Have you ever come across the jar of rocks, pebbles, and sand analogy by Dr Stephen R. Covey? It's a powerful illustration of how we manage our time. Imagine you have a jar and are tasked with filling it with rocks, pebbles, and sand. The rocks symbolise the most significant aspects of our lives – health, family, and personal growth. The pebbles and sand represent the smaller, less crucial tasks. If we start by filling the jar with sand, there won't be space for the rocks. However, if we place the rocks in first, the pebbles and sand will naturally fill the gaps around them.

This metaphor directly applies to our lives, urging us to prioritise what truly matters.

In life, prioritising our rocks is crucial. We all need room to think, breathe, and relax. Yet, too often, our diaries are packed with endless commitments, leaving us without the time to enjoy life's simple pleasures.

In the last few days, I have experienced this myself. We're having a few rare days of sunshine, and on Saturday, I realised that my to-do list was so full that I couldn't take a longer block of time to fully enjoy it. It hit me that I was missing out on these precious moments due to overscheduling.

So, your wellness tip this week is to reclaim your space.

5 Ways to Create a More Spacious Life:

1. Prioritise Your Rocks: By identifying the most important aspects of your life – the activities and people that truly matter- you're not just scheduling but investing in your well-being. These are the things that bring you joy, fulfilment, and growth. By scheduling these first, you're setting the foundation for a more spacious and fulfilling life.

2. Simplify Your Schedule: Allow gaps between appointments to reduce overscheduling. This simple act can bring a sense of relief and calm. It gives you breathing room, reduces stress, and allows you to fully engage in each task or activity without feeling rushed.

3. Declutter Your Environment: A tidy space can lead to a clear mind. Start with your workspace or a room where you spend most of your time, or create an outdoor space to sit and just 'be'.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Take a few minutes daily to meditate, journal, or be still and silent. This helps centre your mind and improve focus.

5. Set Boundaries: Learning to say no to things that don't align with your priorities is not about being selfish; it's about valuing your time and energy. It's about setting healthy boundaries that protect your well-being. By doing so, you're taking control of your life and ensuring you have the space to focus on what truly matters.

Why It's Important

From a psychological perspective, creating space is vital for mental health. Overloading our schedules leads to burnout, decreased productivity, and emotional exhaustion. By consciously making space, we allow ourselves to recharge, which boosts creativity and overall well-being.

What Spaciousness Looks Like

Spaciousness could mean taking a long walk in nature, having the time to savour a leisurely cup of tea, or simply having a quiet evening without plans. It's about carving out time for activities that nourish your soul and give you a sense of peace.

Personal Experience

Yesterday, I consciously decided to carve out time from my busy schedule to enjoy the outdoors. I took my Pilates mat outside to bask in the early morning sunshine and stretch my body. I then dedicated a couple of hours to tending to my plants, weeding, watering, and relishing the sun's warmth on my skin, listening to the gentle rustling of the leaves. These moments of spaciousness reaffirmed how rejuvenating it is to give myself permission to pause and be present. My personal experience underscores the importance of making intentional choices to prioritise our priority well-being. By treating our lives like gardens, we understand that giving adequate space to the crucial things allows them to flourish, bringing balance and joy to our daily routines.

Now, it's your turn.

I encourage you to take the first step today. Look at your schedule and identify where you can make space for your rocks and a little time to enjoy some stillness, fresh air and sunshine 😎.

Your well-being is important. Trust me, it's worth it.

Cheering you on to wellness success,