Autumn - 5 tips to...clear the mind, ahead of the season
The first step in many coaching conversations is to get your mind ready for what's ahead.
Delving head first into goals can make it feel like an extension of all the clutter which is already filling your head!
Believe me when I say stepping back to observe what is really going on for you is more valuable than carrying on the way you are...even if you think you're a success!
Here are a selection of mind clearing tips to help you declutter.
The psychology of being two different people -
Stand with a large piece of paper on a hard backing & felt pen, in an imaginary square.
Write down everything that's in your mind at the moment, no matter how trivial. All the good, bad and ugly!
Once you've completed this, put the paper on the floor and step back out of the imaginary square.
Now 'switch yourself off' and look at the list from an outsiders perspective.
What do you see about yourself?
What is getting in the way of you functioning well and
What is energising and worthwhile for you?
The boundaries list -
Your boundaries for certain things are likely to change regularly depending on what's more important to you at any given time.
If it feels too overwhelming, try one month at a time and adapt the headings to your lifestyle as you go.
As an example, write down information on the following key areas and the boundaries you will set this month for yourself... and others.
Physical - e.g. I will take 15 minutes to myself when I walk through the door. (Make sure others know!)
Emotional - e.g. I will not allow XXXX to drain my energy. What are they doing for themselves?
Time - e.g. I will not look at work emails/groups/txts after XX:PM (Be clear to others to avoid guilt creeping in)
Material - e.g. I do not lend money to others because...
The breathing one -
Useful at any stage of decluttering your mind.
Being so used to breathing, we can forget that being mindful about it can really help.
Especially useful prior to and post moments of stress, anxiety, anger and as a general reset.
You don't have to hide in a room to do this!
Quietly taking a deep breath or two or five is as natural as the breathing we forget we are doing all the time...but better!
Sleeping environment -
Firstly, worrying about things in the middle of the night is not going to get them done and you'll be knackered in the morning!
Add some control to your sleeping arrangements...
Keep your room cool. (You can always add a layer or two)
Try replacing scrolling with low volume instrumental music/sounds to help you sleep, and set a silent timer for it to finish.
(N.B., not songs you can sing-a-long to, otherwise you'll never get to sleep!).
If you think you are going to forget to do something tomorrow, pop these on post it notes and put it with any other things by the door you leave home from.
If it's useful for you to do this exercise, have it completed before beginning your down time.
Alternatively, if you prefer the tech way, I recommend you set aside 10 to 15 mins at towards the end of your work day, either at work, in the first 10 mins of getting home or on public transport, to detox your thoughts for tomorrow, using your memo applications.
The key here is to separate work time from down time to set yourself up for better sleep.
Source a Coach -
You knew it was coming! A Coach can provide you with the support you need to declutter your mind, body and spirit!
Coaching will help you find the solutions which fit into your lifestyle and work for you.
No judgement, a different perspective, thought provoking & targeted questions, attentive listening and focus on you.
As we head into the new season, maybe a no obligation conversation with me, might lead to a golden Autumn!
Get in touch HERE.
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