In my last video What Peer Support Work Actually Looks Like, I talked about how facilitation taught me a lot about creating space. 

You might think it's all about talking and sharing, but it's really about creating the space for others to explore what their journey looks like and what they want it to look like.

While I could go on forever (and you know I will) about how to create a safe space for others, I wanted to explore how you can create a safe space for yourself.

In this blog, we're going to unpack what it truly means to create space for yourself, why it's essential for your mental wellness, and practical steps to start making room in your life, starting today.

Understanding "Space"

Creating space isn't just about stepping away physically. It means stepping away emotionally, mentally, and energetically. 

Imagine cracking open a window in a stuffy room; suddenly, everything feels clearer and easier to breathe. 

That's what giving yourself space can feel like.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, restless, stuck, or disconnected, these are signals your mind and body are sending, gently (or sometimes not-so-gently) nudging you towards needing more space. 

Maybe you're craving relief from external expectations or even internal pressures you might be putting on yourself.

Why Space Matters (Especially for Your Mental Wellness)

Creating space isn't self-indulgent.

Without making intentional room for yourself, burnout, resentment, and stress have a sneaky way of creeping in.

And it’s not just me saying it, psychologist Janelle Peiferthe explores how rest has become taboo in a culture obsessed with productivity, and why reclaiming intentional space is essential for mental clarity and emotional health in her TEDx talk "The Freedom to Rest". 

Research consistently shows that regular pauses for quiet, rest, or reflection significantly reduce stress, boost creativity, and build emotional resilience. 

In other words, space makes you better at being you. In other words, space makes you better at being you.

How to Actually Create Space (Practical Steps)

1. Name your needs clearly:

Start by asking yourself, "What’s actually draining me right now?" Is it noise? People? Pressure? Obligations? Quick journaling can help sort this out.

Example: Write down three things that made you feel tense or overwhelmed today. Then ask: What would help me feel more grounded in each of those moments?

If getting started with journaling is challenging for you, try using guided questions. I put together a list of prompts that might help you reconnect with yourself. You can check them out in this blog: 25 Journal Prompts to Reconnect With Yourself.

2. Set small, doable boundaries:

Once you’ve named your needs, choose one small way to protect your energy.

Boundaries don’t have to be dramatic. They can be subtle and kind.

Turn off your phone notifications after 8 PM. Or, if a co-worker tends to vent to you at lunch, try saying, "Hey, I need to take a quiet break today, can we catch up later?"

This is going to take some exploration, trail and error and some practice.

Stay consistent, follow the next two steps and remember, you got this!

3. Schedule your space:

Put it in your calendar. Literally. 

If you don’t make space, the world will fill it for you. Start small and stay consistent.

Try to block 10 minutes every morning to just sit with a coffee or tea and no phone, no email, no multitasking. 

Let it be your reset ritual.

Creating space is about making a habit of choosing yourself, in ways that are gentle and doable. One small shift at a time.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Creating space might feel great in theory, but putting it into practice can come with roadblocks:

• Feeling guilty or selfish:
  Taking care of yourself is one of the most responsible things you can do. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
  
• Dealing with expectations:
  Remember, setting boundaries is an action. By prioritizing yourself, you’re modeling a powerful form of self-respect and encouraging others to do the same.
  
• Making peace with quiet and rest:
  If silence or rest feels uneasy at first, lean into it gently. Often, the quiet moments hold the most valuable insights about who you are and what you need.

Reflect, Revisit, Repeat

Creating space isn't a one-time deal; it’s an ongoing practice. Regularly check in with yourself:

What's working?
What needs to be adjusted?

Your needs for space will change and grow with you. 

Stay open, stay curious, and let your space evolve as you do.

Conclusion:

Creating space is really an ongoing conversation with yourself. 

It's less about escaping life and more about showing up fully and authentically, in a sustainable and meaningful way. When you prioritize creating space for yourself, you’re not just taking care of you, you’re showing everyone around you that it's safe, healthy, and important to take care of themselves, too.

But let me know. How do you create space for yourself? Is there anything you want to try but haven’t yet? Find me on one of my channels and send me a message!

Know someone who could use a bit more space in their life? Feel free to share this blog with them!

To be the first to get more stories, tools, and life experiments like this, subscribe to the email list at thejeffturner.ca.

Until next time, I’m Jeff, and remember to take care of yourself, however that looks to you.