We live in a chaotic, fast-paced world, and some days it might seem as though every minute of every day is packed to the brim with activity. Our attention is always being pulled in ten different directions, between emails that need to be responded to and kids that need to be fed and phone screens and televisions and traffic and… well, you get the idea.
But the fact is, your brain isn’t capable of properly processing this level of activity. You need space to support the health of your mind. I’m not talking about just physical space, but mental, emotional, and spiritual space as well.
Taking some space back for yourself not only gives you a much-needed break, but it helps your mind process the information it’s received throughout the day, puts things into perspective, and reenergizes you, helping you tap into your full potential. Let’s put it this way -- If you’ve ever had an epiphany in the shower, where you can’t work or text or look at anything besides a bar of soap and your own feet, you’ve experienced the power of even five minutes of giving yourself space. Imagine what ten, fifteen, or thirty minutes could do!
Here are five ways you can begin to make more space in your life.
1. Prioritize your own well-being.
When you’re on an airplane, in the event that something goes wrong, you’re always told to put your own oxygen mask on before helping anyone else. If you’re not getting enough oxygen yourself, you won’t be able to help anyone else. This is a great metaphor for life. The first step to cultivating space is to make the decision to put yourself first. This means saying no more frequently, checking in with yourself more often, and respecting your own mental, physical, and emotional boundaries.
2. Create or find a peaceful space.
When I was in university, juggling a full schedule of classes, trying to stay healthy, working part-time, and maintaining my friendships could seem overwhelming. Luckily, the campus had a beautiful atrium full of plants, natural light, and cozy couches to curl up on. On the days when I took the time to hang out in the atrium, even if I just stopped in between classes, I found that my mood was lifted, my mind was refreshed, and I felt much more capable of tackling the challenges I would encounter during rest of the day. Having a calming physical space you can visit helps to reset your mind. Your space could be a quiet coffee shop, a community garden, or even a room in your house.
3. Make small changes.
During the day, there are plenty of small changes you can make to cultivate space. Try taking a walk before work or during your lunch break -- of course, without your smartphone to keep you company. As pleasurable and relaxing as listening to music can be, try unplugging your headphones and taking in the sights and sounds of your surroundings instead. Turn your notifications off at the end of the work day, and ban screen time for a full hour before you head to bed. These little moments of silence and space throughout the day will add up and make a huge difference in how you feel.
4. Schedule downtime.
Whether it’s ten quick minutes, or a weekend silent retreat, scheduling your downtime will help to make it a priority and a normal part of your daily routine. Plan ahead, and fiercely guard this time to yourself. Turn your phone off, ask your loved ones not to interrupt you unless an emergency arises, and take care of any tasks that require immediate attention beforehand, so you’re not spending your time thinking about what will need to be done when you reemerge. Your family will be just fine, your emails will still be there, and the world will not fall apart if you take time out of your day to meet your own needs.
5. Meditate.
The single most powerful thing you can do to cultivate space is to meditate. Most of the time, you have very little control over what happens outside of yourself. Life is always throwing new curveballs and steering us over bumps in the road. But meditation gives you the skills you need to tap into an inner well of silence and peace. No matter how busy, messy, or difficult the different seasons of your life may seem, with a regular meditation practice, you will have the power and the ability to practice tranquility and find space wherever you are.
Giving yourself space can transform your life. Be kind to yourself -- start small, and don’t beat yourself up if you find it difficult to let your mind wander. Just like any other self-care activity, cultivating space is a practice. The more you allow yourself some space, the easier it will become to slip into a peaceful state of mind.
Paige Leigh Reist is a lifestyle writer, writing instructor, and the blogger behind thewholesomehandbook.com.
