During different seasons, both times of year and stages of life, our needs vary. So we may also need different things out of our planning systems. I want to give you some tips of ways you can best utilize your planner during different seasons – times of the year and also stages of life.
WINTER
[ times where you may have more stress in your personal or professional life, so you need to make more time to rest and restore – both mentally and physically ]
During this time, you will need to make more time for yourself to rest and restore. Utilize your planner for this by writing in actual blocks of time for self-care. Don’t neglect your own needs. During times of stress, it is so easy to get swept up in it and turn on auto-pilot. Intentionally block in time for yourself will serve as a reminder to break the auto-pilot and spend some mindful time taking care of yourself.
RESTORE
- Make a hot beverage
- Light a candle
- Change into comfy clothes
- Take a long bath or shower
- Be intentional with your skincare
- Spend time reading or journaling
- Have daily check-ins with yourself to ask yourself how you feel and what you need
- Wrap up in a blanket, close your eyes, and just breathe for a few minutes
- Take out your planner, spend some time catching up / crossing off items, then refresh your deco or be creative with your setup
- Use the time for a hobby or activity that fuels you
SPRING
[ times when you need to take stock, make some changes, do some cleaning up, refresh your daily routines and habits ]
During this time of life, you may be ready to make some changes, enter a new chapter in your life. This may mean updating your goals, adding or changing your habits, creating new routines, trying new things, learning new skills. Embrace this phase and treat it as your time to level-up. Utilize your planner to help you plan out your goals, set new routines, track your habits, and review your progress.
REFRESH
- Consider new habits
- Try a new workout
- Track your water intake
- Learn a new skill
- Pick up a new hobby
- Refresh your spaces
- Declutter
- Try new recipes
- Make travel plans
- Clean out your clothes / plan a capsule wardrobe
- Make a new music playlist
SUMMER
[ times when you need to take advantage of your newfound energy, keep the momentum, and make progress toward your goals, both professionally and personally ]
During this phase, you will be super energized to crush your goals. Lean into the feeling and use the momentum to cross off your tasks! Let each accomplishment fuel you. Utilize your planner to log your accomplishments! It’s great to keep track of these, so that during times of stress or discouragement, you can look back at all you’ve accomplished and be proud of yourself.
RE-ENERGIZE
- Make a task list
- Braindump
- Brainstorm new ideas
- Evaluate your planning system – make sure it is optimal for you right now
- Set some goals
- Create action plans for your goals
- Log your accomplishments
- Celebrate your wins
- Create timelines for projects
- Make a game-plan for the rest of the year
- Create a vision board
- Visualize and write down how you want your life to look in the next 5 years
- Meal plan healthy meals
- High-energy exercises
AUTUMN
[ times when you need to replenish, take note of all the beautiful parts of life, slow down, be present, and enjoy all that you have – gratitude ]
During this phase of your life, you may need to replenish your mind and soul. This may require you to slow down, be present, and enjoy all the little things in your life. Utilize your planner for this by keeping a gratitude log. Journaling about your day, describing your feelings, and noting what you are thankful for will help replenish your mind and give you some perspective on your life.
REPLENISH
- Gratitude Log
- Journaling
- Reading and reflecting
- Meditating
- Grounding
- Pick something small today to intentionally enjoy
- Savor a good meal or snack
- Notice how good your coffee tastes today
- Stretching and breathing
- Walking outdoors
- Spending time with loved ones
- Appreciating what’s around you
- Finding the good in every situation
- Spreading positivity
- Sensory input
SEASONAL OVERVIEW DASHBOARD SET
Use the new seasonal dashboard set in the shop to log the ideas you like from each of those lists. Keep them handy for each season as reminders for ways to take care of yourself!
Here’s how I am utilizing the seasonal dashboard currently for Winter (see photo below). I have some big changes happening in my life and lots of new things to juggle. So I need to make sure I am prioritizing my health and well-being while I am adjusting to new routines. I use the front to list my top 3 things that make me happy or help regulate my nervous system during this busy time. I use the back to just describe my current overview for the season and make a list of the things I want to be focused on.
I hope this post is helpful for you and that you can use this framework to thrive in every season of life that you encounter. Use your planner as an anchor in all of these seasons. Although you may utilize it in different ways, it can help guide you to make the most of each season of life. If you loved this post and would like to chat more, reach out to me on Instagram!
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