I’ve learned that decluttering your mind can be a tremendously helpful way to balance life and work towards fulfillment. Many of our actions are influenced by having a clear mind.
Decluttering your mind involves intentionally taking inventory of the thoughts and mindsets you have, and focusing on thsoe that bring you the most value, fulfillment, and happiness.. By decluttering our mental space, we are prioritizing our health, well-being, and overall quality of life.
Let’s dive into clearing out some of that mess. We’ll to explore what a cluttered mind is, what I’ve learned, and the steps we can take to declutter it.
What is Decluttering Your Mind?
Decluttering your mind is the awareness of the thoughts and things that comprise our conscious thinking, and the process by which the focus on the ones that are important, and let go of the ones that are less important or require less attention.
When I say clutter, what do you think of? Do you think of a room or house packed full of useless things? Do you think of a storage unit that is filled to the rim, or maybe just a big mess. Whatever comes to mind, I think we can all agree on one thing- it needs to be cleaned. Clutter can happen in our physical space, as well as our mental space. It is important to be intentional about decluttering our minds – it can bring many benefits.
As we dive into how to declutter your mind, and the benefits it brings, we need to make sure we fully understand what a cluttered mind is. Let’s start with the definitions of each.
Clutter – a collection of things lying about in an untidy mess.
Mind – the element of the person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought.
Imagine a cluttered kitchen. What do you see? Dirty dishes? Unnecessary appliances out? Maybe you see mail on the counter tops. Or the clean dishes that you’ve procrastinated putting away. To some, may be something as simple as the dishrag being hung out of place. What you see as clutter, someone else may not, and vice versa. It can look different to each person.
Now, let’s relate that to our mind. Our mental space can easily become cluttered, especially in a demanding world.
What is taking up your mindspace? Do you have any thoughts that seem to constantly be on your mind? Do you dwell on work tasks when you are home trying to enjoy family time? Do you feel yourself becoming a people pleaser? Are there nagging, persistent to-do lists always running through your mind? Prideful thoughts? Constant worry? Maybe your hectic and non-stop schedule is your clutter. The possibilities are endless.
Just as our physical space can become cluttered, our mindspace can too. When we are intentional about taking inventory of our mental state and mind, we are purposefully investing in our health and quality of life. You owe this to yourself!
Benefits of Decluttering Your Mind
Have you ever cleaned out your closet? I mean like really cleaned it- I’m talking about sorting things out, getting rid of clothes you keep but don’t wear, refolding the pants on the shelf, putting away ALL of the laundry, the whole nine yards. It can be a process, a long one, but one worth the effort.
The outcome is so refreshing, right?
Suddenly the shelves are serving their purpose. The closet suddenly feels peaceful, and not a hectic space that you ignore while continuing to pile things up in. You are able to look around and see what you actually have. It’s organized, and well, it simply feels better.
Our mindspace is like that too. When we take the time to sort things out, we allow ourselves the chance to experience mental clarity. When thoughts are organized, we give ourselves the wonderful ability to think clearer, feel more confident, and apply ourselves to our fullest capacity. We also become more mindful of our attitudes and behaviors, are more mindful of our health, and overall experience a more pleasant life.
How to Declutter Your Mind
Now that we know what it means to declutter, and why it is important for us to do so, let’s figure out HOW to declutter.
Remember, mind clutter is different for each person, so you may need to tweak this process for yourself. Don’t worry though, once you learn the steps, it will be easy to personalize the process in a way that works for you.
To declutter our mind, we’ll want to take the following steps.
IDENTIFY → EVALUATE → DECIDE → ACTIONS → OUTCOME
1. IDENTIFY
The first step is of course to identify what you see clutter as. Remember, mind clutter is different for everyone. Whatever the clutter may be for you, be intentional, and honest, about identifying it. After all, you are literally the ONLY one who has complete control over your mind space.
Personally, lists are helpful.
Some things on your list may include the constant thoughts to find a new job, the housework load that maybe feels uneven, events you are hosting, or the seemingly unending to do list.
2. EVALUATE
Have you identified your clutter? Please do not feel the need to have to find every piece of mind clutter right off the bat. It is far more beneficial to declutter effectively and genuinely, and gain the proper know-how of the process rather than trying to declutter quickly and not giving yourself room to authentically grow.
For each piece of mind clutter you identify, you’ll want to ask yourself:
- Is this a healthy thought?
- Why is this on my mind?
- Is this thought/ mindset enhancing my life, making life enjoyable, and/or growing me? Or this thought/ mindset dragging me down, causing me to feel anxious, or overwhelming me? Is this positive or negative?
(Disclaimer. We should be aware not to label things as negative just because they are uncomfortable or challenging. Sometimes we need to challenge and push ourselves – that’s okay. The point of sorting out our clutter isn’t to rid ourselves of or avoid hard tasks that will bring personal growth, but rather to make sure we are applying ourselves to what is right for us!)
3. DECIDE
Now that you have Identified and Evaluated, it’s time to make some decisions.
Some of these decisions may cause you to feel out of your comfort zone a bit. Let’s be honest, changing your mindset can be hard, and it doesn’t happen overnight. I cannot promise that you will always enjoy the ride, but I can tell you the destination is well worth it!
Before you begin to make any decisions, I need you to promise yourself that these decisions are YOURS. Please give yourself the privilege of pursuing YOUR life. If you base these decisions on what you think others may expect, or how you think the world will see you- this process will do more harm than good. So, let’s stay true to ourselves, and truly strive for complete honesty within ourselves.
Okay, let’s make some decisions!
Remember that cluttered kitchen I mentioned earlier? Let’s imagine it again. This time, imagine that everything that was in the kitchen is now on the table. Everything. Every dish, every leftover, every countertop appliance, every grocery, every colored picture from the fridge. Everything is on the table. The kitchen is spotless, and is now a clean slate.
Now, it’s time to sort and decide.
As you pick up one item at a time, you have the freedom, and the privilege, to decide that item’s fate. Will you keep it? Does it need some TLC? Is it useless trash?
This is the same concept we will use to sort the mind clutter we have identified in ourselves.
If the mindset/ thought serves purpose, and is healthy- keep it.
Example: “I want to be intentional about making it a good day for the family today.”
Insight: This mindset is healthy, it is a GOOD thing to want to make it a good day for the family. (Just make sure to not allow unrealistic expectations hinder your joy.)
If the mindset/ thought is out of balance, perhaps some TLC would help.
Example: “If I do not finish the chores, I am a bad mom.”
Insight: While your intentions are good here, the mindset isn’t healthy. Giving yourself grace, and setting realistic, and achievable, goals should be your focus.
If the mindset/ thought is unhealthy, or causes unnecessary stress, maybe it’s time to throw it out.
Example: “I’m dreading this event. I only said yes because I felt like I HAD to.”
Insight: Agreeing to something simply to please someone else is never a good idea. It can leave you feeling dread, over-extended, and maxed out. Be realistic with what you are able, and willing to offer.
Taking the time to evaluate the thoughts that occupy your mind gives you the benefit of taking control of your life.
4. ACTION
Now that you have evaluated your mindsets, it’s time to take some action!
Remember, this decluttering your mind is not an overnight process. It takes intention, energy, and consistency. Give yourself grace if you feel yourself slipping back into the cluttered habits.
Journaling is a great tool that can help in this journey. If you aren’t a “Dear Diary” kind of person, don’t fret. There are other ways to use journaling to help declutter that mind.
If your schedule is what is making you feel cloudy and cluttered, maybe writing down the three most important tasks would help you feel focused.
If you are anxious or overwhelmed, but unsure why, perhaps writing down exactly what you are feeling would help you process.
Remember, new mindsets require new ways of thinking, so do not be afraid to try new things!
5. OUTCOME
Again, the goal of this journey is not to rid yourself of challenges. It is to help you clear your mind that way you are able to be confident, clear minded, and less stressed.
Acknowledge the steps you try to take, even if it is hard.
The efforts you put forth into your mindset will impact you in multiple ways – so let’s try out best to get decluttered!
How Do You Mentally Declutter?
As you dive into the steps to declutter, you will surely find a way that works best for you. While these basic steps apply to everyone’s journey, every person is so unique. The key is to take it one step at a time, and dissect each piece of mind clutter. Let’s take a look at a few situational examples that might help in different areas:
How to Declutter Your Mind and Unleash Your Willpower
Once you start to understand the change a decluttered mind brings, a whole new life starts.
You will be able to apply yourself to things that serve you. By knowing how to sort out mindsets, you are breaking yourself free from the senselessness clutter brings. You will be able to move forward with confidence, certainty, and PURPOSE.
When you live life according to purpose – you unleash an unstoppable force. A force that brings happiness, success, and an overall more enjoyable life. Focusing clearly on important change and goals, and using willpower, can help let unimportant things go, leaving more focus and fullness in a clearer mind.
Decluttering Your Life To Declutter Your Mind
If you are ready to start the journey, I encourage you to find a spot in your house that is a bit cluttered. Maybe it is the closet, or kitchen, like we mentioned before. Wherever the space may be, let’s take care of the physical clutter.
Start by sorting out the physical objects. Purge a little.
There is something therapeutic about clearing out a small space – one can see the results, and feel it. Let this refreshing feeling ignite the motivation for you to start identifying the pieces of mind clutter that are holding you back.
How do you declutter your mind and life?
To declutter your mind and life, you have to decide what is worth keeping and what you need to get rid of. Clutter isn’t only caused by things we deem as “negative”. An excess of ANYTHING can be clutter. Decluttering is simply makin sure you are sticking to the basics.
One can begin by thinking about what they value most. From here, the fewer, more important things become clearer. With those value and priorities in mind, one can begin to let go of things that do not support them. These can be physical objects, social obligations, career choices.
As we let go of the things that matter less, and declutter the unimportant, physical space, the mind, and life become decluttered, cleaner, more focused, and more fulfilling.
Declutter Your Space Declutter Your Mind
If you are ready to start the journey, I encourage you to find a spot in your house that is a bit cluttered. Maybe it is the closet, or kitchen, like we mentioned before. Wherever the space may be, let’s take care of the physical clutter.
Start by sorting out the physical objects. Purge a little.
There is something therapeutic about clearing out a space. Let this refreshing feeling ignite the motivation for you to start identifying the pieces of mind clutter that are holding you back.
Helpful Ways to Declutter Your Mind
Clutter is not a one-size-fits all, so decluttering isn’t either. To truly allow growth and progress, find a method that works best for you. Here, we will go over some of the most common approaches to decluttering your mind.
Declutter Your Mind with Meditation
Mindfulness can be obtained when we slow down. Quieting the noises of our days can be a helpful way to focus on your thoughts and feelings. For many, this comes in the form of meditation. Meditation can allow you to align your body and mind, and can help you feel more centered and focused.
Declutter Your Mind with Faith
Whether it be through a Bible Study, prayer, or worship, many find mental clarity and peace in their faith. The community faith can offer can be beneficial to mental growth as long as you are honest with yourself through the journey. Be sure to allow yourself room for growth, and grace.
Declutter Your Mind with Communication
Sometimes simply talking about what we are going through can be the most helpful way to help ourselves. It can be with a trusted friend, a family member, or even a certified counselor. Whoever you decide to talk to and open up to, be sure to be honest. If you cannot fully open up to this person, I would not suggest this method. It is important to not feel pressured into a certain mindset. As we discussed before, this is not an area of your life to be a people pleaser in.
Declutter Your Mind with Positivity
When changing your mindset, it is helpful to surround yourself with positivity. Whether it is putting on upbeat music, listening to a motivational podcast, or even distancing yourself from negative people in your life- intentionally filtering out the negative and focusing on the good things can go a long way!
Inspirational Quotes to help Declutter Your Mind
You are literally the ONLY one who decides what occupies YOUR mindspace.
Be intentional. Hang on to what needs to stay, fix what may be broken, and get rid of what you don’t need.
Be realistic with what you want to do and be. Don’t let others “you shoulds…” dictates how you think or what you do.
You get ONE life, you owe it to yourself to make it the best one.
Active Insights on How to Declutter Your Mind – Ted Talk
Surrounding yourself with positive and uplifting messages can be a tremendous factor when decluttering. Podcasts are a great tool to use. This Ted Talk is a wonderful example of an encouraging message, with real life insight. The message breaks down mind clutter and really goes into how we can get the declutter under control, and how we can declutter.
Books that Can Help with Decluttering Your Mind
If you are looking for more insight or tips on decluttering your mind, here are some helpful books. These books go into greater detail on how the mind works, and the effects our mindsets have on us. If you identified “worry” as a source of mind clutter, these reads are especially good.
- Declutter Your Mind – How to Stop Worrying (Scott/Davenport)
- Beyond Tidy – Declutter Your Mind (Brogan/Limpert)
- Declutter Your Mind – 7 Strategies to Unf*ck Yourself (Chandler)
- Declutter Your Mind – Complete Guide on How to Stop Worrying (Creed)
Helpful Mind Decluttering Insights
What happens to your brain when you declutter?
When you declutter, you are giving your mind and brain a chance to relax. When you feel overwhelmed, unfocused, and mentally foggy- your brain cannot release endorphins. When you give yourself the opportunity to declutter your mental space, you are prioritizing your mental health.
How can I declutter my mind at night?
Our bodies love routine. Try to find a calming evening routine for yourself. Intentionally set aside time to allow yourself to unwind, and process the thoughts and feelings of your day. For some, this may look like journaling. To others, maybe it’s mediation or a bubble bath. Some may like to take a walk and ponder the day, allowing time to sort things out.
How do I clear my messy mind?
Remember, each person’s mess looks differently, so this is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The key is to find a coping mechanism that works for you!
How do you purify your thoughts?
Some may find that faith or religion can help purify thoughts. Some may say that simply being mindful of your thoughts works. Whatever works for you, be sure to be intentional about taking inventory of the thoughts you are having. Give your time to process them and sort them out using the steps we discussed earlier.
How do you simplify your mind?
There is something beautiful about going back to the basics. If your mind is feeling overwhelmed and cluttered with worries, tasks, and pressures, take a step back. Focus on what matters most. In a demanding world, it is easier than ever to feel the pressures and effects of being pulled in all directions. Slow down, and take it one step at a time.
Why do I struggle with clutter?
Clutter can be a manifestation of several different things. Maybe it is procrastination, maybe it is lack of coping skills, maybe it’s uncertainty on what to do. Whatever the cause, you owe it to yourself to declutter.
How do you mentally organize your thoughts?
Prioritize. If your mind is racing with the tasks of the day, the pressures or work, and frustrations, you are not going to be able to think clearly. Take a breath. What is MOST important? Tackle that thought first. Then, move on to what is next on the list. We are humans, we are not superheroes. We need to grant ourselves permission to be human.
How do you organize when you are overwhelmed?
When we are overwhelmed, it is hard for our minds to focus and figure out what to do. Let’s use housework as an example. When the house is messy it may be hard to figure out where to start, or what chore to do first. The key is to prioritize, and to remember YOU get to decide. Some people may like to start with the easier tasks like putting a load into the washer, some may like to tackle the big projects first- like cleaning the garage. Whatever your approach is, remember this is your journey.
The same concept can apply to our mental clutter. Some may like to start with the simple tasks like clearing extra things from their schedule, while some may want to dive into the roots of their anxiety and try to find the source of mental angst.
Why is decluttering so important?
Decluttering any area of your life is important. If you are decluttering your physical space, it allows room for the objects to serve their intended purpose. If you are decluttering mental space, it allows room for personal growth and intentional living.
When should you stop decluttering?
The purpose of decluttering is to benefit yourself. If the journey of decluttering becomes too much for you, I encourage you to stop. If decluttering becomes your sole coping mechanism, to the point of you feeling like you are a constant project that needs to be fixed, I encourage you to slow down. Balance is key.
How do you declutter?
Whether you are looking to declutter a physical space, or your mental space, you will have to make some decisions. You will need to decide what is worth keeping, what needs to be adjusted, and what is no longer necessary to keep. Making these decisions allows you to be in control of your space- mind or physical.
How do I get rid of clutter in my life?
To get rid of clutter, you will need to purge what no longer serves you or brings.
To declutter physically, sort out the objects: what is wanted/needed vs. what is no longer useful.
To declutter mentally, sort out the thoughts/mindsets. What is healthy, bringing joy, and/or growth vs what is unhealthy, obsessive, or bringing stress.
Does a cluttered house cause stress?
Organization creates order, and in order, comes peace. If things are untidy or out of place, even simple tasks can become a stressful process.
Can decluttering change your life?
While simply decluttering a work space may not change your life, creating the habit of decluttering can lead to small, powerful, positive changes that are felt in everyday life.
Other Resources:
- Clutter – Causes, Fixes, and Methods for Simple Living
- Being Clutter Free – Benefits from My Own Experience
- Declutter Challenge – Getting Motivated for Simple Living
- Clutter Storage – Clever Options for Minimalist Living
In Closing
Now that we have a full understanding of what it means to declutter our mind, and how to do so, I encourage you to start your journey. Dive into the Ted Talk and the books listed above for further information and inspiration. Remember, you owe this to yourself.