Digital vs. Physical: Why a Paper Planner is Still a Must-Have
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With the launch of our 2025 Planner just around the corner (October 6th incase you missed it), we wanted to chat all things planners.
Are you team digital or team paper? Or maybe a bit of both?
Personally, I (Ashleigh) am a digital planner! But I cannot ignore the research on the importance of a physical planner.
Let's Talk Benefits of a Physical Planner
Improved memory and recall
Remember when we used to write down everything? It wasn't just for fun. Studies show that writing things down helps us remember them better. It's like our brains are saying, "Oh, you wrote that down? I must remember it!"
So, why does this happen? It's believed that writing by hand engages more areas of the brain, including those involved in motor control and visual processing. This deeper level of engagement helps solidify the information in our memory.
Enhanced Focus and Productivity
A study by Princeton University found that students were more likely to be distracted by irrelevant information when taking notes on a laptop. This is because laptops (and phones) offer easy access to the internet and other distractions. WHo is guilty of checking something in your online calendar only to find yourself scrolling instagram? On the other hand, physical planners can help you stay focused by limiting distractions and creating a dedicated space for your thoughts and tasks.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Feeling overwhelmed? Planning it out can help you feel more in control. It's like having a roadmap to your day, week, or even year. No more panicking about forgetting important appointments or deadlines.
Planning can help you feel more organized and in control, which can reduce stress and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that individuals who were able to plan their day were less likely to experience stress and anxiety.
Plus, a paper planner holds you accountable to just how much you can accomplish in a day.
Personalisation and Creativity
Let's face it, everyone loves a good customisation. With a physical planner, you can make it uniquely yours. Add stickers, draw pictures, or even write your own quotes. It's like creating a little piece of art just for you.
So, you've decided to dive into the world of physical planners. Now what?
Choosing the Right Planner
First things first, let's find the perfect fit. Think about your lifestyle. Do you need a daily planner, a weekly planner, or a monthly planner? Do you prefer a minimalist layout or something more colorful? And don't forget about size! A small planner might be great for carrying around but a larger one might give you more space to write.
The Miss Nikita 2025 Planner is available in A5 weekly planner layouts. We have five incredible covers to choose from, with something for every style.
Using a Consistent System
Consistency is key when it comes to planning. Find a system that works for you and stick with it. Whether it's a bullet journal, a time blocking method, or a simple to-do list, the important thing is to find what works best for your brain.
My life changed once I found about brain dumping. At the beginning and end of the day, I will brain dump EVERYTHING that comes to mind. Then, as I plan the day and week ahead I will refer to this list so that I don't miss anything. This is also a great tip for my anxious girlies who can't shut off at the end of the day - with less in your mind it is much easier to sleep.
I'm learning about time blocking at the moment & plan to use my physical planner for this!
Reflecting and Reviewing:
Take some time each week or month to review your planner. See what you've accomplished, what you haven't, and what you can improve on. This reflection can help you stay motivated and adjust your plans as needed.
Our 2025 Miss Nikita Planners have both yearly and monthly planners to help you keep on track.
I hope this information has inspired you to give a physical planner a try (or reiterated your love of them!). This years planners are so beautiful and I cannot wait to see you all living your most organised, stress free lives with their help.
