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5 Things I Don’t Regret Doing to Reclaim My Mental Bandwidth—And You Won’t Either!

Writer's picture: Daphne WallbridgeDaphne Wallbridge

Leadership often comes with a never-ending to-do list and constant decision-making, leaving little room for clarity or creativity. Over the years, I’ve adopted five key strategies to reduce mental clutter and boost focus. These changes have been transformational, and I’m confident they’ll work for you too.


Office with laptop on desk, green plant, and text: "5 Things I Don’t Regret Doing to Reclaim My Mental Bandwidth—And You Won’t Either!"
5 Game-changing practices to help you create more headspace

1. Automating Repetitive Tasks


Repetitive tasks can drain your energy before you even tackle the day’s bigger priorities. That’s why I’ve made automation a cornerstone of my workflow. For example, I use Viva Insights to automatically block focused thinking time on my calendar. This ensures I have protected time for deep work.


For recurring tasks like reports, I turn to ChatGPT to create custom bots and templates. These tools not only save me hours of work but also reduce the mental toll of starting from scratch. Whether it’s crafting emails, generating meeting agendas, or developing reports, automation has been a game-changer.


2. Time Blocking and Avoiding Multitasking


I’ve ditched multitasking for good—it simply doesn’t work. Instead, I focus on batching similar tasks into dedicated time blocks. For example, I group emails, meetings, and creative tasks into specific parts of the day. This approach minimizes task-switching, which is a major energy drain, and keeps me fully present in each activity.


By focusing on one thing at a time, I’ve been able to accomplish more with less stress and feel a greater sense of control over my day.


3. Limiting the Number of Active Projects


One of my biggest breakthroughs has been learning to focus on just 2-3 projects at a time. Any additional ideas or opportunities go into a “virtual parking lot,” where they wait until I complete or offboard a current project. This is particularly important in my coaching business, where the temptation to juggle too much can lead to burnout. By narrowing my focus, I’ve been able to execute at a higher level and achieve meaningful results.


4. Decluttering Your Physical and Digital Spaces


Clutter—both physical and digital—creates unnecessary stress and distraction. I’ve found that simplifying my surroundings helps me feel more focused and in control.


For physical spaces, I declutter my desk weekly, keeping only the essentials within arm’s reach. This creates a clean, calming workspace that promotes focus.


Digitally, I organize my files into labeled folders and clear up my computer desktop and my email inbox daily. Unsubscribing from unnecessary emails and disabling non-essential notifications also prevent distractions.


By reducing visual and digital noise, I’ve created an environment that supports clarity and productivity every single day.


Tip: Start small by decluttering one area—like your desk or email inbox—and notice the immediate mental relief!


5. Prioritizing End-of-Day Reflection and Meditation


At the end of each day, I carve out time for reflection and meditation. This practice helps me clear my mind of lingering thoughts, process the day’s events, and shift my focus to personal time. By creating this intentional transition, I recharge both mentally and emotionally, ready to tackle the next day with a fresh perspective.


Whether it’s a 10-minute journaling session or a short meditation, this practice has been invaluable in helping me maintain balance and avoid carrying work stress into my personal life.


These five strategies have dramatically improved my ability to focus, lead, and recharge. By automating, simplifying, decluttering, and prioritizing, I’ve reclaimed my mental bandwidth and found a sense of control in a busy world.


Which of these will you try first? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!


Ready to Create More Space in Your Life and Career?


Let’s uncover what’s holding you back and explore how 1:1 coaching can help you reclaim your time, focus, and energy. Book a free clarity call today to take the first step toward a more balanced, intentional, and impactful life.

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