Ever have the overwhelming feeling that life is just absorbing you? You’re a busybody by nature but you find yourself longing for a moment of downtime.
I can totally relate. I’m a person that is constantly on the go, never has enough time, is always working on one project and then the next. But lately, I’m on a mission to create more SPACE in my life because space leaves room for BETTER things. It also creates a more productive person, and you can start getting more done in less time.
In the design world, white space is the unused space on a document or photo, the extra space that is free of text, graphics, etc. This space helps draw your eye to what’s important and helps things feel less forced and less crowded. Just like a good design needs white space, your life needs extra space too.
If you own your own business, it’s important that you constantly and intentionally take the time to create space in your life. It will create the room for your mind to think and your business to grow.
If you’re a mom, it’s equally crucial that you create space, because it creates extra time for you to get moments for yourself, where you can rejuvenate and recharge so you can better serve your family. Space will also create moments where your kids can connect with you and open up without constantly feeling like they are interrupting you and your tasks.
Space means more peace. More creativity. More possibility. More productivity.
5 Productivity Tips
1. Own Less
If we own too much it creates clutter, which silently weighs on our minds and affects our productivity. Over the next few weeks prioritize creating space in both your home and your workspace. There are lots of ways to minimize your stuff. Here are a few ideas, implement whichever ones fits into your life most easily…
- Commit to the monthly challenge: get rid of 1 item on the 1st of the month, 2 items on the 2nd, 3 items on the 3rd, and so on.
- Get rid of 2 things for every 1 new thing you bring into the house.
- Go extreme and go through one room/section/closet at a time, pull everything out and only put your favorite things back, get rid of anything broken or unwanted, box up everything that is left. If you need an item from the box, grab it out at any time. In 6 months you haven’t missed the items in the box, donate them.
- Declutter your entire home in 7 days by going through the Freed from Clutter course.
For us moving into an RV forced us to minimize but that’s pretty drastic unless you have plans to travel anyway.
When we get rid of stuff, we not only create space for better stuff we also create more space in our minds so an outrageous amount of stuff isn’t constantly weighing on us subconsciously.
You might also enjoy reading 4 Easy Steps to Reset Your House When You Have too Much Clutter.
2. Try a Capsule Wardrobe
Every decision you make wears on your energy, you only have so much decision-making energy each day, so make sure you’re spending it where it on what matters most to you.
A capsule wardrobe is a minimalistic wardrobe with about 35 pieces in it. It contains only pieces you truly adore and love and almost everything matches with everything else. This makes getting dressed in the morning fast and easy and doesn’t require very much decision-making energy which leaves SPACE in your life for other, more important decisions.
While 35 items was a bit too extreme for me, I am down to about 40-50 pieces. I really do love every piece in my closet and feel great in every outfit. I am constantly getting rid of any pieces that no longer fit right and adding a piece here and there that just looks and feels fantastic on me.
3. Be Bored Once and a While
Life has been so busy lately I had forgotten what boredom even felt like. If you’re feeling this way, it’s time to slow down because in the moment of sheer boredom the most beautiful things occur.
When you are bored you are giving your brain freedom. And suddenly through that freedom, your creative juices will start to flow. You’ll create SPACE for things that you likely haven’t done in a long time… doodling, reading a book, watching a movie without the need to constantly check your phone, etc.
You’ll be amazed at how, when you create the space better things will quickly start to fill it.
4. Learn to Set Limits
If you find yourself without any extra time to be bored then it’s time to set limits on your current tasks. That’s going to look a little different for everyone but here are some ways that will help:
- Say no to anything that isn’t a priority
- Say no to things that aren’t taking you towards your future goals
- Ask for help on things that you must get done
- Give yourself some time off, even if you still have a list, you’ll come back re-energized and likely work twice as fast
Our kids will watch and learn how we create limits for ourselves and likely pick up these habits for themselves. I like to remind myself to treat myself the same way I would suggest my daughter treat herself, kids pick up more on HOW we do life rather than HOW WE SAY to do life.
5. Try a Brain Dump
A brain dump is one of my favorite things lately. It’s where you take a sheet of paper and write down every task, to-do and commitment that you have stored away in your mind. We’re gonna organize it on paper that way we can get through it more quickly and create space for your mind to breathe.
Once you have the giant messy list of everything weighing on your mind, it’s time to organize it.
- First, cross off anything that isn’t that important and you can say no to.
- Then, organize what’s left by similar tasks. For example:
- Out and About Tasks
- Tasks Done at Home
This way next time you are out running errands you can get all your out and about tasks done and avoid that feeling when you get home and remember that tiny, quick little errand that slipped your mind.
It’s never too late to create more space.
Be different than the rest of the world. Do less but do better.
This week try creating space and see how it feels.
See you next Monday! xoxo
More Posts You’ll Like:
How a mom of 2 made over $7000 last month blogging
20+ conversation starters for kids
P.S. Make sure you download our free family organizer to help you create that space…
P.S. Are you looking for extra side income? I make full-time income blogging part-time—check out this easy step-by-step tutorial on how start a blog (no tech knowledge required).Download My Free Family Organizer
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Holly says
I can’t say I get rid of 2 things for every 1 thing brought into the house, but I am good at removing an item from the house if a new one is purchased. Just today I put a new spatula in the drawer and threw 2 old ones in the garage sale pile. Seems minor but makes a difference in the long run.
Alida says
Love it! The small things add up!