A planner can be the keeper of many treasures—family gatherings, lunch dates with friends, kids’ birthday parties, work engagements. Each entry is a snapshot of the everyday moments of our lives and a small glimpse into our priorities too.
With a new year ahead of us, how will you fill your calendar? How can you use your time to create a life you love?
Making a commitment to self-care is a wonderful place to start. Life can pull us in many directions, but a few intentional moments of personal time can do so much. It may sound indulgent, but regularly setting aside time to dream, reflect, and unwind can have a meaningful effect on your physical and emotional well-being.
Here are a five simple and enjoyable ways to use your planner to promote new self-care routines this year:
1. Give yourself something to look forward to every week.
Whether it’s a night out dancing, a trip to your favorite bakery, or time curled up with a good book, a few planned pleasures can make the whole week a bit brighter. Pencil in at least one thing each week that is sure to make you smile. There’s always a way to make room for play!
2. Create a habit of gratitude.
Let your planner reflect your grateful heart. Take a minute each day to write down one thing you are thankful for in your calendar. By the end of the year, you’ll have a collection of your favorite memories and a record of the things that made this year so full of life.
3. Give yourself the gift of quiet time.
Slow things down by dedicating a weekly window to being unplugged. Perhaps you’d like to take a hike, attend a yoga class, or book a massage. Schedule in some regular quiet time and give your mind space to be restored.
4. Plan a trip, big or small.
An adventure begins the moment you put it on your calendar—the anticipation can bring joy before you’ve even left your home. Find a time to discover a new place or become a tourist in your own city. Add a trip to your agenda and let the fun begin. It can be to the other side of the world or simply the other end of a local bus line.
5. Build in time to connect with those around you.
Brightening someone else’s day can lift our spirits in unexpected ways. Is there someone you could delight with a handwritten note? A charity you’ve been meaning to get more involved with? A person you’ve been meaning to call? Set aside time to reach out and watch these little moments bring new energy to every day.
Let this year be one of intention. Create a calendar that is a celebration of the things that matter most to you!
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