numbers, etc.

8. Experience the Joy of Completion

Instead of mental uncertainty, there’s a satisfaction that comes when you check tasks off your list and clear it from your mind.