How I plan My week to Keep Balanced
There’s something beautifully grounding about starting a new week with a sense of intention and rhythm. In a world that often pulls us in a thousand directions, planning my week is less about productivity and more about alignment. I see it as a ritual—a soft recalibration that helps me stay rooted in my values, energy, and seasons of life.
This isn’t about cramming as much into my weeks as I can, but rather focusing on creating space and balance; prioritising tasks that move the needle over busy work, and allowing for time to just be and focus on creativity and enjoying life.
Balance, to me, is not about doing everything perfectly or keeping all the balls in the air. It’s about listening—truly listening—to what I need mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and creating space for that in my days. Over the years, my weekly planning has become a sacred practice, and today, I want to share how I approach it in a way that feels nourishing rather than rigid.
The Energetic Anchor: Sunday Rituals
My week begins on Sunday—not with a long to-do list, but with a slow, mindful moment. I light a candle, pour a cup of tea, and sit with my journal. I look back on the week that’s passed and gently ask myself:
What felt good?
What drained me?
What do I want to carry forward?
What do I want to release?
This practice helps me enter the new week with clarity and intention, rather than anxiety or pressure. It’s about checking in with my inner compass before I even glance at my calendar.
From there, I look at the coming week through the lens of my energy—not just my obligations. If I’m entering a full moon or nearing my bleed, I know my energy may be heightened or low. If I’m feeling inspired and lit up, I might schedule more creative tasks. If it’s a New Moon week I know it’s a time to take things slow and avoid more social activities. I I try to flow with my energy rather than force against it.
Living Seasonally and Cyclically
One of the most profound shifts in my weekly planning came when I began living more seasonally and cyclically. I started noticing how the energy of the Earth and sky deeply mirrored my own. The dark, introspective pull of winter. The creative surge of spring. The full bloom of summer. The slowing down and recalibrating in autumn.
Now, I build my weekly plans around not only what I have to do, but what the natural world is whispering to me.
For instance, in spring, I make more time for planting seeds—both literally in the garden and metaphorically in my projects. In autumn, I allow more rest, reflection, and pruning of what’s no longer aligned.
I also follow the moon phases closely, using them as mini anchors within each week. A new moon might be for setting goals. The waxing moon brings momentum. The full moon invites celebration or release. The waning moon is perfect for tying up loose ends and nourishing my inner world.
The Weekly Planning Flow
Here’s what my weekly planning actually looks like in practice. I’ve created a rhythm that blends structure with softness—enough clarity to stay on track, but enough spaciousness to breathe.
1. The Sacred Check-In (Sunday or Monday Morning)
As mentioned, this is the heart of my planning practice. I use this time to connect with myself, reflect, and set an intention for the week. I ask:
What is my main focus or theme this week?
What would balance feel like in my body?
Where do I need more space or boundaries?
What do I desire to create, experience, or honour?
Sometimes, my weekly intention is a word—like “ease,” “alignment,” or “play.” Sometimes it’s a phrase, like “Take up space” or “Trust the unfolding.”
This becomes my compass. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or off-kilter during the week, I return to that intention.
2. Mapping My Week (With Flow, Not Force)
Next, I gently map out my week using my planner or digital calendar. I block in non-negotiables first—appointments, meetings, classes, etc. Then I look at my “big rocks”—the priorities or tasks that are most important.
But here’s the key: I don’t cram every moment with tasks. I leave white space. I honour the ebb and flow of my energy by creating buffer time. I ask:
Where can I rest?
When will I move my body?
Do I have enough time for food, nourishment, and stillness?
Can I give myself a day or an afternoon with no plans?
This part is where balance lives. It’s not about doing it all. It’s about weaving in time for being, not just doing.
3. Themed Days (Rhythm Over Routine)
To simplify decision-making and create flow, I loosely theme my days. These themes aren’t strict rules—they’re gentle containers that help me focus my energy.
Monday: Grounding & Admin – emails, planning, posting orders, organising, easing into the week
Tuesday: Creation – writing, content, brainstorming
Wednesday: Deep Work – focused projects, no distractions
Thursday: Connection – meetings, interviews, catching up with friends, and an afternoon nature walk
Friday: Flow & Integration – catch-ups, creative play, review
Saturday/Sunday: Rest & Replenish – nature, rituals, spaciousness
This rhythm keeps me balanced because it gives each part of my life a place. I’m not trying to juggle everything every day. There’s space for breath.
4. Cyclical Energy Tracking
Alongside my calendar, I keep a cyclical energy journal. Each day, I jot down:
How I slept
My mood or emotional tone
My energy level
My menstrual or moon phase
Anything that felt especially good or off
Over time, this has helped me spot patterns—like how I tend to feel inward during the dark moon or more expressive during ovulation. I’ve learned when to schedule light tasks and when to block out time for focus or retreat.
It’s like learning the rhythm of my own seasons and honouring them instead of ignoring them.
Creating Balance Through Boundaries
One of the most overlooked parts of weekly planning is boundaries. Without them, even the most beautifully mapped week can tip into overwhelm.
That’s why I now ask myself:
What won’t I do this week?
What can I say no to?
Where do I need more protection around my time, energy, or emotions?
I build boundaries into my schedule—like blocking “off” time, setting limits on social media, or carving out mornings for myself. Balance doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from protecting the energy you already have.
Nourishment is Non-Negotiable
When I plan my week, I treat nourishment as essential—not optional. That means:
Planning meals that feel good in my body
Scheduling walks, yoga, or movement
Making time for fresh air and sunlight
Creating space for creative joy—drawing, dancing, gardening
Building in moments of spiritual connection—meditation, prayer, tarot, or time in nature
These things aren’t “extras.” They’re medicine. They fill my well so I can show up in the rest of my life with presence and clarity.
Staying Fluid and Forgiving
Even with the most soulful plan, life happens. A curveball arrives. Energy dips. The plan shifts. That’s okay.
Weekly planning isn’t a contract—it’s a living, breathing container. I stay open to adjusting. I practise self-compassion when things don’t unfold as expected. I remind myself that balance isn’t a destination. It’s a dance.
If I feel overwhelmed mid-week, I pause. I come back to my intention. I ask myself what needs to shift. I re-centre. I let it be enough.
Weekly Reflection and Gratitude
At the end of the week—often Friday evening or Sunday morning—I take a few moments to reflect and give thanks. I write in my journal:
What am I proud of this week?
What surprised me?
What did I learn?
What am I grateful for?
This reflection seals the week like a closing ceremony. It helps me feel complete, grounded, and ready to step into the next cycle with grace.
Journal Prompts to Support Weekly Planning:
What does a balanced week feel like in my body and spirit?
What energies or themes are present this week?
Where am I craving more spaciousness?
What is one thing I can release to create more ease?
What rituals or anchors help me feel rooted and intentional?
A Gentle Weekly Mantra:
“I honour the rhythm of my energy. I create space for what nourishes me. I move through this week with presence and peace.”
Balance is a Relationship
Planning my week isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about creating a relationship with time, energy, and self. It’s about soft structure. Gentle rhythm. Intentional living.
Balance doesn’t mean every day is perfectly portioned. It means you feel connected to your life. You know what matters. You have space to breathe.
So if you’re longing for more balance in your week, start with a question: What would support feel like right now?
Let your answer shape your days. Let your energy lead. Let the moon and the seasons be your guides. And remember—you’re allowed to move slowly, to change your mind, to rest often.
Planning is not about control. It’s about devotion—to your peace, your purpose, and the sacred rhythm of your life.
xo Emily
