Planning Isn’t Just for Schedules—It’s a Tool for Peace of Mind

Overwhelmed and Anxious

Planning Isn’t Just for Schedules—It’s a Tool for Peace of Mind

Happy Wednesday, friends — Coach Paris here!

I want to share a personal story because I know so many of you can relate. It’s about anxiety sneaking up on us—even during some of the happiest moments—and how powerful a good plan can be to keep it at bay.

Last week, our kids and grandbabies came to visit for 11 days. It was an incredible time. They rented a house nearby, and we packed the days full of activities, adventures, meals out, and just soaking up time together. We truly loved every minute.

And yet…my anxiety showed up.

I found myself struggling to sleep, worrying about everyone’s happiness, their comfort, how things were going—even though nothing was wrong at all.

It felt like my brain was spinning in overdrive. And the fact that I couldn’t figure out why only made it worse. I remember thinking, Why can’t I just enjoy this? Am I losing it?

Now, I’m someone who operates at a pretty high frequency—but I usually manage it well. I talked to my husband, who’s wonderfully supportive, but he didn’t have an answer, just compassion.

So, I reached out to my own coach. And that’s when the lightbulb turned on.

I thrive on structure.

In my day-to-day life, I know what I’m eating, when I’m exercising, when I’m working, and how my days will flow. It’s not rigid; it’s simply my rhythm, and it keeps me feeling grounded and calm.

When I go away on vacation somewhere else, I plan to let go of that routine. My brain knows it’s a break, and it’s prepared.

But this time, we were home. And I didn’t plan for my usual things—my meals, my workouts, my quiet time. I just went with the flow, thinking I’d be fine.

Instead, the lack of a plan left a gap. And my brain tried to fill that gap with worry. Worry became my default coping mechanism.

Let me be very clear: this wasn’t about my family causing stress. Our time together was beautiful. This was about me not giving my mind the anchor it needs. It was a lesson for me—and one I’ll handle differently next time.

Why Planning Helps Manage Anxiety

Here’s the teaching piece I want to share: Planning isn’t just about calendars and to-do lists. It’s one of the best tools we have for managing anxiety and overwhelm.

Here’s why:

✅ Predictability reduces anxiety. Uncertainty is a major trigger for anxiety because our brains are wired for survival. When we don’t know what’s coming next, our nervous system kicks into high alert. Even small unknowns can feel big to an anxious brain.

Research shows that having a predictable routine can lower stress hormones like cortisol and improve sleep quality. (Source: American Psychological Association)

✅ Plans create mental “containers. ”When we plan—even loosely—we give our brain a place to park details instead of spinning on them all day. It’s like putting your worries in a file cabinet instead of carrying them around in your arms.

✅ Routines preserve mental energy. Decision fatigue is real. Studies suggest we make around 35,000 decisions a day, big and small. Having a plan cuts down on endless choices and mental clutter.

✅ Planning gives you a sense of control. A 2016 study in Behavior Research and Therapy found that people who engage in proactive planning and problem-solving have lower anxiety levels because they feel more in control of their outcomes.

How to Plan for Peace of Mind—Even During Joyful Times

Here’s what I’m doing differently next time our family comes to visit—and what I recommend for all of you who, like me, sometimes find anxiety sneaking in even during good times:

⭐ Schedule your non-negotiables. If exercise keeps you sane, put it on the calendar—even if it’s just a 15-minute walk.

⭐ Plan quiet time for yourself. Block 10-20 minutes a day for reading, stretching, or just breathing. It’s not selfish; it’s how you stay present for everyone else.

⭐ Have a loose food plan. Even if you’re eating out, knowing where and roughly what you’ll eat reduces decision fatigue and keeps blood sugar—and mood—stable.

⭐ Communicate your needs. Tell your family you’re going to slip away for a workout or quiet moment. They’ll usually support you, and it keeps resentment and overwhelm at bay.

⭐ Keep bedtime rituals. Consistency with your nighttime routine signals safety to your nervous system and helps your brain unwind, no matter how busy your days are.

This past week was such a learning moment for me. I adore my family, and I wouldn’t trade those days for anything. But next year, I’ll plan my own anchors a bit better so my mind doesn’t have to spin.

If you ever feel anxiety creeping in—even during happy times—pause and ask yourself:

“Have I planned for my own needs in all this?”

It could be the missing piece that makes all the difference.

Call to Action

Helping people create personalized plans—ones that keep you healthy, balanced, and anxiety-free—is exactly what I love to do. If you’d like support building a routine that works for your life, let’s chat. Visit Always On Your Side Coaching or book a discovery session. https://www.alwaysonyoursidecoaching.com/service-page/1-1-coaching-consultation

Together we’ll find your easiest way to health and peace of mind.

— Coach Paris

Coach Paris