10 Ways to Create More Space
Do you love being busy? Or, are you super busy and unsure how to find more time?
For me, I like going to bed at the end of the day feeling like I used every ounce of my day in the best way possible. As someone who is excited about to-do lists, organizing, creating, and helping businesses get sh*t done, being a creative assistant is a dream.
I am so grateful I was given the skills to create a life for myself doing what I love and helping others, BUT loving productivity as much as I do is a blessing and a curse.
Because I know that if I fill up every ounce of my day, I’m not leaving any space.
And space is where the magic happens.
Our bodies and brains weren’t designed to always be busy and working and scrolling. They are meant to slow down, reflect, be present and let things unfold.
For me it will always be a balance of staying true to my strengths and passions (being creative, getting stuff done), but also remembering that I do my best work when I am rested and calm, and that opportunities come to me when I am relaxed and have room for them.
So, here are my 10 tips for creating more space in your life.
Wake up 10 minutes earlier than you need to
I know hitting snooze feels good in the moment. But you know what feels REALLY good?! Having a peaceful moment to yourself before giving all your energy away. Whether you spend it journaling, sipping your coffee or tea, making a to-do list for the day, meditating, stretching, or simply sitting, those ten minutes (or more) are an amazing way to create space for yourself.
2. Get outside
Even when it’s cold. A few minutes spent in fresh air and touching the earth is grounding and the sunshine helps our bodies feel energized and sleep better. Pro tip: don’t bring your phone!
3. Find movement that you enjoy and do it often
Moving our body physically is a way to actually move stale energy out of our body and create space for the new. It doesn’t need to be a strenuous gym work out or bootcamp class (it can be!) but get in the habit of asking your body “what do we feel like doing today?” Maybe it’s walk, stretch, dance, run… anything works. And even deep breathing is a way to focus your attention on something other than your busy thoughts, and make room for clarity. P.S. - Great opportunity to combine #s 2 and 3 here!
4. Declutter your physical space
I LOVE organizing and cleaning. Not everyone shares this passion with me, but decluttering your physical space has a profound impact on your mental wellbeing and clarity. Even if you don’t tackle the whole house at the same time, make sure your work space (if you have one) promotes a sense of calm and clarity by not being cluttered and overwhelming. Also, make sure you have a place in your home that you feel good about going to when you need some alone time or time to rest and recharge.
5. Declutter your digital space
Similar to our physical space, our digital spaces (phones, computers, ipads..) are such a huge part of our lives that if everything is everywhere (apps and folders are disorganized) you’re going to waste way too much precious time finding things. Similarly, you might be wasting time on certain apps that aren’t truly bringing you any joy an are simply getting in the way of time you could be spending being present and offline.
6. Use your phone features in a different way
Did you know your phone has many do not disturb options? Did you know you can delete apps from your home screen so that you have to type in their name to use them? Out of sight out of mind. Getting in the habit of using our devices and apps LESS is one of the best ways to create space in our lives.
7. Set better boundaries
Practice saying NO. If you’re a people pleaser, or someone who loves to “do it all” (hi!) it can be really hard to say no. It takes practice. And it takes reflection. Ask yourself “is doing ___ going to make me feel happy/energized/joyful/positive, or is it going to make me feel depleted/resentful/negative/drained?”. The things and people that are making you feel the later, how can you slowly form the habit of saying no to them and making space for yourself?
8. Block off time in your calendar for yourself
If you like seeing your day planned out, this one's for you. If you have a meeting with someone and it’s on your calendar, you’re not going to cancel (unless you NEED to). Let it be that way for meetings with yourself. Similarly, if there is open space on your calendar, LET IT BE THERE. You don’t have to fill it all in.
9. Practice gratitude before bed
An abundance mindset is a focus on all that you have. It’s being grateful for yourself, how far you have come, what you have, and trusting that anything you want is possible for you. The more we focus on the the things we are grateful for, the less all the things that bother us can take up space and there will be less and less room for negativity that is holding you back. You can use a journal for this activity, or just think about it as you lay in bed unwinding from the day.
10. Check in with yourself and ask for help
You can’t do it all alone! Get in the habit of checking in with yourself. Take a deep breath. Ask yourself: how do I feel right now? What do I need right now? (This gets easier with time!). When you have a better idea of what’s not working, and what you need, it’s that much easier to ask for help. And when you have help, there will always be more space for the things that bring you joy.
Easier said than done? Sure. But like everything, creating space is a choice, and it’s a habit that will take time to build.
To me, joy means a lot of things. Yes it can mean having fun, but it also means sleeping. It means watching netflix. Laying with my dog. Sitting on the grass. Reading a new book. Getting lost in a conversation.
It’s the simple stuff we need to make more space for.
And if we’re doing too much, it’s hard to have room for the joy, the new, the surprises, the alignment we are craving.
Just because you CAN doesn’t mean you need to.
Just because you do something WELL doesn’t mean you need to.
Slow down to speed up, as Gabby Bernstein says.
Hope this helps! Creating space is a process (trust me!) .. What’s ONE you can try this week?
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