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How To Declutter Your Mind – 12 Easy And Practical Tips

When it comes to learning how to declutter, one area that we can forget about is how to declutter your mind. Eliminate the never ending thoughts that keep you up at night, and how to gain mental clarity with these simple ideas.

how to declutter you mind with stressed out woman clenching her head

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Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your own thoughts?

Do you feel like it might be affecting your attitude and mental state?

Are you struggling with the ability to stay focused?

Whoa mama, I have SO been there! For the first few years after Jasper’s birth it felt like my mind just could not shut off. I would just lay in bed, and never actually sleep.

I was so consumed with the thought that I might forget something, or rehashing past situations over and over in my head.

It was exhausting! Maybe you can relate?

Thankfully, I stumbled upon some easy and practical tips that really helped! And, of course, I just HAD to share them with you. Because, we are all about sharing the love around these parts!

So with that, let’s breakdown exactly how to declutter your mind!

SAVE IT FOR LATER!

how to eliminate mental clutter

What is mental clutter? 

Mental clutter are those thoughts that just never seem to stop, and cause you to have a really hard time staying focused. They can cause you to feel anxious or fearful, and can be incredibly difficult to shake.

Here is an example:

The kids have been non stop balls of energy all day, and you have done ALL of the things.

You have made approximately 500 cups of juice.

Prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and taken the kids to playdates and sports practices.

Ran errands, swept the floors, and wiped down counters.

Somehow managed to bathe the kids, and have gone through the bedtime routine.

At last, you are able to crawl into the sweet comfort of your bed.

You settle in. Shut your eyes.  And BOOM, one bajillion thoughts race through your mind and you cannot shut them off! Sound familiar?

That my friend is mental clutter!

 

How do I get rid of mental clutter? 

Now that you know exactly what mental clutter is, you may be asking yourself how to get rid of it.

I wish that I had a magical wand to remove all of that clutter from your mind right this minute. I truly do! Hint: I don’t. 😉

However, I do have some tips that have helped in massively cutting down on mental clutter. So, let’s take at look at those now. Shall we?

  • Declutter Your Space

Physical clutter can absolutely lend to to mental clutter. When all of your sight lines are consumed by clutter and overwhelm, then it makes total sense that your mind would do the same.

By taking the time to declutter your home, you will be creating more open and breathable space in your home.

And, eliminating the overwhelm that can consume you as soon as you enter your house will most definitely help you in getting rid of mental clutter.

how to declutter your mind with a clean bedroom cleared of clutter

  • Journaling

Being able to journal and write out all your thoughts can help a ton with decluttering your mind.

Journaling does not need to be anything fancy or difficult. It is quite the opposite really.

All you need is a few pieces of paper, and just brain dump all of that mental clutter onto the pages.

It does not have to make sense, or be pretty sentences. Just let the words flow mama! I assure you that you will feel SO much better!

Also, take some time to reflect on the thoughts that you wrote down. Decide if there are changes that you can make in your life to eliminate some of thee mental clutter.


  • Unload Your Thoughts

Being able to unload and talk it out with your partner, a trusted friend or family member is a great way to get rid of mental clutter.

If you are anything like me, then just being able to verbalize those endless thoughts can bring clarity and resolution.

The important part is finding someone that is willing to simply listen. No interrupting Becky’s are invited to this party. 😉

This is your chance to unload and just get it all out.

  • Let It Go

A lot of the mental clutter that can fill our minds is from regrets about our past. This may be from an argument, a mistake, or a relationship that simply didn’t work out.

I encourage you to really dig deep, and let those thoughts go. There is nothing that you can do to change your past.

However, you can learn from those past circumstance. And, you can respect the changes and growth that occurred after them.

I am quite confident that you are the epically amazing person that you are today, in part, because of those unfortunate situations.

So seriously, acknowledge the thoughts, and then tell them to get to stepping. Because nobody, including you, has time for all that!

how to declutter your mind with two friends talking

How do I become mentally clear?

Getting focused will help tremendously with becoming mentally clear.

I know when I find myself unable to sleep. The mental clutter swarming my brain is typically my to do list.

Your mind may be filled with ‘Did I remember to take that shirt to the dry cleaners’, or ‘Don’t forget to sign that slip for the field trip’.

Knowing exactly what needs to be done, when to do it, and having a prioritized to do list are a massive help with learning how to declutter your mind.

But, you are busy, and don’t have all the time in the world to be doing all of these things. Right?

So, let’s break down exactly how to become mentally clear the easy way!

  • Write It Down

Write down all of the things you need to do today, this week, and even for the month. Don’t worry about itemizing the list right now, as we we will dive into this in just a minute.

For now, you just need to write down all of your tasks. This can be in a planner, or notebook, or even post it notes. Just find somewhere that is easily accessible to write it down.

I love having this small notebook on hand to be able to write down the various tasks that need to be accomplished throughout the day.

learn how to declutter your mind with woman writing in journal

  • Prioritize 

Reference your to do list, and then set some priorities. The way that I love to do this is by categorizing each item into Need To Do vs. Nice To Do.

I know at first glance, everything on your list seems like a top priority. But trust me it isn’t. That is why you need to break things down!

Truly look at your list, assess it, and focus in on the things that absolutely must get done each day. Then, you can add in the things that would be nice to do.

I even have a FREE Priorities To Do List you can access it at the bottom of this post.

Remember, this is all about making your life easier! You are busy, and can get overwhelmed by all the things. So, keep it simple!

The Priorities To Do List helps you to easily step out what must be done, and what would be nice to do.

An example of this is: 

Taking the kids to the doctor or setting up appointments would be Need To Do. Painting that wall, or starting a new craft project would fall into Nice To Do.

Learn how to declutter your mind by using a to do list

  • Stop multitasking

Multitasking can lead to a ton of mental clutter.

When you multitask you are spreading your attention to multiple places at once. And, you are not truly giving your best, or your full attention, to any of the tasks.

Instead, try to single task.

Single tasking is simply focusing on one thing at a time. I know this sounds next to impossible, but I assure you it isn’t.

When you are facing an item from your to do list, block off 5-30 minutes to only focus on that thing.

You may be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you accomplish it. And, how you truly do become mentally clear by only focusing on that one thing.

A book that I absolutely love that really speaks to focusing on this idea, and prioritizing, is The One Thing by Gary Keller.

Don’t be fooled by the cover, and think that it is only for business either. It is incredibly powerful for busy mamas too!

Learn how to declutter your mind by single tasking. Woman multi tasking with daughter.

How can I get a clear mindset? 

Now that you are well on your way to getting rid of mental clutter. Let’s figure out how to get a fantabulously clear mindset.

Unplugging from social media, and even the internet and TV can do absolute wonders for gaining mental clarity.

Think about it. You are constantly pummeled with information coming at you in a million directions. And it is draining!

Let’s not even talk about FOMO, or comparing ourselves to the impossible. But just the sheer amount of data, and ads, and images coming at you is overwhelming.

Take the time to unplug at least once a week. And even better, about an hour before heading to bed. And, see what happens.

I am telling you, it is a total game changer! You will feel like a fully recharged human again.

Another way that really helps to get mental clarity is through meditation. Meditation can work wonders for achieving a clear mindset.

This does not have to be anything complicated, and can be done in as little as 5 minutes a day.

There are some great guided meditation apps. I really like the Headspace app, and have even had Jasper join in on it with me too!

 

How do I clear my mind and focus? 

When you are a busy mom that is dealing with non stop schedules and a never ending to do list figuring out how to clear your mind and focus seems impossible.

  • Deep Breathing

Not to get all woo on you again, but taking the time to truly breathe will help you a ton with mental clarity.

When you are feeling overwhelmed by the mental clutter, pause, and take a few deep breaths. Focus on your breath coming through your nose, and out of your mouth.

As little as 5 deep breaths, can really make a difference in being able to clear your mind and focus.

learn how to declutter your mind with woman surrounded by flowers taking deep breaths

  • Sleep

I know, I know. I always find this one kind of obnoxious too. So, trust me…I feel you!

You are a busy mom with non stop schedules and high energy kids.

You haven’t had a solid 8 hours of sleep since who knows when. Am I right?

Hear me out though!

Sleep is critically important for your overall health. We know this.

Try your absolute best to set a reasonable bed time for yourself, and stick to it!

Trust me I know all about having those extra few hours at night to do something alone, or just for you. And, it is tough to want to give up those hours for sleep.

But, when you have a lack of sleep it is incredibly difficult to stay focused, and anxiety fueled thoughts can even creep in as well. So, really try to make sleep a priority. Really!

Learn how to declutter your mind with woman walking alone outside.

  • Slow Down

You are busy, your kids are busy, and you feel like you are constantly being pulled in a hundred directions. No wonder your mind is full of mental clutter!

But, taking the time to truly slow down is a super simple step in how to declutter your mind.

You can do this by taking a walk alone, or even an extra long shower or bath. Or, go back to that to do list, and eliminate what is not essential.

I know this can be an incredibly difficult task, but take some time for YOU! By focusing on you, even if it is for just a few minutes, will really help to clear your mind.


How To Declutter Your Mind Wrap Up

You are now clear  on how to declutter your mind by taking simple and actionable steps.

By setting a prioritized to do list you now know how to identify what is essential and what is not. Don’t forget to grab your FREE Priorities To Do List HERE.

You are feeling good about how to slow down, and unplug. And you also now know how to single task as well!

You are ready to do this thing!

Remember, progress over perfection! I totally believe in you, and you SO got this!

 

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