The concept of planners dates back centuries, originating from ancient civilizations that recognized the importance of recording events, appointments, and tasks. From the cuneiform tablets of Mesopotamia to the papyrus scrolls of ancient Egypt, early humans understood the benefits of documenting information to navigate their lives better. Over time, planners have evolved from simple diaries to sophisticated organizational tools designed to streamline daily routines or even digital planners like ours that you can get on our website!
Why planners are so good!
Organization and Time Management: Planners provide a structured framework for people to plan and prioritize tasks effectively. By breaking down goals into manageable steps, and allocating time for each activity, planners help you stay on track, reduce procrastination, and achieve your objectives.
Improved Productivity: When our tasks and commitments are scattered across our minds, it can be overwhelming. Planners offer a centralized location to capture and track all important information, allowing for better focus and increased productivity. By providing a clear overview of deadlines, appointments, and goals, planners enable users to allocate their time wisely.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The very act of writing down tasks and thoughts can have a therapeutic effect on our minds. Transferring thoughts onto paper can alleviate mental clutter and create a sense of clarity. Planners act as a repository for ideas, worries, and aspirations, offering a safe space to unload and organize thoughts, thus reducing stress and anxiety.
Stress Reduction: Engaging in regular writing practice can be a valuable stress-management tool. The act of writing encourages mindfulness, helping individuals focus on the present moment and redirect their thoughts away from stressors.
Writing and Mental Health:
Writing lets you express your emotions, free of judgement, ridicule and… well, judgement. By putting thoughts and feelings into words, it's so much easier to get perspective, process your emotions, and build your self-awareness.
Writing enables a structured exploration of problems, enabling individuals to gain insights and perspectives that may not be immediately apparent. It promotes critical thinking, creativity, and the generation of innovative solutions. I always keep a little book in my bedside drawer. On nights when I can’t get to sleep, or if I feel like I just have a massive mental load that won’t let me relax, I just data dump everything into the book. That way I don’t have to provide any answers, write up a plan, or do anything other than writing down what’s in my head… This can sometimes be a double-edged sword, where its great I can pick up what I wrote down the night before, or, I don’t understand a thing that I wrote 🫠
Keeping a written record of experiences, achievements, and personal growth can be highly rewarding. Looking back on what you’ve previously written down can be quite nostalgic, especially if you used to journal as a child. I did, and what I’ve read was well, either boring or absolutely wild (for a child anyway). Like my first kiss (it was on the cheek… but same, same)… I think I was maybe 6 or 7?
Planners, with their rich history and evolution, have emerged as invaluable tools for people wanting to stay organized, manage time efficiently, and promote mental health. Writing, whether in a planner or any other form, provides a therapeutic outlet, allowing emotional release, stress reduction, and personal growth. Incorporating a planner into your day to day routine could be fantastic and it can be really cheap to give it a go!