A Simple Daily Plan Creates Huge Mental Health Benefits

I plan my day. I put together a daily plan.

I have a journal that I use for this. It's specifically designed to help me map out my day.

But a single piece of paper will do just fine.

Doing this one simple thing works wonders for my mental health.

It shouldn't take more than 3 minutes if you do it right.

Creating a Simple Daily Plan That Works

Before I start work, I write down my daily plan.

What does this consist of?

I'm glad you asked.

1. I write down my top 3-4 tasks for the day. I list them out. It takes a few seconds.
2. Then I schedule them into my day. I create time blocks of when I plan to complete these tasks. The journal I use has lines with hours of the day next to them. I draw boxes connecting the lines to map out when I will complete each task.
3. I adjust the boxes as needed.

Now, this is a simple breakdown of what I do, but it's pretty darn close to the truth.

Creating this daily plan--and doing it consistently--has changed my life for the better.

The Mental Health Benefits of a Daily Plan

Why do I do this, thought?

Another great question!

I do this because it works for me. When I have a daily plan, I'm less anxious. You might think that creating a daily plan like this is an extension of anxiety, but that is only partly true.

Creating a daily plan like this allows me to move through my day with intention. I know where my time is going. I know what I need to do. It helps me stay on top of the important things.

One of the best mentors I've ever had told me,

"Don't write a to-do list. Think of your exit list. Write down the things you absolutely have to do before you can exit the workday, before your day is done."

It's great advice.

A daily plan sets you up for success because it allows you to exit the stress of your tasks once they're done. There's a starting point, there's a road map, and there's a clear end time.

And the more you do this, the more you learn about how long it takes you to complete certain tasks.

Life is just one long information-gathering exercise, after all.

Create a plan, and you'll collect that valuable information with intention.

You'll know exactly where you're heading--and how you're going to get there.