7 WAYS TO DECLUTTER YOUR MIND
BEGIN YOUR MENTAL DETOX BY FOLLOWING THESE PRACTICAL TIPS
ONE TASK AT A TIME
It might seem like you’re getting everything done by multitasking, but by checking Facebook, making lunches, and holding an important conversation all at once, you may create additional clutter and stress. It’s been proven by science. A study undertaken by Stanford University found that heavy multitasking lowers efficiency and may even impair cognitive control. How to avoid juggling? Make a list of all you need to do and cross off each task once complete.
SET DAILY LIMITS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
It’s no surprise that the media we consume affects our state of mind. Do you find yourself checking social media more than a couple of times a day – it can clutter the mind and cause stress and anxiety. Set yourself limits or consider a social media-free day every Sunday, and be selective about what you look at. Got acquaintances always complaining and spreading negative energy? Unfollow!
FORECAST YOUR GOALS
Set aside an hour, grab a pad and pen, or open a new document to save onto your desktop for easy access, and write down a list of your long-term goals. What do you hope to achieve by this time next year? What about in 10 years time? Open it often as a handy reminder.
DECLUTTER YOUR WORKSPACE
Where do you do most of your work? It could be at a desk, in an industrial kitchen, perhaps driving an Uber. Make that space clean and decluttered. Remove any non-essentials. According to a study published in the Journal Of Consumer Research, people with a messy workspace are less efficient and more frustrated.
WRITE DOWN YOUR THOUGHTS
A great way of clearing any mind clutter is to write down your thoughts. It needn’t be in strict journal form daily – it can be an occasional exercise or even in bullet form. According to research in the Journal Of Experimental Psychology, general, expressive writing eliminates intrusive thoughts about negative events and improves working memory. Once written down, you’re likely to free up that mind space.
CLEAN OUT YOUR COMPUTER
Want an instant decluttering of the mind? Open your computer and start by ordering your folders on your desktop, back up anything you might need later and then get into the nitty gritty by cleaning out your inbox. Be brutal – unsubscribe to all the mailing lists you signed up for but haven’t read.
GET SOME VITAMIN SEA
Even just a glimpse of the sea can help bring calm and help get a sense of clarity. A study published in the Journal Of Coastal Zone Management found that participants who live in homes with ocean views report feeling calmer than those without them. If you have a beach nearby, go for a walk along it. If not, that’s fine, research shows people who spend time in nature, whatever it may be, can reap health benefits.