Batch Planning Your Summer for Less Stress & More Freedom

Summer is supposed to feel like freedom, right? Long days, warm nights, spontaneous road trips, slower mornings... But if we’re honest, summer can also feel like chaos. Between juggling work, keeping the kids (or grandkids) entertained, and trying to squeeze in some kind of “fun,” it’s easy to burn out before July even hits. Since this is the last summer before our son’s senior year, I want to make the most of it.

That’s where batch planning comes in. Instead of flying by the seat of your shorts all season, you create a simple rhythm that gives you more freedom—not less. And no, this isn’t about over-scheduling your life. It’s about purposefully designing your summer so that you have room to breathe, be present, and actually enjoy it.

Here’s how to batch plan your summer like a lifestyle CEO with less stress and more joy.

What Is Batch Planning, Anyway?

Think of batch planning as grouping tasks, events, or goals by type and tackling them all at once—or organizing your season around themes rather than dates.

It’s a favorite strategy among productivity pros and entrepreneurs, and it works beautifully for home, family life, and summer survival. Whether you work full-time, stay home, run a business, or juggle a bit of everything (like I do), this can seriously shift your summer energy.

Step 1: Define Your Summer Priorities

Before you start filling in calendars or buying camp snacks, ask yourself:

• What do I want this summer to feel like?

• What are my non-negotiables (work, travel, family commitments)?

• What do I want more of—connection, rest, movement, creativity?

Your answers will guide everything. You must intentionally protect your time if your goal is more freedom and less hustle.

Step 2: Choose Your Batches (Themes)

Instead of planning every single day, try grouping your summer into flexible weekly or biweekly themes. Here are a few batch ideas you can mix and match:

• Adventure Weeks – Try a new trail, visit a zoo, or plan a short road trip.

• Creative Weeks – Do crafts, journaling, photography, or DIY projects.

• Home Refresh Weeks – Declutter one room, deep clean, or start that project you’ve been putting off.

• Rest Weeks – No big plans. Just slow mornings, books, backyard hangouts.

• Connection Weeks – Focus on family outings, friend visits, or hosting something casual.

• Business Focus Weeks – If you’re running a blog, business, or side hustle, carve out time to batch content, brainstorm, or plan.

Bonus: You can theme your days, too. (Example: “Takeout Tuesday” or “Free Friday” for unplanned adventures.)

Step 3: Pre-Plan the Essentials

Once you’ve chosen your batches, you can plug in:

• Appointments & Camps – Block these off first to avoid overcommitting.

• Travel Plans – Even weekend getaways need time protected.

• Weekly Routines – Add consistent things like grocery runs, quiet mornings, and family dinners.

Don’t overbook. The goal isn’t a packed calendar—it’s a clear one.

Step 4: Use Simple Tools to Stay on Track

You don’t need a fancy planner or app. A Google Calendar, printable weekly layout, or dry-erase board will do.

Here’s what I love using:

• Color-coded Google Calendar for personal vs. blog vs. family

• Theme-of-the-week sticky note on the fridge

• Sunday check-ins to review what’s coming up

Keep it visual, flexible, and easy to tweak.

Step 5: Protect Your Free Time Like It’s Sacred

When you batch plan, you’re not filling your time—you’re protecting it. It’s okay to leave space—it’s essential.

Say no when you need to. Let go of guilt. Remember: this summer doesn’t need to be epic to be meaningful. It just needs to be intentional.

Don’t Let Summer Happen to You

If you’ve ever looked up in August and wondered where summer went—this is your chance to change that.

Batch planning doesn’t require perfection. It just requires intention. With a little upfront effort, you can build a summer that actually reflects your values—one that feels light, fulfilling, and yours.

Let’s make this the summer you don’t just survive—but thrive.

✨ Need help getting started?

I’ve created a Summer Planning Template you can print, pin, or save to your phone. It includes:

• 12 intentional weekly themes to help you design a summer that’s fun, fulfilling, and aligned with your values—not just packed with to-dos.

• From adventure and creativity to rest and connection, this guide helps you focus on what matters most—while keeping the chaos in check.

Join the newsletter to grab your free copy and get more tips to simplify your lifestyle all season long.

👉 Sign up here.

Comment below:
What’s one thing you want more of this summer?

Feeling overwhelmed just thinking about summer?
You’re not alone—and you don’t need a packed calendar to make it meaningful.

I just dropped a new video on how to batch plan your summer using simple weekly themes that bring structure without stress. Whether you're managing a household, working full-time, or juggling both—you’ll love this strategy for creating more freedom, joy, and intention in your season.