This is the first week of my “summer vacation” as an adult. My schedule is quieter, my social commitments less and I feel an overall ability to move more slowly throughout my days and a general sense of spaciousness. And I am SO excited about it.

Space is important for both our body and brain.

Spaciousness increases air flow allowing us to breathe more deeply and is tied to reduced stress.

Think of how you feel when you rush through the day with no time between activities. Chances are your muscles are constantly active and engaged as you “flee” from one thing to the next. That physical constriction leads to shorter breaths or even holding onto the breath.

Spaciousness in the form of an organized and decluttered space can increase our productivity and focus as well as our mood.

This one I have a lot of firsthand experience with since I live in a VERY tiny apt with ZERO closets. Think of how you feel in a disorganized room or one that seems to be bursting at the seam with all the things. Our brain has to interpret everything that our eyes see so the more things in our line of sight the more distracted we can feel and sometimes maybe even feel shame or embarrassment about our “messes”.

Spaciousness also leaves room for the magic.

When I teach vision board classes I always suggest participants leave “white space” on their boards. Our brains are limited by our human perspectives and there is an infinite number of possibilities that our brains will never come up with that may be so much better than we can even begin to conceive.

When we leave some white space in our day to day lives it allows for our body to move more freely, our creativity to flourish and our mind to feel more abundant and peaceful.

One Monday a few weeks ago while my weekly schedule was still packed, I prioritized taking myself to the park to sit in the spaciousness of the outdoors. I was feeling the urge to let my mind wander and write free flow the thoughts that were one my heart about my current yearning and need for space.

Here are my recent thoughts on spaciousness

And let me know, does this idea resonate with you? How do you want to bring more spaciousness into your summer and create your own version of an adult summer vacation?