How do you find space when you need time to think?

Where do you go, and what do you do, when you need some headspace to gain perspective on a particular problem? Building in a regular activity or break to give you space to think through chewy problems or take breathers from a back-to-back meetings can give you a precious chance to see things with greater clarity and allow your brain to have those eureka moments you might struggle to have otherwise.

Whether it’s a quick walk in the park or exercise after work to help you decompress, here’s how some project professionals find their space to think:

1. Going rowing

“I go sculling on the River Avon in Warwick three to four times a week and I find that the repetitive motion brings a great deal of focus,” says Ruth Philips, Head of Training Delivery at Parallel Project Training.

“Being on the river, I somehow feel separated from what’s going on at work and that gives me a great perspective for new ideas. Being out in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside is quite inspirational, too; after an outing I feel really energised and my brain has often been subconsciously working out the answers to issues I’m facing.”

2. Playing with the dog

I have two nursery-aged boys with big imaginations. I watch them each day developing exciting and elaborate adventures, from blasting off into space to looking after an array of wild animals (of which I am usually one) to creating their favourite café at home,” shares Richard Burgham Pearson, Associate Project Manager at Thomas & Adamson.

“All three would serve well as spaces to escape to when one needs a few moments to collect thoughts, step away from a piece of work or take a few minutes of peace following a meeting. I tend to sit on the garden steps and throw a ball for Monty, my six-year-old Shih Tzu. It’s brief, but I get fresh air, some physical exercise (I bowl the ball like I’m playing for the Ashes) and some interaction with Monty, the best four-legged friend a project manager could ask for.”

3. Getting in the saddle

“At WSP, I lead the development of capabilities across our 12 service lines and functions. I’m also Project Director for four of our major project management commissions and guide several strategic pursuits,” explains Jonathan Bluh.

“My days are packed, and carving out time for reflection is important. About a year ago, I decided to start cycling to our Guildford office from my home in Farnham. The journey is 22km each way and takes about an hour. Cycling has become my go-to method for finding space to think and process ideas. Without headphones for safety reasons, I have the time and the quiet to reflect on challenges and potential solutions. Sometimes I have a eureka moment during my ride, where a different perspective or idea suddenly becomes clear. Once I reach the office, I email myself with the conclusion while it’s still fresh.”

4. Pumping some iron

In the NHS, it can get a little bit tough and overwhelming. I am very lucky in the sense that we have a gym at home, and this is where I go when I need some time to just stop and think, put my big headphones on and listen to music while taking any frustration out on the weights,” says Jim Hartley, Head of System Portfolio Office at NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care System.

“This really helps clear my mind and I come back to work afterwards with a fresh mindset.”

5. Enjoying a lunchtime walk

“Exercise is a big part of my life,” explains Vikram Marwaha, P&O ERP Project Controls Lead at BP.

“It helps me focus, reset and enjoy some ‘me time’. Going for a morning run, followed by a workout, sets me up for the day and allows me to the start the day on a positive note. This helps me feel good, knowing the challenge that may have been there yesterday no longer concerns me, as I have cleared my mind and have a plan to tackle this challenge. I make a conscious effort in the day, whether that is at lunch time or late in the afternoon, to go for a walk.

“I have always enjoyed walking, and doing this during the day gives me the opportunity to take time out to think logically and have the space to clear my mind, away from any distractions, including my phone.”