I’m a big advocate of creating environments that support and align with our goals.  I passionately believe in using the non-conscious parts of our body and brain to help us stretch for those things we want to achieve as well as our plans and intentions. And shaping the environment around us can make a huge difference.

I’ll share a few things we’ve been talking about this week, in how to shape a work environment that’s conducive to your goals:

Clear the decks…

If your environment is cluttered, then your mind will be too. Look at your workspace as if you’re seeing it for the first time and try play with some ways to make it work better for you.

…Online too

Do the same with your tech too, decluttering emails, folders, desktops, browser tabs etc. Think clean and clear.

Remove distractions

Try to remove distractions as much as possible – they’re the fuel of procrastination.  Texts and emails are huge distractions and take you out of an efficient flow, so consider setting times when you’re not receiving notifications.  

If you need space from colleagues to do certain tasks, find ways to grab it.  

And if you are at home, then of course it can be great to get on with tasks like putting the washing out or unloading the dishwasher. But make sure you’re deciding when to break to do this is, rather than just jumping up when a machine beeps.

Use the senses

I love to fill an environment with lots of soothers for the autonomic nervous system – telling it that it’s safe to expand, and keeping it in a place of calm, conscious flow. This isn’t just some woo woo thing – it’s proven that this is where we are at our most efficient. Consider how you can nourish the senses.

Some tools I use:

  • an oil burner with a focus blend or a Remedy to Roll

  • a chill out mix of music or a binaural beats playlist when I’m writing

  • a view where I can green space and nature (if you can’t manage this, get yourself something that is green, or a photo of the natural world works just the same)

  • lots of natural light from being near a window (plus a SAD light for very dull days)

  • a fine selection of herbal teas and, of course, some good old Yorkshire

Lift and inspire

Sprinkle your space with things that inspire you, give you a lift and boost your confidence. Examples could be:

  • A photo of a time or place where you felt happy
  • An image that reminds you of when you’ve felt strong, capable, at your best…
  • An affirmation or two
  • Cherished items that make you smile