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Reclaiming Your Energy: Five Ways to Create Mental Space for What Matters

1. Clarify Core Values

Feeling scattered? You may be out of alignment with what matters most to you. Identifying your personal values gives your time and decisions new clarity, helping you feel more grounded and less reactive.

2. Set Thoughtful Boundaries

‘Overgiving’ often leads to overwhelm. Learn to say “no” from a place of strength rather than guilt, and protect your emotional energy. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques can support assertiveness and reduce burnout.

3. Declutter Mental Space

Try a 5-minute “brain dump” each day. Write down your worries, decisions, and mental noise. Freeing your thoughts can improve focus and reduce feelings of stress and overwhelm. Reducing your cognitive load can lessen anxious thoughts.

4. Reframe the Inner Critic

High achievers often have harsh self-talk. Learn to notice and gently challenge thoughts like “I should be doing more.” Thought reframing can help replace self-pressure with self-respect.

5. Practice Micro-Mindfulness

A single deep breath or two-minute pause can calm your sympathetic nervous system. Mindfulness doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing and has been shown to reduce stress and enhance focus and concentration.