Stressed out? Mind full? Mind cluttered? Too many thoughts? Unable to think straight? However you want to describe it, it is becoming a global phenomenon.
Our ability to utilise single-pointed focus, or to focus for hours at a time on any given subject is diminishing. In our busy, hectic lives, there can be several contributing factors to a cluttered mind, but the reality is that our lifestyle and societal trends are not going to be changing anytime soon.
Therefore, we need to take it upon ourselves to learn to declutter our minds and find a place of calm.
Every source you read in the media, whether print, audio or video, will define burnout in a similar way and they will almost always cite overwhelm as a main indicator. But what if the overwhelm in your office life is slowly trickling into your home life as well? Let’s take a minute to look at the concept of overwhelm, and how it can affect your ability to remain clear and focused, both in the office and at home. When we are clear about the source leading to our feelings of burnout or overwhelm, we can then start to put measures in place to make changes.
An article from Harvard Business Review stated that when we are overwhelmed we can often overlook the simple steps we need to take, which will actually help redirect us back into a positive headspace. Let’s further explore a few steps we suggest you take when you’re drowning in the feeling of overwhelm. When it comes to decluttering your mind, you might be surprised where to begin.
A subtle hint: it’s not by sitting in hours of meditation.
01. Declutter your space: Have you ever heard the phrase, “tidy space, tidy mind”? It makes sense that by working in a cluttered and untidy space, we may not be able to focus or think clearly. This is not limited just to your working space, but also your living space. Walking into a clean, clear space after a long work day is something of a luxury. It may not be possible every single day (#RealLife), but aiming to keep your home tidy and clutter-free is a worthy goal to strive for.
02. Make your bed every morning: It will only add on a couple of minutes to your morning routine, but it will help start your day (and your mindset) on a positive note. It immediately gives us a sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning, and also feels better when returning to a freshly-made bed in the evening.
03. Keep your workspace clear: Take a few minutes each day to clear your workspace and see if it helps to improve your focus. Try to keep only the necessary items and current tasks at hand within your reach. This will ensure that everything has its place, and will also help you avoid distractions and errors (no one wants a coffee-drenched keyboard).
04. Adopt minimalist living: Decluttering your space – and therefore your mind – will help you live a simpler life. Overtime, accumulation of unused or unwanted items can take up unnecessary space. Gradually adopting a minimalist lifestyle can look like donating or selling unused items, using storage more efficiently, ensuring everything has a place. Minimalist living can also look like reducing spending and not purchasing unnecessary items.
When we adopt a simple, tidy life it becomes easier to keep our minds clear and tidy as well. It takes practice and it may take some time to gradually adopt these new habits, but overtime you may start to notice an increase in feelings of peacefulness and happiness.
It’s like returning home from vacation to a clean house, or having the sink clear from dishes on a daily basis, or regularly being caught up on the laundry; these simple lifestyle changes feel good and help us remain in a good mood with a clearer mind!
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