Declutter Your Mind and Gain Clarity
In a previous article we’ve discussed decluttering our homes and the wonderful difference it makes in our lives. However, have you ever thought about the consequences of a cluttered mind? A cluttered mind is easily distracted, makes poor decisions and results in lackluster performance. You’ve decluttered your home now it’s time to declutter your mind. These 10 tips will reduce the mental overwhelm and help you gain clarity.
These tips are not meant to be implemented all at once. Instead focus on integrating one tip per week into your life. By the end of two and half months your mind will feel so much clearer!
How to Get Started
1. Start with your diet.
A poor diet can result in a foggy and confused mind. The main culprit is inflammation and unstable sugar levels. There are plenty of resources available on anti-inflammation diets. Avoid processed carbohydrates and all the foods that your mother told you were bad for you (she was right).
2. Exercise.
Few things can clear your mind as well as a good workout. It’s great for your mind and body.
3. Create habits.
Habits eliminate the need for making decisions. They streamlines your thought process. For example, create a weekly food menu and stick to it. This becomes a habit so that you don’t have to decide each day what to buy and what to eat as it’s already been decided. Create daily and weekly habits that take care of your basic needs.
4. Simplify your life.
You might just have too much going. Cut out activities that don’t add significantly to your life or your enjoyment. Clamp down on optional activities. It’s easy to become bogged down by things that don’t matter.
5. Rest your mind each day.
No reading, watching TV, or surfing the internet. Instead, try meditation or sitting outside and enjoying nature. Stay focused on your surroundings and avoid allowing your mind to think about anything other than your surroundings.
6. Use lists.
Creating mental notes to yourself to do something at a later day or time requires a lot of mental resources. It’s always in the back of your mind, taking up part of your attention. By writing it down, you’re free to eliminate it from your awareness. It’s right there on the paper instead and helps to declutter your mind.
7. Use single-tasking.
Multitasking reduces your effectiveness. Studies have shown that it’s more effective to do one thing at a time. Complete it and then move on. You’ll stay fresher mentally and get more accomplished each day.
8. Make decisions quickly.
Decisions that you put off begin piling up in your mind and take up valuable space and resources. Successful people make decisions quickly and stick with them. Unless you need more information, make a decision. You won’t be any smarter tomorrow or next month, so get it over with and decide.
9. Prioritize.
There’s a limit to how much anyone can do in a day. The secret is to get the most important things accomplished. The easiest way to do this is prioritization. Decide what’s most important and start working there.
10. Do something kind for someone else.
A cluttered mind is too focused on its own challenges. Give it a break by helping someone else. The result is a clearer mind and a refreshed perspective.
Did you know that just two hours of volunteer activity per week can have a profound effect on your attitude? It’s a simple thing that can add a lot of value to your life. It can actually change your life.
Enjoy Peace of Mind
While clutter is everywhere, some of it is controllable, and some of it is not. The “clutter” between your ears is under your control. Simplify your life as much as possible. Acquire good habits. Give your mind regular breaks through the day. Prioritize and use your time as advantageously as possible. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind that results.
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