It’s not just physical clutter that can make us more anxious, unable to sleep, prone to overthinking and affect our ability to focus. Having a build-up of mental clutter (in your mind/brain) can be just as damaging, as it can start to control your actions and reactions.
Essentially, mental clutter is a never-ending list of things that should be done. This may include regrets, worries, unfinished business, unactioned decisions, striving for perfectionism, grumblings and criticisms, difficult relationships or negative/unwelcome thoughts.
Reprogramme your mind
Being able to give your brain a quick reboot to effectively clear it out when you feel stressed, overwhelmed, can’t make a decision, or are struggling to move forwards is beneficial. And whilst your brain obviously doesn’t have a restart button, there are many simple ways in which you can remove the backlog of thoughts leaving you with a more focused, clear and productive mental workspace or home space.
Ways to declutter your mind
If you’re struggling to reboot your brain, here are some top tips.
- Take some time to unwind and rest. Getting plenty of sleep is particularly helpful.
- Exercise daily. It releases feel-good chemicals to benefit your body and brain and nature can be restorative.
- Declutter your work/home environment. This will help to reduce and/or eliminate messy distractions.
- Ditch multi-tasking and endless to-do-list. Instead prioritise a few things that you want to achieve.
- Stop and think before committing to something. Remember the word no or, at the very least, no not yet.
- Make some time every day to reflect and refocus on what you’ve achieved and make any changes to goals.
- Get your thoughts out of your head and write them down onto paper. Then you will be able to see them clearly so you can prioritise and action them.
- Challenge negativity and self-doubt. Stop comparing yourself to others, remind yourself of your worth and spend time will people who support and love you.
- Change the way you think and learn to let things go. Stop obsessing about the small niggles and focus on the bigger picture.
- Learn to switch off. Reduce screen time, practice mindfulness or take up a new skill or hobby. A change of scenery is good news.
The benefits
Mental decluttering can help you to reassess where you are and decide where you need to be. It can also increase your levels of confidence and reduce anxiety, guide you towards clearer and better decision making, which will enable you to feel more energised, happier and healthier.
How I can help
If you’re looking to declutter your mind and need help and support, please give me a call – 07780 692784 or email debby@total-spectrum.com
