Decluttering Your Mind | SkillsYouNeed

If your mind is awash with things that you need to remember, simply write them down

• Make a list on a notepad, an app or digital planning tool
• Choose a place where thoughts, ideas, appointments, shopping lists, etc can be emptied from your mind to be dealt with another time such as a journal or diary
• You can also write down specific worries, things you need to address in a difficult conversation with someone, plans for the future, etc

The goal is to clear space in your mind by emptying these thoughts onto a page

If your to-do list seems unending, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of different tasks that your feel under obligation to do

• Each day pick out the things that’s important to get done that day
• Focus on a short list of your most important tasks and make sure that it’s only these priorities that occupy your mind
• Then break down your larger items of mental clutter into smaller chunks that are easier to tackle individually
• After that, set aside a specific amount of time to focus on the task at hand

The volume of information that we’re exposed to from numerous sources each day is mind boggling from news stories, social media, TV, text messages, emails, etc

• Go through your email inbox and unsubscribe from mailing lists, email marketing, newsletters, and blogs that you don’t use or read
• Be disciplined about how much time you spend watching TV, using social media, or aimlessly browsing the Internet

Be critical about the sources of information you’re choosing to read or interact with

If the number of appointments and commitments in your calendar is overwhelming, consider whether they’re all necessary

Don't feel under obligation to attend social events because you ‘feel you should’

• Choose engagements that are worth your time and energy
• Spend time with the people who boost your mental wellbeing
• Attend activities that are beneficial for you personally or professionally and discard the rest of you can

Many of us spend a lot of time pondering over regrets, worrying about past mistakes or bad decisions, thinking about people we have hurt, etc

• Write down your worries and things you’ve dwelled on. For each one, ask yourself, can I change this situation?
• If you have control over the problem, then do the things in your power to change it. If you don’t, then let it go
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Relaxation is not only restorative for a tired body, but also for a busy mind

There are a number of activities and techniques you can try that will help to clear your mind of invasive thoughts and mental clutter

• Meditation is possibly the most powerful tool for helping restore mental clarity
• It involves learning to focus on the present moment, on your breathing and on the sensations in your body