Recently, we had the joy of spending time volunteering on the Welsh coast, supporting 60 children on a busy outdoor adventure. 🏕️.
It was a trip filled with sea swims, starry nights, and plenty of spontaneous campfire songs. On paper, it sounds like organised chaos, but what struck us most was how calm and enriching the experience actually felt - why? Because everything was planned in advance!
From meals to activities, the logistics had all been carefully thought through before we even arrived. That meant there was no scrambling to decide what came next, no pressure to juggle priorities, and no sense of being pulled in different directions. Instead, we were able to live in the moment, to focus on connecting with the children, enjoying the scenery, and embracing the little surprises that each day brought
📋 The Mental Health Benefits of Planning Ahead
It might sound simple, but there’s a lot of science behind why planning ahead feels so freeing. Researchers have found that when we don’t have a plan, our brains go into what’s known as decision fatigue. Every small choice, what to eat, what to do next, how to juggle tasks, takes mental energy. Over time, that constant need to “think ahead” drains our focus and increases stress levels.
A study published by North Carolina State University found that participants who engaged in proactive coping, that is, thinking ahead and making plans, were less emotionally reactive to daily stressors. Essentially, planning ahead helps reduce anxiety by mitigating uncertainty and giving the brain a clearer roadmap, making it easier to focus and stay present.
By reducing uncertainty, planning allows the brain to relax because it no longer needs to constantly keep track of the “what ifs.” The result? More energy, more clarity, and a greater ability to be fully present.
💆🏻♀️ Creating Space for Mindfulness
This trip was a perfect example of that, because the essentials had already been organised, meaning we had the space to notice the small things: the sound of laughter echoing across the campsite, the salty breeze on an early-morning swim, the joy of seeing children discover new skills. Planning didn’t take away from spontaneity — it created room for it.
It’s a reminder that in our fast-paced culture, being present often requires intention. When we prepare well, we give ourselves the gift of calm; instead of juggling dozens of future tasks in our minds, we can pour our energy into what’s right in front of us.
⚖️ A Lesson for Work and Life
At Jannaway Freelancing, this is a principle we live by; planning isn’t about rigidity or removing creativity. It’s about creating structure so that our minds are free to focus on the things that matter most, whether that’s delivering great work, building relationships, or finding balance in our everyday lives.
The truth is, sometimes the best way to find mindfulness, at work or in life, is to plan with intention, because once the plan is in place, you no longer need to keep thinking ahead. You can simply be.
How do you create space to be fully present in your work and daily life?
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