The Clutter of it All

by Erica H.

Have you ever walked around in a fog or felt completely stressed or anxious? You can’t even concentrate on one task or think straight because so many thoughts are racing through your mind. From paying the electric bill to attending a work meeting or an outing with friends you scheduled and don’t seem to have time for; you could be experiencing mental clutter. Mental clutter according to The Stone Foundation Counseling Group, is stuff that not only takes up space in our brain, but continues to live rent-free as we feed, clothe and otherwise sustain it. And when your brain is overloaded with stuff, you tend to spin out of control. You get stuck on this emotional roller-coaster of frustration, fear and doubt with bouts of happiness. You find it difficult to get off while your thoughts become more and more negative.

So, what is the antidote for a cluttered mind?

Slow Down

You can slow down by simple taking a nice warm bath. Maybe incorporate a bath in your nightly routine for about a week. You will be amazed at how relaxing and soothing to the body and mind a warm bath is. Even take it a step further and play some meditation music. Meditation is one of the most popular stress management strategies. You can also slow down by reading a good book. Reading gets those brain cells firing and keeps the memory sharp.

Prioritize

Once you have gotten into a routine of slowing down your racing mind; begin to think about what’s most important to you. Sometimes we take on more than we have the capacity to handle and then become overwhelmed and frustrated when we find it difficult to juggle all of them. Realistically, you can’t focus on and do everything all at once. Our brains were not created to function that way. So, if happy hour on Friday and sleeping in on Saturday is most important to you, then think twice before you commit to waking up early Saturday morning for the next two Saturdays to do volunteer work. Maybe you still volunteer but later.

Exercise

Exercise is good for the mind, body and spirit. Not only is your physical body getting in shape, but your mind too. Exercise helps you to clear your thoughts and gives you 30-45 minutes of a mental break. It increases blood circulation throughout your body, which in turn gives you more energy. And an increase in your energy level helps to clear your mind and allows you to focus. When you’re focused, you can accomplish more and in a positive, healthy way. Exercise even boosts your self-esteem especially when you begin seeing results. And a positive life is a good life.

Sources:
Thumbnail & Header Photo: Pinterest
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-practice-music-meditation-3144791