As you will remember from Monday, this week is all about switching off. Did you try it? What did you switch off? Your mobile or email notifications? Your TV? Goodness, I don’t even have a TV but imagine if I did? My life would be full of noise: Emails, Facebook, Tweets, Text messages, calls, Blackberry messages, music, even guided meditations that aren’t quiet.

I have found that because of all these influences, I am finding it harder and harder to concentrate on a single task.

Which is why the Blackberry LED won’t be flashing any longer. And Outlook will only download my emails every hour, not instantly. To begin with. And when I have weaned myself off, maybe only twice a day.

So here are my top tips for creating space in your life for what truly matters:

1. A ‘SPACE’ profile

Create a profile on your mobile that is called ‘SPACE’:  no plings, no LEDs flashing when a new email, message or tweet comes in. Only calls. Maybe even only calls from certain people.

2. Leave the phone at home

If you’re brave, the next time you go out for coffee with your friend or into town or to Sainsbury’s to do the food shopping just leave the phone at home – honestly, you’ll survive. I’ve tried it. Feels weird at first, but really shouldn’t, should it?

3. Outlook / Email software

If you are using some sort of email software such as Outlook, even if only at work set its settings to download emails only when you hit the Send/Receive button or to set hours rather than instantly. Switch off the pop up window that occurs in the right hand corner everytime there is a new email. Try to make email a task at certain times of the day, rather than have it take over your life. Check out the webinar recordings of my friend Jenny Blake of ‘Inbox Freedom’.

4. TV, Radio and ipods

Consciously switch off all devices that make a sound. The radio in your car, or in the morning with breakfast; the news on TV, the ipod when running… just silence. Time to think and enjoy – being mindful. Ahhh…

5. Declutter!

Making space phyically can be very freeing as well! Whether it is your desk, your kitchen cupboard or your life, start decluttering TODAY! Check out my friend Sue Rasmussen’s website and download her most inspiring declutter audios. Warning: They will just make you want to run home and start throwing out stuff!

6. Create atmosphere

When you do want to do creative work, such as writing, painting or project planning, create the right atmosphere.

For example, I recently discovered Omm Writer a minimalistic word processing software using chromatherapy and calming sounds for anyone who fancies writing. The PC version just came out this week! So excited!

7. Rituals

Create a morning and/or evening ritual. This could be just sipping tea in bed, meditation, some yoga or work out, a nice shower, some journalling or writing morning pages. But it could also just include 15 minutes of Nothing. Just sitting in bed, watching your thoughts. Make time for a morning routine. It is precious time. Set intentions for the day.

8. Out of office

If you are brave just set an Out of office response to your emails saying that you deal with them every so often and need the time in between to have a live. Also, you may want to consider introducing a technology free weekend or even week a month!

9. Nature

In your lunch hour or in the morning, make sure to step outside, breathe in some fresh air – deeply and enjoy the sunshine. This can work wonders!!

10. Download Freedom

If the internet provides a constant destraction for you, download Freedom which disconnects you from the internet for up to 8 hours at the time. This creates space for analytical work, creativity and fun. After the set time offline, it will allow you to re-establish the connection with the world. Hmm.. interesting concept ey?

In a way, it is a bit sad, really, that we have to manually disconnect ourselves from the hussle and bussle of these times, but I can tell you from my own experience – it is worth it.

Lots of love,

Jana xx