When we think about minimalism, what usually comes to mind is getting rid of stuff we own. And by “stuff”, we usually think about tangible items. We think about how we can minimize the objects we own and organize the remainder in a way that doesn’t hinder but serve us in the best way possible. But we can and should extend this thinking on to our mind as well. In fact, when our mind drowns in “stuff” it’s time to declutter and organize. It’s equally, if not even more important than discarding your possessions. I will show you 12 ways how to declutter your mind so that you can re-start with a clear head and stop wasting time.
1) Unplug
Many people are constantly wearing headphones, listening to music or podcasts or repeatedly check, read or play on their phones. This means that their mind is permanently under the influence of outside noise. It is bombarded by various types of information from multiple sources. You should give your mind a pause and give it a chance to think on its own every once in a while without external input. Take a conscious break from all the media you’re consuming on a regular basis. For instance, you could make it a habit on your commute to work to not use your phone and headphones. Start with once a week and work your way up. Or try to take one day per week off of consuming any outside information. See how it makes you feel and what it does to your mind.
2) Meditation
Meditation can help you to re-energize and start working with a renewed focus. There are many ways to meditate and often people say that they have trouble meditating because their mind can’t focus on the act of meditating and just wanders aimlessly. Thoughts come up and are being processed over and over. What many might not know, this is actually not a bad thing that happens to you while meditating. It’s actually part of the process. Every meditation session goes differently. Sometimes, your mind wanders more and sometimes it’s rather quiet. Nevertheless, a routine of meditation can help you calm your mind and regain focus when it matters.
3) Conversations
Simply having a conversation with someone about what is on your mind can be extremely mind-clearing. Sharing your thoughts with a partner, friend, therapist or maybe even a stranger can provide you with relief and you may find that the thoughts spinning in your head have become less. Oftentimes, the one you share your story with only has to be a good listener. Other times, the other person’s outward perspective can help you push into the right direction and thus help declutter your mind.
4) Journaling
Just like meditation, a journaling practice can look many different ways. Some people benefit from a regular journaling practice where they write down their thoughts (it’s important to write by hand with pen and paper and not type) in the morning and/or in the evening for however many minutes work for them. Others use journaling only under certain circumstance like stressful times at work or emotionally challenging life phases. Whatever type of journaling you practice, they all can help to declutter your mind.
5) Lists
Creating lists can have a calming effect on your mind in that it helps you visualize what’s going on in your brain. This can be a to-do list or ideas about how you want to re-decorate your bathroom that come to you while you’re running errands. By putting these thoughts in list form as promptly as possible, you can keep your mind from spinning. I personally find that if I don’t do that, I go over these things repeatedly because I’m afraid I forget something. Simply writing out such thoughts in list form instantly calms your brain. It provides it with the capacity it needs to focus on what you’re actually doing at that very moment AND you’re not forgetting any of your ideas/to-dos.
6) Notebook Near Bed
Keeping a notebook near your bed can be a good a idea when you struggle with a constantly spinning mind. Sometimes you get ideas or thoughts about things you need to do the next day when you’re about to sleep. Instead of thinking these thoughts over and over again, you can write them down in a physical notebook. Just scribble them down without turning on the light so that you can help your mind go back to sleep mode. You shouldn’t use your phone because you can see the handwritten notes first thing in the morning and they don’t get buried in your phone’s notes section. Also, another reason for that is that you should try to avoid using your phone before and at bedtime for the sake of the quality of your sleep.
7) Evernote
Evernote is a digital file and note keeping space that can serve many purposes. You can use it to write down and organize notes, to-do lists, bookmark websites, articles, pictures and much more. You can download the app on all your devices and/or use the web service. There are other digital file organizing services out there but I only have experience with Evernote and love it so far. It helped me come to terms with the million tabs I used to have open on my laptop the whole time. Now, I basically save everything I would ever need or search for in Evernote. It gives me peace of mind that of knowing that if I’m looking for something I’ll probably find it in my Evernote.
8) Strive To Achieve Less
Another great way to declutter your mind is striving to tackle less tasks than you’re likely capable of getting done in one day. Try to only accomplish one to three important things per day. Put them on your to-do list for the day. Nothing else. At the same time, try to not procrastinate and get right to it. If you can get them done and still have some more time and mind space to do more – great! If not, don’t sweat it and pat yourself on the back for accomplishing the things you wanted to that day. Oftentimes, you have huge to-do lists, are completely overwhelmed by them, try to multitask and in the end don’t get anything done although you’re “busy” all day long. Try to cut back and achieve less – your mind will thank you.
9) Batch Tasks
Batching tasks is a great way to save time and declutter your mind. For example, you could try and check/answer your emails only once or twice per day. The same goes with things like checking your social media accounts, making phone calls, running errands; the list goes on. A lot of time is wasted and your stress level increases when you have to switch gears between different tasks at all times. Batching is a great way to destress and set your mind at peace.
10) Declutter Your Home
Yes, I know, we’re talking about how you can declutter your mind in this post. But a great way to do that is by actually getting rid of physical stuff that you don’t need (apply the KonMari method to do it once and for all!). Owning less things means you’re spending less time on caring for and maintaining your stuff. In turn, you spend less time on thinking and worrying about your stuff. Easy as that.
11) Routine
If you struggle with things like incorporating an exercise routine or healthy breakfast habits into your day, make a routine out of it. It takes about 10 to 30 days to form a new habit. Write down a routine that would serve you and try to stick to it for a few weeks until it becomes a routine. This helps you to stop worrying about the things you want to improve in your life and makes you go the whole hog. And the added benefit is a less cluttered mind.
12) Exercise
Exercising is one of my favorite ways to de-stress. Releasing physical energy helps you to let loose and ultimately organize and/or declutter your mind. You just need to find an activity that works for you. I personally find that running and boxing have a great effect on my mind and both for very different reasons. Running (without listening to anything) helps me to actively process my thoughts and when I’m done, my head always feels clearer. Boxing, on the other hand, is quite the opposite. You have to be super concentrated during the workout and don’t really have time to let any thoughts come through. It’s like a forced mental break. At the end, you feel refreshed and much clearer.
How do you declutter your mind? Is there anything you would add to the list?
