A few weeks ago, I was searching for something online when an article of interest popped up and I wanted to read it. A quick click and suddenly a warning came up on my phone - I had ninety- nine tabs open and should I open any more, then the oldest would be closed. I decided to scroll back to see what I could have been keeping open that resulted in ninety-nine tabs. Not surprisingly, many were for resources on learning Gaelic, a language that I took interest in learning several years ago and took a few courses during the pandemic. Others were benign, clothes, make-up, gifts ideas for family. While scrolling through and closing many of these tabs that were no longer relevant, it occurred to me that keeping all of these tabs open spoke to a larger issue. Mostly, why have I kept these tabs open and for what purpose. Many were no longer relevant and taking up space. I began to look closely at the other areas of my life, what was I keeping that no longer served me. While there are many websites, resources, and articles to guide people into managing the clutter in their life, and finding ways to let go of what is no longer serving them, it can also be overwhelming to sort through them all and decide where to begin. One suggestion before diving into the decluttering world, is to begin with decluttering your mind. By focusing on this initial practice, you will gain clarity, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being.

Here are some strategies to help you declutter your mind and space.

Mindful Breathing: Take a few moments each day to engage in deep, intentional breathing. Focus on your breath, inhaling slowly and exhaling fully and using a count of 4 seconds can assist in this practice. This simple practice can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety and can be helpful at any time of the day.
Prioritize Tasks: Start by creating a to-do list and prioritize tasks based on their importance. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Tackling one task at a time can prevent your mind from feeling overwhelmed.
Organize and Plan: Use tools like calendars, planners, or digital apps to organize your schedule and commitments. Be mindful of this as too many organizers can have the opposite effect and cause more clutter. Find one or two that work best for you.
Digital Detox: It won’t come as much of a surprise that recommending reducing your screen time and take breaks from electronic devices will be beneficial. We are inundated with information which may cause unintentional stress and a sense of feeling overwhelmed. Set timers to assist with how often you use technology and take breaks from your screen time.
Declutter Physical Space: As your work on your task list, this may include decluttering your physical environment. This activity can have a positive impact on your mental state as you create a physical space that is more organized and calming. Much like the closing tabs metaphor, ask yourself why you are holding on to certain belongings and decide which ones are meant to keep and which can be let go of.
Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the positive aspects of your life. Regularly expressing gratitude can shift your focus from what is overwhelming to what is going well, promoting a more positive mindset.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary and set clear boundaries with others. Overcommitting can contribute to mental clutter and exhaustion. Take those breaks when your mind and body are telling you do so.
Mindfulness Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness meditation into your routine. This practice involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help calm the mind and improve overall mental clarity.

Much like mindful breathing, taking a few moments of your day to sit quietly, go for a nature walk or even listen to your favourite music can help calm your mind and help focus on upcoming tasks. Remember that decluttering your mind is an ongoing process, and finding what works best for you may involve some trial and error. Consistency in implementing these practices can lead to a more focused and peaceful mindset over time.

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