There's magic in weekly planning.

I know, I know. I can see you over there, shaking your head, rolling your eyes, and questioning how I could ever dare to suggest that something as mundane and bothersome as the act of weekly planning, could be considered magic in even the broadest sense of the word.

Let's start with the basics.

Studies have proven that planning ahead can greatly reduce an individual's stress levels.

Think about the last time you had a meeting sprung on you at work or were notified about a big presentation only moments before you were set to stand in front of a room full of executives. Stressful, right?

Did you go into that meeting confident and knowing that you were presenting the best version of yourself? Or, were you tongue tied, sick to your stomach, and praying they wouldn't notice the coffee stain on your shirt?

The simple act of setting aside time at the start of every week can help to thwart those awkward situations and leave you with a sense of ease knowing you're going into the week well aware and educated about any obstacles that lie ahead.

Not convinced yet?

What if I were to tell you that weekly planning is a quick way to help correct a skewed work-life balance?

Planning ahead provides a clear visual of the free time you have throughout the week. As many professionals find themselves working remotely from home for the first time, it's more important than ever that a clear distinction be made between when/where your work ends and when/where your personal time begins. Being able to block out time throughout your week to spend with your family, friends, or unplugging and relaxing is integral to ensuring you don't experience burn out.

Weekly planning makes you more productive. Period.

Now, being productive doesn't mean "all work and no play." It simply means that by planning weekly and setting goals or targets for yourself to achieve throughout the week, you're focusing your energy and attention on the right things at the right times, which allows you to reap the benefits of being extra efficient, and thus, more productive than those who choose to live by a "fly by the seat of their pants" anti-plan lifestyle. I welcome you to try it. Block 30 minutes in the next few days to do a "Brain Dump". Looking for an easy to implement, simple to use planner?  Try this.

There you have it.

By committing to sitting down with your planner for only 30-minutes, once a week, you can drastically improve your mindset and productivity, reduce your daily stress, and better tackle your work-life balance.