Business owners have a lot to do during their day. From managing the operations of a business to encouraging and training your team, you know there is never a shortage of tasks, emails, or errands to attend to; however, it is also important to take some time each day to focus on the business’s purpose and the activities that are essential versus those that are not. Since May is mental health awareness month, this is a good time to take a little breather and learn practical ways to improve your mental space daily. Certain practices can be added to your daily routine that will help you focus, reduce feelings of overwhelm, and determine what is best for your company and what can be minimized. Continue reading for valuable tips on creating mental space in your day.

What Strategies to use to Create More Mental Space Each Day?

• Identify daily activities that are not productive and take up valuable time. Over a few days, record your activities throughout a workday and determine if there are some tasks that do not need your attention or take more time than required.
• Prioritize your daily tasks. Sometimes, things that may appear urgent at first are really not that time-sensitive. Categorize tasks in order of urgency.
• Develop systems for repetitive tasks, which can be draining on your time and energy. Tasks such as checking email or attending meetings can be scheduled at specific times of day so you are not constantly thinking about running off to check emails every few minutes or starting another meeting immediately.
• Protect “deep work” time slots. If you have a project you need to work on, then protect a time slot in order to avoid constant interruptions.
• Limit digital interruptions. Turn off the phone’s notifications or put it away until you are ready to check the messages. You may be surprised how many times the phone’s “ping” can distract you during a workday, until it stops making noise. 
• Delegate tasks that do not require your expertise. Your qualified team members can handle many tasks, and it benefits you to delegate some of the responsibilities to them. 
• Avoid multitasking, which can increase mental stress and reduce efficiency. Multitasking often seems productive; however, excessive multitasking can create confusion and impair your ability to think clearly. Focus on managing one task at a time, which can give you a sense of accomplishment and achievement.  
• Begin and end your day with a quiet moment to think and reflect. Allow yourself a little time in the morning to decide what needs to be done today and how you’d like the day to go. At the end of the day, reflect on all that you have accomplished and think about what tasks are important for tomorrow.

Bottom Line

Making a few changes to your workday can significantly improve your mental space. Improving mental space is not about avoiding certain tasks or responsibilities; it is about using your time more wisely and creating time that allows you to think more clearly and work more effectively. Once you determine which tasks take up your time and have prioritized them, then begin making small changes to your daily routine. Soon, you will feel relief during your day and allow yourself more time for clear thinking and purposeful task management. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does it mean when someone uses the term “mental space?”
Mental space refers to the practice of taking time to focus, organize, and prioritize your thoughts. Mental space is not the same as taking a physical break from work; it focuses on thinking more clearly about what is important and what is just excessive noise.

Will I notice significant results quickly once I begin implementing some changes?
Yes and no. Some changes will produce immediate results, while others may take time to evolve. For instance, creating a to-do list and prioritizing the items can provide instant relief and a visual reference, while creating a brand-new system for a specific task will take a little longer but can also have tremendous effects.

How can creating mental space actually improve overall business functions?
Your business’s success depends on your ability to manage your team and operational activities. When you have the mental space to think clearly, you are more likely to make better decisions and improve your leadership qualities. Better decision-making and improved leadership skills make for a better work environment and a more functional company.