Planning Your Calm Content Calendar
Build a sustainable schedule that prevents burnout
Early in my YouTube journey, I spent entire weekends filming, followed by 3-4 hours each evening editing. My perfectionism meant simple videos took days to complete.
Now I follow a calm, sustainable approach:
Assess Your Capacity
Determine how many hours per week you can realistically dedicate to YouTube
Account for filming, editing, research, and administrative tasks
Consider seasonal changes or personal commitments that might affect your schedule
Be honest about your energy levels and other responsibilities
Set Sustainable Publishing Goals
Choose a consistent publishing schedule that feels challenging but doable
Start with fewer videos rather than overcommitting
Consider whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly uploads work best for your life
Plan buffer weeks for rest or catching up
Content Planning Process
Block dedicated time each month for batch planning
Create a running list of video ideas that excite you (and your audience)
Group similar topics for efficient batch filming
Align content with seasonal trends when relevant
Review analytics occasionally to inform future topics
Workflow Organization
Break down each video into clear production stages
Set internal deadlines for each stage (script, film, edit, thumbnail, publish)
Create templates for repeated elements (intros, outros, descriptions)
Establish a simple system to track progress of each video
Preventing Burnout
Schedule regular "no content" days
Build time for learning and creative inspiration
Identify which tasks drain you most and consider outsourcing (or can the task be simplified?)
Emergency Planning
Build a small library of "evergreen" videos ready to publish during unexpected disruptions
Know which parts of your process can be simplified in a time crunch
Identify which video types take less energy when you're running low
Have a communication plan for subscribers if you need to take a break
Regular Review
Schedule calendar reviews to adjust your approach
Check in with yourself about satisfaction and sustainability
Celebrate consistency milestones!
Adjust publishing frequency based on life changes
