Visualize this scene: A couple, their home. One partner is busy cleaning and clearing frantically. The other partner steps back to allow them room to do so, because they realize the person has clutter in their mind and is trying to clear it by clearing the physical, visual clutter. Familiar? It is true. We all have clutter in our minds.

Mind is the biggest space in our universe. It can be as big, as messy, as cluttered as we allow it to be, which, in turn, prevents us from functioning and enjoying life at full throttle. Every individual is faced with this dilemma, regardless of their age. The type of clutter, the look of the space in the mind might differ from person to person, but it is there. Therefore, it is crucial to declutter the mind.

While most of us are already aware of the importance of reducing media usage, eating good food, getting proper rest, a lot of us are unaware that there some more ways too. Here are some easy ways to do declutter the mind.

  1. Monotasking. You read that right. One task at a time is the correct way to go. Put aside that phone while eating. Or better still, focus on one task at work at a time. Multiple tabs for multiple tasks is not multi-tasking. Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret, there is no such thing as multi-tasking.  All you are doing is doing many small, unrelated tasks in rapid succession without being able to focus on any one. Instead, how about allocating a dedicated chunk of time, even if it is fifteen minutes for each task, focusing fully on it, completing it to your best and then moving on to the next task?
  2. Set boundaries. Say no. Yes. Say no. If something limits your abilities, or drains your energy, say no. At the workplace, if you are overloaded with work, inform your superiors, present them with a feasible solution, like maybe pushing back a deadline or two, or reassigning certain tasks. It’ll show you as a leader, and bonus, you’ll free up space in your mind otherwise taken up by overwhelm.
  3. Drop that guilt. Whatever it was, forgive yourself the way you’d forgive someone else. Most issues most of us feel guilty about are too trivial. Remember, like you, the other person had a choice too. They exercised theirs, you do yours. Move on. The guilt you carry is taking up way too much space in your mind. Release it. Not everything gets its closure.
  4. Routines. Try to create a routine of as many things as possible in your daily life. Be it making your bed, to brushing your teeth, to your breakfast, whatever you can think of. It will help save time, effort and space in your mind. The more you know what to expect, the easier that activity becomes.
  5. Five. Have only five things on your mental to-do list at a time. Take a quick breather, then get to the next five once you’ve tackled the first five. Overconsumption of mind space depreciates mental health.
  6. Repetition. Based upon routines, practice repetition – of chores, meals, clothes, etc. That way, a major portion of your decision-making is taken care of. For example, a typical Monday would mean, black trousers and green blouse, pearl earrings, pilaf for lunch and burritos for dinner, and so on. That way, you save time in planning, and know exactly what to do based upon what day of the week it is. Repetition thus helps you declutter your mental space.
  7. Get moving. A change of place, a change of pace does wonders for the mind. A long walk, daily exercise, a sport, are all easy ways to give your mind the break it needs and helps it discard some of its clutter.
  8. Nature. A picnic in the garden is a quick, easy, and cheap way to declutter your mind. The greenery around allows the mind to roam free, picking through some of the clutter, sorting it, letting it go or re-evaluating it.
  9. Let the inner diva out. Stop beating yourself up. Instead, let the inner diva within you come out to play. That diva will help banish the clutter of negative self-thoughts, and help flood your mind with positive thoughts and self-love.
  10. Take a break. Sometimes, life does dish out a ton of responsibilities at once. Allow yourself the freedom to take the occasional break. Maybe to meet a friend over a cup of coffee, or watch a movie. In one of his interviews, a famous comedian once mentioned how a fan had walked up to him one time, and shared that everyone in his family save himself was sick, the atmosphere at home thereby being sad and morbid. It was thanks to watching the comedian’s movie that the man got a good break, laughed hard after long, and felt rejuvenated enough to go back to his familial responsibilities.

While practicing all steps is ideal, let’s be honest to ourselves and admit that it is nearly impossible to do them all, just like most of us cannot resist a few minutes of mindless scrolling on social media at bed time. It is okay. Do what you can. Do as much as you can. Love yourself first, for that, my dearies, is the first and the final step in decluttering one’s mind.