Declutter Your Mind
We are all pretty much feeling anxious on some level these days.
Too much to do, too little time and information grabbing at our attention at every turn; that’s exhausting!
Some people turn to meditation to calm their mind, but it has never been easy for me. I found meditation to be hard work. I envied people that can do it consistently. Sitting still, while my monkey mind goes berserk is not something I was looking forward to. I know practice would make it easier, but most times, it really brought me no pleasure or relief AT ALL. Actually, it kind of made me more anxious at times. So I wanted to find some alternatives to declutter my mind.
Along the way, I’ve learned that some activities are just like meditating and bring me comfort and help break the spiralling out of control in my head.
You might feel like it’s a weird subject for a blog that talks mostly about decluttering, but I would argue that getting rid of mental clutter is a big part of simplifying your life.
1. Move Your Body
Stretch – Just play some meditation soundtrack or your favourite chill tunes, close your eyes and stretch on the floor – This is my personal favourite.
You could also « go for a brisk walk » as a therapist once told me. I was skeptical at first, but it works. Every 👏🏻 Single 👏🏻 Time 👏🏻! When I walk, I suddenly stop looking in and start noticing things around me. Like the feel of the sun on my face, the screams of children playing somewhere in the distance, or the smell of a backyard fire.
And then, often enough, solutions to challenges that eluded me before, suddenly pop up.
2. Immerse Yourself In A Hobby
One that requires concentration and making something with your hands; like playing a musical instrument, knitting, baking, colouring, building something … anything that will put you in that zone and focus your mind.
Repetitive physical actions are great ways to calm your head, since they require your mind to focus on one task and be somewhat aware of what you’re doing.
3. Put Some Music On
When I feel blue or agitated and can’t concentrate, I put on an upbeat playlist. It doesn’t solve everything, but it helps pull me up.
Here are three playlists for you. If they’re not your style, feel free to create your own and share: Winter Mellow, Summer Beats and Chill Hits.
4. Watch Life Go By … From Afar
I know right now we may not be able to sit in a cafe and just watch life go by. That would be option one for a regular day. But these or not normal times thanks to COVID-19.
Instead, may I suggest some nature watching playlists on Youtube. These were created to make you relax and provide background noise to your day. Pick a playlist that is soothing. I particularly like train rides:
Watch some nature: Slow TV and Nature Relaxation Films or listen the the ice sing.
Go on a train ride: in Europe or in Japan.
Or on a road trip in Alberta: Lake Louise to Jasper, Calgary to Lake Louise and Jasper to Edmonton.
5. Write It Down
Journaling is also a good activity to declutter your mind. Get the stuff that’s bothering you, out of your head and onto paper.
Don’t worry about making it perfect or making sense. Just write down whatever is on your mind or do a Brain Dump.
6. Declutter
Clearing out, making space, tidying up, YES it can be a form of meditation and help bring some peace to your life.
I have a few posts to get you started:
7. Meditate Anyway
Haha! Did you see that one coming?
Can’t meditate? Try it anyway, even just for 2 minutes a day. But don’t take it so seriously, you are just trying to meditate. If your mind wanders, it’s normal, just come back to your breath. Even if you think you’re doing it wrong, like I was, just try it.
Here are some programs and app suggestions I’ve used in the past:
Calm – My personal favourite
Insight Timer – Recent recommendation that I really like (you can set up your timer with sound markers or reminders, that will bring your mind back to awareness)
Headspace – This one is also really popular