Staying Organized & Mentally Healthy as a Family

Through Planning this Holiday Season

In today’s fast-paced world, family life can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of tasks, schedules, and to-do lists. Whether it's keeping up with school events, managing household chores, planning meals, or squeezing in family fun, life can get hectic—especially during the holiday season when extra activities, gatherings, and preparations add to the mix. With so many responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with a little intentional planning, we can stay organized, support each other, and maintain our mental well-being. By planning together as a family, especially around the holidays, we can prioritize quality time, avoid last-minute stress, and create a smoother, more joyful experience for everyone. Here are some ways planning can help keep us organized and focused on our wellness during the ‘most wonderful time of the year’:

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

One of the main benefits of family planning is how it helps reduce stress and anxiety. When we feel overwhelmed by too many responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important, leading to mental fatigue. But when we set time aside to plan, we get a clearer view of what needs to be done. Writing down tasks, assigning responsibilities, and establishing routines help us manage our time better, allowing us to tackle one thing at a time without feeling constantly rushed or worried about what we may be forgetting.

2. Creates Consistency and Routine

For families, routines are golden. Children especially thrive on routine, which provides structure and helps them feel safe and secure. By setting up a consistent family schedule, we can establish a predictable rhythm that keeps everyone on track. This might include a morning routine that gets everyone out the door on time, regular homework hours, or a wind-down routine before bed. When everyone knows what to expect, the daily flow becomes smoother, and family members are less likely to feel stressed or irritable.

"Planning helps to bring the future into the present so you can do something about it now." - Alan Lakein

3. Makes Room for Quality Time

Planning as a family isn’t just about keeping up with responsibilities; it’s also about carving out time for the things that matter most. Setting aside time to spend together as a family might mean scheduling a weekly family game night, planning an afternoon hike, or setting time for family dinners. When we plan, we’re more likely to ensure that quality family time doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of daily chores. This time together strengthens family bonds and helps each member feel valued and supported.

4. Encourages Communication and Teamwork

Planning as a family encourages open communication and a team mindset. When everyone knows what needs to be done and who’s responsible, the family can operate more like a well-oiled machine. Creating a family calendar, assigning weekly chores, or having a short planning meeting can bring everyone together, helping each family member understand their role and responsibilities. This teamwork approach can foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose while preventing burnout for any one person.

5. Helps Develop Problem-Solving Skills

When families plan together, they also practice problem-solving skills as a group. By discussing schedules, upcoming events, or potential conflicts, family members learn to negotiate, compromise, and find solutions that work for everyone. This is a valuable skill, especially for children, who get to observe and participate in decision-making. They learn to see challenges as manageable and can better understand that with a bit of planning and cooperation, most problems can be solved.

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." - Benjamin Franklin

6. Promotes Healthy Habits

Planning helps prioritize health and wellness activities that might otherwise get overlooked. For example, meal planning can lead to healthier eating habits, and a scheduled exercise routine keeps everyone active. Planning also makes it easier to ensure everyone gets enough sleep and downtime, both of which are essential for mental well-being. These habits are easier to stick with when they’re part of a regular schedule.

7. Prevents Last-Minute Chaos

How many of us have experienced the panic of a last-minute school project, missing library book, or forgotten permission slip? Planning ahead means we can prevent many of these last-minute stressors. By checking schedules, gathering supplies, and setting deadlines ahead of time, we reduce the likelihood of those frantic moments and make room for a calmer, more balanced family life.

"Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up." - A.A. Milne

Tips for Family Planning

1. Create a Family Calendar: A visual calendar, either digital or a wall planner, can keep everyone on the same page about daily activities, important dates, and routines.

2. Hold a Weekly Family Meeting: Set aside 15-20 minutes each week to discuss plans, assign tasks, and talk about anything that needs attention in the upcoming week.

3. Use To-Do Lists: Simple lists for each family member can help keep track of daily tasks. For example, a shared checklist on the fridge or a family planning app can help everyone see what needs to be done.

4. Break Tasks into Small Steps: Large projects can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller tasks makes them more manageable and less daunting.

5. Prioritize Self-Care: Remind family members that mental health is just as important as staying on top of tasks. Encourage each person to take time for themselves when they need it.

Life can be busy, but with a little intentional planning, we can create a more organized, peaceful environment that benefits the whole family. Planning helps us set priorities, create a sense of predictability, and take a team approach to daily responsibilities. Most importantly, planning as a family strengthens bonds and promotes healthy habits that contribute to each family member’s mental and emotional well-being.

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Speaking of planning and the holidays - with the holidays coming up, it is a great time to savor the season by planning it out. Do you ever feel like Christmas just flies by, leaving you stressed and wishing you’d had more time to enjoy it? We’ve been there too! But this year, Simple Christmas Lists* can change that.

This compact, go-anywhere planner is designed to simplify and elevate your holiday season. From gift lists and budgets to menus, recipes, movie picks, and even DIY craft ideas, it has everything you need to make this Christmas magical and stress-free. With space for planning, daily to-dos, and memory-making ideas, it’s your ultimate tool to stay present and enjoy every moment.

One last thing…

If you have ever wanted to self-publish or create your own planner, join us in our Book Biz Builder Workshop. Workshop will empower you to not only create a creative outlet but also help your family generate additional income. The memories and experiences you create through self-publishing will last a lifetime, and the skills you learn can open new doors.

Ready to get started? Visit this link HERE to register and begin your journey to becoming a published author!

In the meantime, slow down, be present, and let creativity flow—your next great adventure is just a journal away.

Happy almost holiday season FAM! Thank you for being here and we look forward to so many more great newsletters, printables and connections as we enter the holiday season and say goodbye to 2024!

xo, Kim

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