If you’re like me, sometimes getting into little space feels next to impossible, or if you’re new to little space, you might have no idea where to start. Well, worry no more because today I’m here to help you with your troubles with my favorite 8 tips on how to get into little space.
1. Set Ground Rules
Create a list of rules that support a “little space”. If you find specific things stress you out, make them off-limits during “little” time.
For example, playing video games can be a fun “little” activity, but what games are you allowed to play? Don’t know yet? Try some games out, and see if any make you feel too big. If so, think about banning them from your little space.
It’s important to remember that making the rules for little space is about what makes you feel little. If some adult activities make you feel little, don’t ban them.
2. Plan Consequences
When the rules are new, following them is usually easy because they are exciting, but as time passes, they begin to become dull and tempting to break. This is when it’s time to instill consequences.
Consequences can be instilled by a caregiver or by yourself. If you are giving the consequences yourself, make sure to hold yourself accountable.
Taking your own rules seriously is pivotal to making your transition into little space smooth. Remember, these rules were made with “keeping you in little space” in mind, so not following them is directly taking you out of little space.
For me, an effective consequence is having to write lines that state why I have the rule. For example, “I will not go on social media because it causes me stress.”* The repetition and reminder of why helps me follow the rule next time!
*Having a reason for making the rule is an effective way to keep yourself from breaking it in times of trouble.
3. Create an “I’m about to be little” routine.
After a hard day of stimulating activities, figuring out how to get into little space can feel like a chore. That’s where an “I’m about to be little” routine comes in handy.
This routine involves you figuring out what activities wind you down and doing them to get ready for little space. For me, a warm bath or playing my favorite relaxing game is a helpful way to get my brain ready to be carefree.
Doing the same few tasks over and over again to enter a relaxed state is an effective way to get your brain to relate the two. Over time, you’ll do the task and your brain will say, “oh, it’s time to relax.”
4. Reserve things for “little” space
The human brain is naturally inclined to relate stimuli that are done together. This means that if you reserve certain activities, music, or clothes to little space, over time your brain will see/hear them and go, “it’s time for little space!”
If you can’t reserve a ton of things or just don’t want to, try at least to reserve a scent. Our strongest sense related to memory is smell. This means that having a consistent scent can be an easy and portable way to bring the little headspace anywhere it’s needed!
5. Make a “little” space!
A “little space,” in this case, is a temporary or permanent spot that is set up specifically for little time. The size of this spot can range from a section of the sofa to an entire room, try and be creative. Make it you.
For my little space, I have a rainbow blanket I lay out with stuffies, and that tells me it’s time to shut off. Sometimes making a little space can double as tip #3 if you find it relaxing!
6. Try a “little” Hairstyle or Clothes.
Sometimes dressing the part makes playing the part easier.
Consider trying out different hairstyles that are little such as two ponytails or space buns, and see how those make you feel. It might be strange at first because it’s new, but give it a chance! Hair too short to style in these ways? Try clips and bows!
I personally like to rock the two ponytails with pink and blue hair bows! That style makes me feel small, and I love feeling my curls bounce as I walk.
Hair isn’t the only way to feel little though, having an outfit that you feel small and cute in is also super important! Try out onesies, overalls, or clothes with adorable prints on them; have fun with it!
7. Little talk or Don’t Talk at All!
Talking like a little can make you more aware of when you are talking about off-limits topics. If you’re new to little talk, a general rule of thumb is to make your Rs and Ls sound like lower case Ws.
If talking is too stressful, going mute is also an option. During these times, my partner and I came up with a system where I put my fingers up to let them know I’m going mute and not ignoring them.
8. Try Sitting on the Floor
Sitting in the same spot on the same sofa or bed can put you into automatic thinking and with this usually comes acting like an adult again.
To avoid this, try changing your perspective by sitting on the floor. I find that having to look up at things makes me feel little, and the different perspective keeps my mind stimulated.
Final Thoughts
It can sometimes be tough to know how to get into little space, especially if you have an over-active mind such as myself.
But to be honest, it’s mostly about surrounding yourself with the things that you love, the things that make you smile, giggle, and excite you. The things that make you forget about the adult stresses of life. Little space is about being carefree, so be just that by surrounding yourself with the things that make you feel like that.
Don’t let triggers in your little space and just generally keep it a safe space for yourself. Make it a place you can return to when it goes and gets tough.
Want to discover more about your own or your partner’s little space? Take a look at The Little Space Question Sheet.
