Journalling for Mental Health

As any of you that have followed me for a while know, I have had a long battle with my Mental Health. I decided that this year I would pull my love for planning in to my planning for my mental health. 

I have never had a bullet journal but I am excited to set one up. If you are interested in journalling for mental health please go subscribe to my youtube channel  A World Outside My Window. I am going to start at the very beginning on what supplies you need, how to choose a journal and then step by step layouts and journalling prompts throughout the year.

I would love to have you participate. Videos will start populating the channel next week so be sure to hit the notification bell. If you know someone who might benefit from this activity please let them know where to find me. I want to build a community that supports each other and shares ideas. Just like the one we have built here over the last 10 years. Until then, happy planning my friends.

25 in 2025 Layout

Creating a "25 in 2025" spread is a fun and motivational way to plan your year. Here's how to make one:

Instructions

1. Gather Supplies:

   - A bullet journal or planner.

   - Pens, markers, stickers, and washi tape.

   - Ruler for straight lines.

2. Design the Layout:

   - Divide the page into 25 sections (5x5 grid works well).

   - Title the spread "25 in 2025" at the top.

   - Decorate with stickers or doodles.

3. Fill in Your Goals

   - Write one goal or activity in each section. Examples:

     - Learn a new craft technique.

     - Visit a local tea shop.

     - Organize a crafting retreat.

     - Create 25 handmade cards.

4. Track Progress

   - Add checkboxes or color in sections as you complete items or for even more fun try dot markers.

Suggestions for Your List

- Try a new papercrafting technique.

- Host a tea party with handmade invitations.

- Explore five new planner layouts.

- Start a gratitude journal for mental health.

Inspiration

Check out these resources for ideas:

- YouTubePlanner layout 25 in 2025: 2025 Planner 

Pinterest boards boards like "Planner Spreads & Inspiration" are a great place to get...well....inspiration.

Planner Trends 2025: Meal Planner

2025 has trended back to having a meal planner in your planner. Using a planner to manage your meal plan can streamline cooking and grocery shopping. Here’s how to set it up:

Setup and Organization

• Create a Master List: Jot down meals your family enjoys, categorized by type (e.g., pasta, salads) to simplify planning
  
  
• Weekly Themes: Designate theme nights like Taco Tuesday or Meatless Monday to make meal selection fun and easy
  
  
• Grocery Lists: After planning meals, compile a grocery list based on ingredients needed, ensuring you check your pantry first
  .

Example Meal Planning Section

• Monday: Chicken Stir-Fry
• Tuesday: Taco Night
• Wednesday: Pasta Primavera
• Thursday: Leftovers
• Friday: Pizza Night
• Saturday: Family BBQ
• Sunday: Meal prep for the week

In 2025, more women are embracing meal planning for its efficiency and ability to reduce stress around cooking, making it easier to balance busy schedules. Combining this into their planner makes it easy to pick up groceries on the fly or know what to thaw for dinner. Just as an FYI I did buy the Happy Planner Meal Planner sheets a couple of years ago and I was not impressed. If you are looking for a more tailor made meal plan, Etsy has many choices for you.
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Planner Refresh 2025

Refreshing your planner for 2025 is a wonderful way to kick off the new year with renewed energy and organization. Here are some friendly ideas to help you revamp your planner, including DIY options, Etsy finds, and commercial products.

 DIY Options

1. Create Your Own Planner: Use a binder to customize your planner. Gather monthly tabs, weekly layouts, and notepaper from stores like Walmart. This allows you to tailor it to your needs while keeping costs low.

2. Printable Inserts: Design your own planner pages using free printables available online. You can create sections for goals, habit tracking, or even a brain dump area.

3. Scrapbook Elements: Incorporate photos, stickers, and mementos into your planner. This not only personalizes it but also enhances your planning experience by creating lasting memories.

 Etsy Options

1. Custom Planner Stickers: Look for unique sticker sets that match your style. These can help you visually organize tasks and add a fun element to your planner.

2. Printable Planner Pages: Many Etsy shops offer beautifully designed printable pages that you can download and print at home. This is a great way to get professional designs without the hefty price tag.

3. Planner Accessories: Consider purchasing decorative washi tape or themed dividers to liven up your planner layout.

 Commercial Options

1. Luxury Planners: Brands like STIL and Full Focus offer high-quality planners that combine aesthetics with functionality. These planners often feature sections for goal tracking and daily tasks, making them ideal for serious planners.

2. Quarterly Refresh Workbooks: Consider the 2025 Quarterly Refresh Digital Workbook from Get Organized HQ, which prompts you to reassess your goals every three months—perfect for maintaining focus throughout the year.

3. Minimalist Planners: If you prefer a clean design, look into The Daily Planner by The Productivity Method, which provides structured layouts for both daily and long-term planning[3].

 Reflecting on 2024

As you think about what worked in your planner this year, consider which sections were most useful and which felt cluttered or unnecessary. Perhaps you found that monthly overviews helped keep track of important dates but daily tasks became overwhelming. Use these insights to guide your refresh—eliminate what didn’t serve you and enhance what did.

By combining these ideas, you can create a planner that not only meets your organizational needs but also inspires creativity and joy as you navigate through 2025!