The human mind has the capacity to hold vast amounts of information, but from time to time, these various thoughts can seem so overwhelming that they create mental “clutter.”
When your mind feels overloaded with thoughts that involve negative energy, such as worrying about life circumstances, fixating on bothersome past events, or stressing about your future path, you can benefit from engaging in some “spring cleaning” to clear the clutter away.
A number of productive methods exist for cleansing your mind and setting you on the path toward becoming fulfilled, enlightened and at peace, and these techniques can be practiced at any time when mental clutter impedes your progress. Spring clean your mind and encourage a steady flow of positive energy with help from these 20 useful tips.
1. Start studying the practice of mindfulness meditation.
Learning to acknowledge your thoughts as they materialize without allowing judgment, rumination and emotion to cloud the process is a highly effective way of cleansing your mind. Meditate regularly in order to encourage a continuous state of mental clarity, focus and well-being.
2. Work on deep breathing exercises.
When you feel burdened by a tangle of obtrusive and disorganized thoughts, concentrate on taking several deep breaths, inhaling for a count of four, and then exhaling for the same period. Deep breathing regulates your brain and body functioning and calms an overactive mind.
3. Take steps to ensure that you sleep well.
Lack of sleep, both qualitatively and quantitatively, plays a role in the impediment of strong and clear thought processes. When you are overtired, it is easy for clutter, chaos and disorganization to affect positive mental function. Regular and restful sleep is a beneficial remedy.
4. Get physical clutter under control.
Often, the state of a cluttered, cramped and haphazard living environment has a negative effect on the natural flow of energy throughout your mind. Look into feng shui or other techniques for organizing your home and removing items that simply take up space.
5. Follow a plan for daily tasks and rituals.
If you are easily prone to distraction and find that your mind gets bogged down with the stress of everyday responsibilities, consider planning your daily routine in advance. List what needs to be accomplished and follow one step at a time.
6. Transfer tangled thoughts to the written word.
Whether you choose to write in an organized or a stream-of-consciousness fashion, committing what goes on in your mind to paper or a computer document is a great way to cleanse a cluttered mind. Use writing as a release from mental taxation.
7. Spend time in the fresh air or by the water.
Nature can be a gentle healer of a stressed, overworked and overfilled mind. Sit quietly or go for a walk in the breezy, crisp air, or breathe in the scent of freshwater or saltwater as you allow your thoughts to decompress and flow.
8. Exercise your body to benefit your mind.
Getting yourself into peak physical condition encourages all of your organs to function optimally, including your brain. Commit to engaging in exercise at least three times per week for a minimum of half an hour at a time in order to refresh your mind.
9. Look after your overall health habits.
Eating poorly, smoking, drinking excessively or participating in other rituals that put your health at risk can contribute to mental disorganization, sluggishness or fog. Strive to care for your body, and in turn, your mind can meet the task of thought processing.
10. Try some natural teas and supplements that freshen your mental focus.
Various herbal supplements target areas of the brain that regulate a smooth flow of thoughts and energy. Try chamomile and passion flower to calm your mind, and take gotu kola, ginseng and rosemary supplements to improve thought clarity and sharpen your concentration.
11. Stick to one activity at a time.
Mental clutter can become quite stifling if you attempt to pack too many activities into a short span of time due to procrastination or a desire to overachieve. Keep your thoughts moving freely and clearly by meeting one objective before taking on the next.
12. Explore different types of yoga or Tai Chi practice.
The stretches, poses and mantras of the Eastern practices of yoga and Tai Chi work together to aid you in finding your center and clearing your mind. Study and try different approaches, taking note of which best help to de-clutter your thoughts.
13. Talk with a trusted spiritual or mental adviser.
Confiding your state of mental fatigue and disorganization to another person can be useful in guiding you back toward an enlightened path. Seek out someone whom you trust in unpacking your clutter, whether it is a mentor, guru or counselor.
14. Practice a calming hobby such as gardening.
Hobbies that allow you to get in touch with nature and utilize qualities such as tending and caring not only bolster your sense of self-worth but also help you to organically calm your mind. Choose an activity that elicits positivity and purpose.
15. Reserve a spot at a spiritual retreat.
Organized weekends or extended retreats hosted by trained experts in mental function can teach you a great deal in regard to managing and preventing a cluttered thought process. These retreats provide the opportunity to share your struggles in a safe space.
16. Book a trip to your favorite relaxing vacation spot.
If you are unable to sign up for a planned retreat, try to cleanse your mind by going on a stress-free vacation instead. Taking a break from the pressures of your typical everyday life can recharge your mental batteries.
17. Take a break from work and have some light-hearted fun.
Entertainment that does not require a great deal of thought and analysis is effective for many people who wish to “empty” their minds of crowded thoughts. Watch a humorous movie, play a favorite sports game, or go shopping with some close friends.
18. Listen to music, sounds of nature or inspirational lectures.
Use the calming and grounding effects of sound to assist your mind in releasing pent-up thoughts and worries. Play the soothing sounds of your choice through a pair of headphones at a comfortable volume. Breathe deeply and close your eyes as you listen.
19. Focus your mind on solving “brain-teasing” puzzles.
Sudoku, crossword puzzles and other mental activities that require directed concentration and focus are something to consider if you find yourself consumed with a jumble of thoughts. Train your brain to let go of distractions as you solve each “teaser.”
20. Allow yourself to embrace the quiet and just “be.”
At times, simply doing nothing at all in a quiet, secluded place is the best remedy for a cluttered mind. If you find yourself suddenly in need of mental spring cleaning, take the initiative to be alone and seek peace with yourself.
