4 Reasons to Use Paper Planners
A lot of people think products and industries that revolve around paper and ink are dying or dead, but that is not the case. One traditional pen and paper practice that is still on trend is that of “planning.” We’re not just talking about older generations using desk calendars and appointment books, even millennials are into paper planners. This trend is so big that some content creators have developed sizable online followings simply by posting videos to YouTube in which they showcase how they organize and decorate their planners. Something about participating in, or even just watching, this process can be satisfying and relaxing. Plus, many of us are looking for an excuse to take a break from staring at screens. On the other hand, some people may think it doesn’t make any sense to go back to paper calendars and notes when all of that can be done on the same handheld device that is conveniently on their person most of the time. Below are a few reasons why, despite all of our handy modern tech, a paper planner might be a better organizational tool for you.
They’re Good for Your Noggin: It has been scientifically proven that writing stimulates an area of the brain called RAS (reticular activating system). This means that the act of putting pen to paper helps people focus in a way that typing on a keyboard does not. If you start taking notes in a paper planner, you might even find that you are more thorough and extensive in doing so than you are when recording information in your smartphone. Sure, you may be a faster typist, but research suggests that slowing down and spending a little extra time to handwrite something not only helps you to pay attention and be in the moment, but it also helps you to retain whatever information you’re copying down. Some even find that the physical act of flipping through the pages of their filled in planners on a regular basis can help them remember when their upcoming appointments are occurring. With digital calendars, a lot of people rely on the pings and vibrations of their devices to let them know when to be somewhere. Mapping out your weeks on paper imprints the sequence of events into your mind. Using paper planners is really an exercise in mindfulness. Writing out your tasks by hand encourages deep thought, preparation, and reflection on your daily life.
They Preview the Future AND Record the Past: If you’ve ever made a hard copy to-do list in the morning and then spent the day crossing off each task you accomplish, you know just how satisfying that can be. Looking at all those check marks can be a much more rewarding way to end your day than simply deleting events and tasks from your electronic devices after you’ve finished them. A cleared-out calendar on your phone provides no evidence of all the things you’ve done. Paper planners are almost like journals; they’re like a mini history of you.
There’s One for Everyone: Electronic calendars are very formulaic and that formula may not work for everyone. We’re all unique people with varied lifestyles. With paper planners, you can find the set up that seems right for you. There are an endless number of stationary brands and lines out there to try! Do you need a planner that shows you a big monthly view? Those exist. Or maybe you need planner pages that give you plenty of space to record long lists of tasks each day. There’s something out there for you too. Some planners even let you break down your schedule into hourly chunks. If you do your research and find your perfect match, then you’ll no longer have to scroll through multiple apps on your devices. Important dates, random thoughts, grocery lists, goals for the year? Everything you want to record and remember can be kept in the same portable book, exactly the way you like it. This often helps people feel less overwhelmed and more in control off their busy schedules.
They’re Practical AND Enjoyable: Paper planners have more fun! Since this tradition has come back into vogue, manufacturers have started covering agendas in patterns, adding inspirational quotes to their pages, and selling matching sticker sets for further decoration and personalization. Of course, there are still basic date books on the market, which are perfect for some people. It’s not that utilitarian calendars, whether paper or electronic, are the wrong choice for every person or business. Not at all! But if you’re looking for a planner that you’ll actually want to open up and use every day, you might want to try something different and colorful! It could be just the right amount of motivation to keep yourself organized all year round!
Just like making friends, dating, or finding a job, you may have to shop around a bit before you find your organization soul mate, but it will be worth it in the end! Staying on top of your events and tasks, both personal and professional, can have a big impact on your life and your stress levels. Don’t feel like you have to use the same generic smart phone app as everyone else, the perfect paper planner for you is out there! We dare you to go old-school and give paper a try.
