According to the American Psychological Association, a significant number of Americans are reporting much higher than usual levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Factors contributing to this include economic concerns, political and social tensions, climate/weather-related anxiety, misinformation and digital overload, and work-life imbalance. American adults are experiencing higher levels of anxiety, reporting that they are having more sleep disturbances. According to some studies, these stress levels are seemingly even higher in women than they are in men, but overall, we are all collectively struggling right now, regardless of gender. I feel it, and everyone around me feels it, too.
When it comes to trying to manage my stress levels and maintain some level of peace and well-being in my life and in my home, I find myself leaning into practices that I have had to tweak for these particularly stressful times because some of my usual ways of doing things and coping really weren’t working. For instance, writing reflectively, something that has helped me feel grounded during many difficult times in my life, has actually seemed to increase my anxiety lately. As a result, I have found myself doing less of it.
Even though I’m doing less reflective writing or journaling these days, I am still putting pen to paper, perhaps even more than in the past. I have found that leaning into the ritual of keeping my planner has really helped me feel more grounded, and it is something that I find comforting. Rather than writing about and trying to process all of the difficult emotions I am currently feeling, I focus on my to-do lists, schedules, and managing, tracking, and taking notes about the mundane tasks of my daily life. Doing this gives me a sense of order and control, at a time that seems so chaotic and out of my control.
When I write in my notebook, it’s completely without structure. I can write whatever I want to write, however I want to write it. My grid-ruled pages are empty canvases for my free-flowing thoughts. My notebook is a safe space to pour out all of my thoughts, struggles, but also my dreams and memories. But my planner is much more structured and intentional. Reflective writing gives power to my voice, so that I can own my story and lift up my voice, while writing in my planner provides me with the structure that I need at a time when anxiety makes it hard to focus and concentrate. My planner serves as an anchor, a steadying force. I think it’s helping me maintain my sanity.
I think there’s something really reassuring when I am writing in my planner because I have tangible, recorded evidence that despite all of the chaos and uncertainty in the world, I am still capable of having a worthwhile life in which I am actively engaged. It is a testament to my strength, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. It’s proof that we are moving in a forward direction, rather than succumbing to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. My planner is proof of my power.
And this power isn’t just about getting things done, it’s also about caring for myself. It is especially easy to forget about myself in all that is going on in my life. Not only do I have a lot to deal with in my personal and professional life, but it’s so hard to focus when it feels like the whole world is imploding in front of my eyes. There are times when I think the weight of it all would really feel overwhelming if I didn’t practice self-care. In addition to keeping track of goals and things I have to do, I also keep track of and make time for self-care and well-being. I started tracking my daily self-care practice with the Kuretake Clean Color Dot Markers, which really simplify things and makes them aesthetically pleasing.
For me, writing is about liberation. So, one could argue that if that’s the case, then keeping a planner seems to be more about survival. And while that may be so, I actually feel that both things serve both purposes. I think my reflective writing has allowed me to own my emotions and my story and that is the most freeing form of self-expression I have in my life. And while my planning does help me to survive in all of the chaos over which I have no control, it also frees me from being controlled and overwhelmed by those external forces.
If everything that is going on in the world is making you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, it might help you to keep a planner. It’s a gentle reminder that you matter and that you are doing things that matter. The results are the same regardless of the system that you use. Over the years, I’ve used a number of different ones, depending on what my needs are and the season of life that I am in. Traveler’s Company, JIYU (monthly and weekly), Hobonichi, MIDORI, Stalogy, and Roterfaden notebooks, calendars, and planner systems can all be used in ways that can provide you with tangible evidence of your life, growth, and existence. And if you’re finding it hard to do reflective writing/journaling, give yourself grace. Currently, I find it easier to write about the things that are happening in an objective way or more journalistic way – like a historian, gathering facts so that I, and anyone who reads my notes, know what happened during this time.
The saying, “This, too, shall pass,” comes to mind whenever I find myself feeling particularly anxious about what is happening in the world right now. The saying is believed to be based on a Persian adage passed down throughout time and made famous in 1852 with Edward Fitzgerald's “Solomon's Seal.” In it, King Solomon, aims to create a sentence that will always be true – whether times are good or bad. In it, he responds, “This, too, will pass away.” All that we experience is temporal, ephemeral, and impermanent, and the future is always unknown.
Be present, my friends, and be well.
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