Our misplaced mental space

Have you ever wondered, “Why am I not able to add a workout into my daily routine, even if it is for just 20 minutes”?

I am sure you have and I am sure you have an ‘almost’ convincing reason like, “I am just too busy” or “I absolutely don’t like working out” or “I get too tired after a long day at the office”.

Before I prove to you how you are wrong and help you make that small room in your mind that will allow you to do all the things you know are good for you, I urge you to indulge a bit.

A few questions first:

1. What was your favorite sport when you were a kid?

2. What was your favorite thing to eat?

3. What was your favorite color?

4. What was your favorite song?

5. Who was your favorite person?

Would it not be great if you had an opportunity to cherish them all over again? Would you not like to play your favorite sport or find your favorite food or just call that person up and speak?

You know that you'd like that. But I also know that it is highly unlikely that you would do it. So, “what I like” has little to do with whether or not you will do that action.

And I claim it because you will do the following even though you don't like it:

1. You will go to social gatherings and parties heeding to "peer pressure".

2. You will hang out with friends way more than you'd want to.

3. You will indulge in negative gossips around you that do you no good.

4. You will order in way more often than you'd like.

5. You will binge-watch or mindlessly scroll way more than required.

6. You will work for more hours than what you signed up for.

Today, you have everything in the world that you would need to do the things you like, yet you won't. Do you know why?

Because there is no room left!

There is not enough mental space for the mind to wander in that direction.

Because it satisfies no one else apart from you. And as much as you would like to think otherwise, you don't truly love yourself nearly as much, yet!

So, no! You have not started working out or doing the things that are good for you not because you lack interest or time.

You are not doing it because you don't have enough mental space!

What is mental space?

Mental space refers to the capacity of the mind to hold and process information. It is the internal resource that allows us to think, plan, and make decisions. Think of it as any physical room filled with useful stuff, not junk that needs to be discarded.

Knowing what occupies your mental space

• Think of it like taking 5 minutes just to scan the room before sifting through things and deciding what to keep and what to throw out.

• The clearer the physical image you can form in the mind, the easier it will be to visualize all the thoughts and feelings that are occupying your mental space.

• Write down any worries, concerns, or tasks that come to mind. This can help you identify patterns and areas where you may be investing too much mental space.

• You can also try mindfulness practices, such as meditation, to help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions.

How to free up mental space

• There are several ways to free up mental space: It will sound crazy but it starts with your real physical space. Declutter your physical space to reduce mental clutter and improve focus.

• How would you sort out a very crammed-up physical space? You will identify the important and useful things and keep it on one side, and keep the rest on the other side. It is exactly the same here. If you want to perceive better, just write down those thoughts and feelings on a piece of paper.

• Include activities and practices for self-development like working out, learning a new hobby or just joining an accountability group for your diet. Think of it like getting better tools to sort out the space, it will just make the work easier.

• Remember, freeing up mental space is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and self-awareness.

How is it important for my well-being

• Only when I clean up a crammed-up room will I be able to get more useful things inside, isnt it? It is exactly the same case here. A filled-up mental space will not allow you to choose the activities that you know are good for you.

• By freeing up mental space, you give yourself the opportunity to think clearly and make intentional choices. This can lead to increased productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.

• When you make space for activities and practices that bring you joy and fulfillment, you are more likely to experience a sense of purpose and meaning in your life.

• And of course, it is going to lead you toward lower levels of stress and anxiety. This is just the first touch in a domino effect. It is consequently going to positively affect all parts of your life.

Can we increase our mental space

Yes, it is possible to increase your mental space. This can be done through various techniques such as mindfulness and meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and engaging in activities that promote mental clarity and focus. It is important to note that increasing mental space is a gradual process that requires consistent effort and patience.

The change you want to get starts in your mind. And to alter your mind, you have to know it a little better. It is just that simple.

With this, I hope I have been able to answer how I know that the reasons that you give yourself about not working out are merely excuses. You know better now.

Treat yourself like you would treat your younger brother or sister when they choose not to make the right choices for themselves. Speak out loud to yourself in the same way. Love yourself in the same way, if not more.

We think through our minds; our opinions and actions follow. Therefore, if you are looking for a lifestyle change, it starts with knowing your mind and that is where I like to start as well for my clients. This is what makes it truly sustainable.

Drop me a text on this link and we will schedule a free consultation call and talk about understanding your mental space and how it is limiting you from achieving your fitness goals.