Planning is an effective stress management tool. Some may think of planning as yet ‘another thing to do’, but in fact it opens up both time and energy.
Think of it as mental clutter that you’re clearing out by integrating planning into your life. When you plan ahead you’ll at least have some sense of what’s coming up instead of running about not knowing what the next step is which is overall a time saver.
There’s an added bonus to planning. By focusing on the task at hand instead of worrying about what happens later in the week you are engaging in a mindfulness practice. Think of it for a moment. You’re concentrating on what’s in-front of you instead of darting about worried about tomorrows dinner. Creative mindfulness in action!
A few benefits specific to meal planning:
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Take the daily chore/angst out of what’s for dinner by knowing ahead of time
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Save money by not wasting food
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Avoid cookies and ice cream pangs
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Eat healthier which benefits everyone in the family
Additional things you may be able to plan:
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Backlogged on balancing your accounts or cleaning up paperwork? Make a date on your calendar to tend to those
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Think through what is on your agenda for tomorrow and make a plan for it the day before to ease running about trying to remember what needed to be done
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Include in all of that planning time for yourself. Your life can be hectic so add a ‘me’ date to your calendar even for the smallest amount of time
Life passes quickly and our days can go by in a flash. What’s important to you – really? Manically speeding through your days or finding ways to adjust so that you have more time for the important things. The chats with your loved one, the call to a friend you haven’t spoken to in some time, or perhaps even that long soak bath you’ve been meaning to get to.
Your days can get hectic and time doesn’t always allow for all of the things you’d like to get accomplished. Planning opens up time, energy and gives way to mental clarity. Calm mind – happier heart.
And by all means, don’t forget to breathe. Take time, rather make time, for a couple of long deep breaths throughout your days. A quick and easy technique that can clear your mind and center your energy giving way to calm and clarity. Which pairs perfectly with your new routine of planning!
Hugs,
Cyndi