RUNNING OUT OF MENTAL SPACE? 3 TIPS TO DECLUTTER AND MOVE FORWARD AGAIN

If your mind is feeling overloaded, it might be time to clear things out and make room for yourself again. Here are 3 tips to restore your sanity.


BY: REGAN WALSH

You’re almost out of storage.

Have you gotten that warning message before? Perhaps it pops up on your phone or your inbox.

You knew it was coming—things were moving slower than they usually do, and small tasks were suddenly much more difficult. But there just wasn’t time to manage the influx of messages, media, and storage-snatching data.

And sometimes, you may find yourself there — figuratively speaking.

There might be a time (or multiple times) in the year when you find yourself out of storage and running out of mental space. 

After the holidays have come and gone, after multiple birthday celebrations, after a steady stream of family visits, after a period of heavy workload.

And when you feel your storage nearing capacity, you need to take some small steps to de-clutter and “KonMari” your mind.

Of course, warning messages aren’t quite as clear-cut in our day-to-day lives. It’s up to us to determine if we’re almost out of space.

Perhaps you’ve found yourself being short with the people around you. Or you’ve been skipping out on activities you normally love, such as working out or social events. Maybe you just feel blah. Or you’ve missed a deadline or a detail you normally wouldn’t.

Try one (or all) of these tips to restore some space.

1. Be honest. 

Sometimes simply telling someone—a colleague, spouse, or friend—what we’re feeling can be therapeutic enough to free up some room. 

Our minds are chock full of info, and we often assume others inherently know what we’re thinking or feeling. We have to remember: They have their own storage issues. Speak up, and be clear if you’re seeking advice or simply a listening ear.

2. Change it up. 

Do something radical or out of the norm. Go see a movie with a friend on a Sunday afternoon if that’s time you usually reserve for family. 

Breaking free from your normal routine can give you some pep in your step and a fresh perspective. Try taking a walk at lunch instead of working through it. See a movie on a weeknight, or schedule a spontaneous trip.

3. Say yes with caution. 

This goes for both personal and professional opportunities, but it’s important to say yes to new clients, partners, and social outings with careful thought and deliberation. 

If something doesn’t feel like a good fit, don’t invest too much energy into it. Seek out those who value and energize you. Your storage will thank you for it.

Remember, don’t wait until your metaphorical inbox is full.

Free up some mental space so you can tackle life with gusto.

Adapted from the original article.
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Regan Walsh is an NYU-certified life coach and speaker who focuses on helping women who are over-programmed and underwhelmed, reclaim their lives, both personally and professionally. She is located in Columbus, Ohio and coaches women from all over the world. Regan contributes to Harvard Business Review and Forbes, and has been featured in FAST Company,  Elite Daily, Bustle, Smart Business, and Columbus CEO.