I've spent most of today (Saturday as I write this) doing DIY. Assembling raised beds for the veg patch and putting together a couple of chairs and a table for the balcony.

It's been a while since I've done any DIY and I'd forgotten how therapeutic it can be.

I suppose therapeutic's not the right word actually. What I mean is that the activity engages your brain just enough that you can do a bit of thinking while you do it.

Gardening works the same for me. And I know many people get the same thing from walking or exercise.

The key is your brain is working, but you're doing something that prevents you from taking the easy route of stimulating it by checking emails or social media or browsing the web.

You have to actually think. Reflect. Listen to yourself instead of reacting to other people.

Two chairs in and I'd thought of a couple of good ideas for emails and decided what I wanted to do next with my course on building online courses.

I'd also realised I need to find more ways of being quiet and thinking and stop reaching for the phone whenever there's a dull moment. Or checking email whenever I'm stuck when I'm writing.

How do you make time for thinking and reflecting?

I'd genuinely like to know.

Shoot me an email back. There's a risk I'll get a bit flooded, but I'll do my best to reply :)