Are you an empty (or almost empty) with no children left at home or maybe have a young adult who is at college or working all day? How do you use a planner when you have no plans? Do you find yourself alone at home with nothing but your thoughts and a planner? Even if you’re not as busy as you used to be, you can still make the most out of your planner and boost your productivity. With a little planning and organization, you can take advantage of the flexibility and freedom that comes with an empty nest lifestyle. I’d like to share some tips and strategies on how to effectively use your planner to organize your day, stay on top of your to-do list, and make the most out of your newfound freedom.
One thing to keep in mind when using a planner in this unique situation is that there is a lot of flexibility and freedom with an empty nest lifestyle. With no longer having the demands of a full house, you have more time to focus on your own interests and hobbies. So, when scheduling your day in your planner, be sure to include time for self-care activities like reading, exercising, or learning something new.
Meal Planning Made Easy: Using Your Planner to Save Time
Another tip is to use your planner to plan out your meals for the week. With fewer mouths to feed, you can experiment with new recipes or take the time to plan out your meals in advance to save time and reduce stress. If you have a food box subscription, you can use your planner to schedule delivery dates. I’d also suggest keeping a list of your favorite “Meals for Two” to make it easier to plan when you don’t know what to prepare.
I’m not a social butterfly, but some are about social activities! Use your planner to schedule coffee dates or lunches with friends or plan fun outings like going to the movies or trying out a new restaurant. It’s important to stay connected with others, especially when you have more time to do so. I’m sure another empty-nester would enjoy talking to someone who is experiencing the same thing as they are.
Keeping Your Planner Front and Center: The Importance of Visibility
Last tip: make sure to keep your planner in a location that is easily seen and easy to get to, like on your desk or kitchen counter. “Out of sight, out of mind” is so true! I often think a planner can fail you only if you don’t look at it!
So, using a planner as an almost empty nester can be a game-changer for your efficiency and overall well-being. The first thing you should do is grab that planner, schedule some self-care and social activities, plan out your meals, and get ready to make the most out of your newfound freedom and flexibility! Approaching the empty nest years is a bit hard (a topic for a different blog), but having a hobby that has me playing with planners and finding new and different ways to use them has helped me out a lot. How do you use a planner when you have no plans? Go make some!