Planning as Peace, Not Pressure
People often ask how I “do it all,” but the truth is, I plan and journal because it’s how I stay grounded, not because I’m trying to do everything.
Truth is I have ADHD, so my peace doesn’t always look like sitting still. For me, peace often comes through active rest such as walking, creating, and journaling because those rhythms bring more calm to me than sitting still. My peace doesn’t have to look like your peace, and that’s okay. That’s why I’ve built an iPad digital planner setup that doubles as my wellness hub and self-care system.
The system that makes this possible? My iPad. It’s not just a device; it’s my wellness hub, my self-care space, and the tool I use to build the life I want.
My iPad digital planner setup makes it simple to stay organized, practice mindfulness, and keep my days aligned with my values.
1. Why I Moved to Digital Planning
I used to be obsessed with paper planners, the stickers, the pens, the layouts. There’s something special about flipping through colorful pages. But eventually, I shifted to digital planning because I wanted everything in one hub: monthly goals, finances, journaling, and trackers, all in one place. I can check my planner on my iPad or phone, which keeps me grounded even on the move. The vertical weekly layout and rolling to-do lists I use fit my ADHD brain perfectly, and I love the Etsy digital planner I purchased, it’s both beautiful and functional.
Why it matters: Going digital gave me sustainability. Instead of juggling multiple notebooks or wasting paper, I streamlined everything into one system that supports my life and mental clarity. Transitioning to an iPad digital planner setup gave me more than convenience, it brought structure, peace, and sustainability into my everyday life.
2. My Digital Planning Layout
Here’s how my planner is set up, and how each part helps me stay grounded and focused.
Monthly Vision Board & Goals
Inside my iPad digital planner setup, I build a new vision board each month, combining inspiration with intention. I track spiritual, personal, and life goals with a color-coding system, personal events, bills, and goals each have their own color. This makes it easy to see where my time and energy are going.
Why it matters: Having a visual roadmap each month helps me focus on what I can control while gently letting go of the rest.
Weekly Spread with Rolling To-Do List
The vertical layout works for my brain because it mimics the structure of my day. I also use a rolling to-do list, which means I move tasks forward if they don’t get done. Instead of feeling guilty about an unfinished checklist, I just roll it forward. It removes pressure and makes my planning feel sustainable.
Why it matters: Flexibility reduces stress. Rolling tasks forward is a reminder that I don’t have to do everything at once, I just have to keep moving steadily.
Trackers & Finances
Inside my digital planner, I also keep budgeting sheets and habit trackers. Having finances and wellness habits in the same hub keeps me accountable and aware of how I’m showing up for myself.
Why it matters: Tracking reminds me that progress isn’t about perfection, but consistency. It anchors me in sustainability instead of all-or-nothing thinking.
3. Journaling Inside My iPad
My iPad digital planner setup isn’t just for organizing, it’s where I journal, track gratitude, and work through my thoughts in one calm space. Different journals help me through different seasons of life.
– My wellness journal during my first winter arc held my initial whys, progress photos, recipes, and reflections on my fitness journey. It was a lifeline for staying on track.
– My Bible journal holds my prayer lists, study notes, and Bible plan PDFs. This helps me stay connected spiritually.
– My gratitude journal is where I remind myself of the positives when my brain focuses too much on what I can’t control. Even logging one thing a day helps me reframe.
– My fitness journal has been a space to track workouts and progress during active seasons.
Why it matters: Journaling creates space to process, reflect, and anchor myself in the present. Each journal serves as both a release valve for stress and a record of growth.
4. Making Digital Planning Fun & Functional
Back in my paper planner days, I was all about stickers and pens. Now, digital planning leans more toward function than decoration. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make it fun. You can absolutely use digital stickers, backgrounds, or layouts to keep things exciting.
For me, color coding is non-negotiable. It’s how I instantly know what’s personal, what’s financial, and what’s spiritual. And when I want a boost of joy? I’ll still play with layouts or add in digital visuals.
Why it matters: Making your planner enjoyable ensures you’ll keep coming back to it. The goal is consistency, and joy is a powerful motivator.
5. Troubleshooting & Sticking With It
No system is perfect, and some weeks I fall off. Here’s what helps me stick with digital planning:
– Be flexible. If you skip a week, just pick it back up without guilt.
– Make it yours. Adjust layouts, add stickers, or switch planners until it feels aligned with you.
– Accessibility matters. Sometimes it’s not ideal to check my planner on my phone, which is why I’m considering an iPad mini.
– Plan restorative activities. My planner isn’t just about work, it includes walks, journaling sessions, and time with friends.
Why it matters: A sustainable system bends with you instead of breaking under pressure. Consistency grows when planning feels supportive, not punishing.
I have a post about creating systems around things you love to build consistency and discipline around your activities.
6. Personalizing My iPad Home Screen
One of my favorite hacks is customizing my iPad home screen. I’ve personalized my icons so they link directly to my journals, my Bible journal, gratitude journal, wellness journal, and more. Customizing my iPad digital planner setup was the most fun part. I personalized every icon so I can open my journals with one tap and make my planner feel uniquely mine. It saves me time, keeps me consistent, and makes the whole experience more fun.
I purchased my background and icons from Etsy, which has endless options to fit your style. If you’re crafty, you could even make your own with Pinterest images, but Etsy was easier and worth the splurge for me.
Why it matters: Removing friction is key. The fewer steps between you and your journal, the more likely you’ll use it. This isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about building consistency through ease.
7. Free Resources for You
If you’re curious about starting your own digital planning journey, I’ve got you covered. Inside the Nerdy Babe Vault (my free resource library for email subscribers), I’ve included digital planners, journal templates, and other tools to help you get started. These resources are designed to support your wellness routines and make planning feel exciting, not overwhelming.
Why it matters: Having the right tools removes overwhelm. You don’t have to start from scratch, you just need a system that helps you focus on what truly matters in your season of life.
Closing: Finding Peace, Nerdy Babe Style
At the end of the day, my iPad isn’t just about organization, it’s about wellness. It helps me plan with intention, journal through tough moments, and create positive associations with the routines that ground me.
My iPad digital planner setup keeps me balanced, it’s how I combine faith, structure, and self-care in a way that feels sustainable and joyful.
My peace doesn’t look like everyone else’s. I plan, create, and move and those rhythms make me feel at rest. Whether you crave quiet mornings or colorful digital spreads, the point is to find what brings you clarity and joy.
👉 I’d love to hear: how do you plan or journal? Share your style in the comments, or join my Nerdy Babe Vault for free digital resources and inspiration.
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