How can we clear our minds?
Nowadays it seems like we are on the road 24/7, whether at work, with our family, our partner or while studying. There is always something to do or somewhere we feel like we should be. So how can we find peace in this hustle and bustle, running here and there?
In other words, how can we clear our minds? Let’s look at a few ways we can slow down our minds and remove some of the “white noise.”
8 Ways to Unclutter Your Mind
#1. Focus on one task at a time
While multitasking was all the rage years ago, scientists and occupational psychologists now say that at most we can perform two tasks reasonably well, and one task excellently. So the next time you have a lot to do at work or at home, try following the one task at a time method. Watch your mind become more focused.
#2. make notes
Write down smaller tasks that might pop into your head. Make a mental note to tackle the less important tasks after you’ve focused on getting the most important things done.
#3. Peace and solitude
Even if you are in a busy office, try to go to a room where you can sit quietly and alone and calm your mind. This is especially necessary if you are about to start a heavy report or essay. You need to get rid of all the distractions in your mind.
#4. To breathe
Often your rapid thinking will be the result of not being able to control your breathing. Slowing your breathing and becoming aware of each breath will calm your mind and clear all those racing thoughts!
#5. Boycott electronic devices
Turn off or step away from all electronic devices except the one you are using (desktop/laptop). You’ll be surprised how much distraction will clear your mind if you don’t have smartphones, phones, or people around you.
#6. Environment
Find a room, somewhere outside, that is conducive to tuning in. In other words, the process of simply connecting with the environment, with nature when you are outside, will slow down your mind. It’s ready to focus or record new material.
Often, busy offices make our minds race and become filled with so many trivial things that we sometimes lose focus on what we have to do here. Our mind goes into a kind of overstimulation and that is not an effective way of working. So go outside to a room where you feel relaxed or even better outside into the fresh air.
#7. Turn off the TV, movies, and cable
Yes that’s right. Go without. Imagine your life in front of all these devices at night. Take a walk when you get home from work. Take the time to prepare a meal while enjoying a glass of red wine (good for your health!).
#8. read a book
You can also read a good book, one that you’ve been meaning to read for ages, but used the old “I’ve been too busy” excuse. Remember that being busy is an option. You can reduce the amount of “busyness” in your life, especially by prioritizing and moving away from technology.
Many people worldwide do this. While we’re talking about this, it’s a good practice to leave your electronic devices in another room when you go to sleep. Provide at least LED displays; Scientists have found that these artificial lights and screens affect our natural circadian rhythms. If you can’t turn off your thoughts at night and get the sleep you need, chances are your mind will be tired and racing the next day.
#9. Meditate
This means different things to different people. Essentially, you slow down your breathing. Ideally, close your eyes and imagine that you are in a quiet place. This could be a forest, near a waterfall, near a tropical beach.
Just take a moment as you slow your breathing and imagine the sounds, the sights, and even the smell of everything you “see” around you. Continue to breathe in and out as deeply and slowly as possible.
If a thought tries to cloud your brain, use the bubble technique. See the thought or distraction, acknowledge it, and then push it away or let it burst. You made the cognitive decision to deal with that thought, feeling, or whatever later.
Allow yourself to do this for at least 5 minutes. The great thing about this brain decluttering strategy is that you can do it anyway: at home, on public transportation, or at work. It’s like taking a well-deserved and necessary short relaxation break, which makes your entire day more effective and cuts your day into pieces.
Instead of feeling like you’re rushing from one activity to another, meditate between activities to slow your pace and keep your mind racing (clutter).
Another aspect of clearing your mind is that the healthier you are when it comes to getting enough sleep, a good diet, and regular exercise, the easier it will be to clear your mind anyway.
Remember, our minds are made to serve us, not the other way around!