How turning a simple plan into triple the fun can actually boost your mental health—and your day.
The Unexpected Fun of Getting Ready to Have Fun
There’s something quietly thrilling about planning a day out — especially when that day involves Brighton, sea air, and a bit of sunshine (or drizzle, because, British weather). It’s the kind of small rebellion against chaos I’ve come to really enjoy. Instead of scrolling endlessly, stuck in the “what do you want to do?” loop, I’m crafting something to look forward to.
What surprised me was how much joy I find before the day even begins — when I’m picking spots, figuring out where the best vegan doughnuts are, and sharing the plan with friends who get just as excited. It’s like a mini event in itself.
Here’s what I’ve been learning about why planning feels like a triple-dip into happiness — and why it might be a quiet mental health tool in disguise.
Why Planning Matters
Planning gets a bad rap — either it’s seen as the dull chore you squeeze in between life’s “real” moments or the obsessive habit of the overachiever who never quite switches off. But that’s a shame, because planning doesn’t have to be a burden.
For me, it’s become a way to anchor joy. A small but intentional act of care that says, “Hey, let’s make space for something good.” Especially on Brighton days — where the mix of quirky cafés, breezy beaches, and colourful streets makes every moment feel like a tiny, brilliant escape.
And maybe more importantly? It’s helped me shift out of autopilot and into something softer. More deliberate. More fun.
The First Dip: The Fun of Planning
The first burst of joy happens right at the planning stage. Choosing where to go, who to invite, what to do, and — critically — where to eat. For someone who’s very much into snacks (and sometimes veggie options that aren’t just salad), this part is gold.
There’s real joy in finding a place that serves vegan doughnuts and weird lemonade (because yes, that’s a thing), then sharing that gem with your friends. Suddenly, the plan itself is an event. You’re all buzzing about the day before it’s even started.
And one question I try to keep close is:
“How can we make this great for everyone?”
It’s a little shift in thinking that turns planning from something rigid into something generous. What would make this easy for the introverts? Exciting for the extroverts? Doable for the budget-conscious? Accessible, joyful, snack-filled?
It becomes a kind of pre-party joy. The kind that makes people feel seen before anything even begins.
The Second Dip: The Day Itself
The best part? Turning up on the day with a plan and no stress. No more “Where do you want to eat?” — “I don’t mind, where do you want to eat?” purgatory. You just show up and enjoy it.
Because you’ve already done the heavy lifting — you’ve scoped out the cafés, figured out the train times, and pre-decided that yes, you will be stopping for overpriced but glorious pistachio macaroons.
That same question — “How can we make this great for everyone?” — keeps echoing on the day, too. Sometimes that means choosing a café with comfy seating and not-too-loud music. Sometimes it’s being cool with scrapping the plan entirely if someone needs a nap or a sit-down by the sea.
When you plan, you get to spend your money on purpose. You’re not randomly shelling out cash because you’re hangry or overwhelmed. You’re investing in things you genuinely love — the food, the place, the people. That’s budgeting I can get behind: not about restriction, but about making joy easier.
The Third Dip: Remembering and Reflecting
Finally, there’s the last dip — the bit we don’t always notice: remembering.
You scroll back through photos. You laugh about the weird lemonade. You say, “That was such a good day,” and you mean it.
Even in the remembering, I try to hold that same quiet question: “How can I make the next one even better — for everyone?” Not in a high-achiever way. Just in a soft, curious way. What worked? What made us laugh? Where did we feel the most ourselves?
Planning becomes a loop of joy. You don’t just get the day — you get the excitement beforehand, the ease during, and the glow after.
Triple-dipping into happiness. Not in a weird Pinterest quote way. Just in a real, snack-filled, slightly-chaotic-but-well-meaning human way.
Gentle Questions for the Road:
Right now, I lean into planning Brighton trips as a way to pause, reset, and create something lovely on purpose.
My biggest mindset shift? Planning isn’t about being efficient — it’s about being thoughtful. It’s not about cramming in more, but making space for what feels good.
A few questions for your next day out (or week, or life plan):
- When was the last time planning made you smile?
- What’s one small thing you’d change if you weren’t trying to please everyone?
- How can you make your next plan great — not just for you, but for the people coming with you?