The Importance of Scheduling Downtime + How to Keep Planning Fun

Do you schedule downtime in your planner? If not, I'm here to encourage you to give it a try. Over here in the planner community, we know how important productivity is when it comes to getting things done and achieving our goals. But we can so easily get sucked into a toxic positivity, always grinding mentality when we're so focused on what needs to get done while ignoring the time we need to rest. I try not to fill my planner with only work-related or "adult" tasks. Instead, I keep planning fun by scheduling a walk or even when I'm going to take that shower. You know the one.

What is Downtime?

Downtime is taking the time to rest and reset the mind by engaging in activities that don’t require focused attention or effort, allowing you to recover from the constant stimulus of the day. The key to successful downtime is to find activities that are calming and restore your energy without feeling like a task you need to check off at the end of the day.

Scrolling social media or binging Netflix, while fun, is not considered downtime. Even though I find a lot of joy and inspiration on Instagram, my mind is constantly moving and thinking as I spend my time on socials. These are fun, enjoyable parts of our day but they're too mentally stimulating to be considered downtime.

That said, each individual is different, so finding what works best for you takes practice and a bit of self-reflection and awareness.

Downtime Ideas:

Meditating
Naps
Going for a walk
Taking a shower
Sitting at the park
People watching

The Why

Not only does downtime help to reduce stress, but it can also lead to improved concentration, creativity, and productivity. It helps to prevent burnout, and even lessen decision fatigue. Not to mention, regular downtime can improve mental health by reducing anxiety and depression.

Have you ever noticed how restored and refreshed you feel after taking a nap, having a shower, or going for a walk? Maybe you've even noticed how your best ideas come to you during those times you allow yourself to rest. Lean into that! That's your brain's way of saying you needed that time to rest and shut off.

With a little bit of downtime, you can unlock your creative potential and make the most out of your day.

Of course, too much downtime can have the opposite effects leading to boredom and hindering creativity. Downtime shouldn't be looked at as an excuse for lazy or unproductive behavior, but instead should be thought of as a strategic tool to operate at your best. The goal is to find a healthy balance throughout your day between work and rest.

Incorporating Downtime in Your Day to Day

Schedule it in your Planner
Create rituals and routines that prioritize the balance between productivity and rest
Take afternoon naps
Go for daily walks
Leave your phone at home