Build a ‘switch-off’ system

“Change often comes with a mix of emotions, including excitement, anxiety and uncertainty, so it’s important to create a network of people who can offer you emotional support,” says psychologist Dr Jenna Vyas-Lee. “Knowing that you have a reliable support network can help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness during difficult times of transition.”

Pick a trusted accountability partner who will help you switch off. Your partner or flatmate might notice that you’re stressing over things you could be doing on autopilot – for example, feeling overwhelmed by what to make for dinner every evening, when you could implement a fortnightly meal plan instead. If they spot that you’re getting distracted from your bigger goals, they can be there to send a friendly but firm reminder not to sweat the small stuff.

Practice makes perfect

When you’re successfully operating on autopilot mode, you are by definition not overthinking every action you perform; you’re getting stuff done without conscious thought. However, you might initially find it difficult to get out of your head and enter autopilot mode when going through some routine tasks – for example, if you’re cleaning the bathroom and worries about that big work presentation keep popping into your head.

There is some good news: research shows that our brains can enter autopilot mode more successfully when we have practised a task on repeat (for example, performing the steps of cleaning the bathroom in exactly the same order every time). This, in turn, makes it easier for us to enter a state of zen-like zone-out. It may take a little while to master, but once you’re able to complete even the least interesting life admin without even thinking about it, you’ll be left with more headspace to focus on goals that really matter.

Want to make lasting changes to your life and stick to them? Start by switching to ‘autopilot mode’