How to Boost Productivity (Without Burning Out)

Sally
Apr 5
3 min read

Updated: Apr 5

Let’s face it—planner people are known for loving a good to-do list. But we’re also human. And somewhere between “get stuff done” and “take care of myself,” burnout likes to sneak in.

Here’s the truth: Productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters. Let’s talk about how to get things done in a way that actually feels good (and doesn’t leave you curled up under a pile of washi tape scraps).

Define What “Productive” Means to You

You don’t have to hustle like the internet says you should. Productivity should reflect your goals—not society’s noise.

Ask yourself:

What do I want to feel more of this week?
What would a “productive day” look like for me?

Use your planner to set a weekly intention. Some of mine have been: “Focus over frenzy,” “Rest is productive,” and “One thing at a time.”

Focus on Your Top 3 Priorities

Every day doesn’t need a jam-packed list. Instead, write down just your Top 3 tasks. These are your non-negotiables—the things that, if done, will make the day feel like a win.

Use a dedicated Top 3 section in your daily spread. You can even use fun stickers (check my Etsy shop for those!) to mark them. I love using the full boxes to keep my top 3 and other priority tasks separated from the rest of my planner layout.

And remember: what doesn’t get done isn’t a failure. It just rolls forward, planner-style. Hence, that second full box sticker you always see on Thursday in my planner layouts.

Time Block for Flow, Not Rigidity

Time blocking isn’t about controlling every second. It’s about creating space for focus and breathing room.

Try this:

Block out a focus window (ex: 10 am–12 pm = deep work. These are my power hours)
Block in breaks (time with Burt), buffer time, and rest windows
Leave space unplanned for flexibility

I do a gentle time block in my side/junk planner: plan and prep, work, creative, and rest. It keeps me structured but not suffocated.

Energy-Based Planning

Match your tasks to your energy—not just your schedule. You know those “low battery” days? That’s when we need planner grace.

Tips:

Mark high-energy tasks (filming, deep cleaning)
Mark low-energy tasks (emails, budgeting, meal prep)
Plan heavy lifting on your strong days and gentle stuff on the rest

Use icons, photos, stickers, or color-coding to make this visual.

Build In Breaks and Recharge Routines

Breaks aren’t wasted time—they’re brain fuel.

Use your planner to:

Create a “Recharge List”: 10-min walks, music, snacks, journaling (remember that self-care list I made back in December?)
Block mini-breaks between focus sessions (Again, that self-care list comes in handy here... How long is that break going to be?)
Track self-care habits the same way you track tasks (I try to aim for three a day)

Planning to rest is still planning. 😉

Weekly Reset Routines

The key to avoiding burnout? Regular check-ins.

Once a week, I:

Review what worked (and what didn’t)
Celebrate small wins
Prep the week ahead with intention

This is my favorite Sunday afternoon ritual—and yes, it involves stickers and Burt.

You can see the full routine unfold on my YouTube if you’re curious.

Track Wins, Not Just Tasks

We focus so much on what we haven’t done that we forget to celebrate what we have.

Add a “Weekly Wins” section to your planner. It could include:

Sent that call/email I kept avoiding
Took a nap when I needed it
Made progress on my goals

Celebrate with a sticker. Or chocolate. Or both. Definitely both.

Watch My Productivity Flow Setup

Want to see all of this in action? Watch my latest Productivity Flow Setup on YouTube.

You’ll see:

My Top 3 method
How I time block with breathing room
My favorite productivity stickers from the shop

Progress Over Perfection

Real productivity is about consistent effort—not overwork.

So, take breaks. Be kind to yourself. And let your planner help you grow in a way that’s actually sustainable.

Next week’s post: “Celebrating Small Wins in Daily Life”