De-cluttering

We often think about de-cluttering our homes, but how often do we think about de-cluttering our minds? They are, in my opinion, in more need of this action than our homes.

Today's world demands so much from us....family, home, jobs, school, society, and any other obligation we are attached to. This can sometimes be more taxing on us than we realize. All of these things can bog us down, put us under pressure, cause worry, stress, anxiety, or even break us at times. It can happen to any of us; including those of us who think we have it all under control. When the needle starts to head towards the red zone, we begin forgetting the little things, like the pot of water boiling on the stove, the bath water running for the kids, important dates, or the words you want to use to make your point. We become too bogged down and tired, and then autopilot turns on. Same day, different date. This is when life stops becoming so enjoyable, and you start missing all the blessings God is placing in your life. Now's the time to start de-cluttering your mind.

How do you "de-clutter" your mind, you ask? Well, let's begin here...

1. Take time for YOU  This might require getting up a few minutes earlier, but it will quickly become some of the best few minutes of your day. During this time, just sit quietly, pray, and reflect on God's blessings. You don't want to use this time to think about all the things you have on your to-do list. This needs to be a relaxing & calming time for you and your mind. Think of it as a much needed time out. Ahhh! Now don't you feel better already?

2. Journal  Write down your thoughts, whether on computer or paper. This is a great way to record your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Just jot down whatever comes to mind. Don't worry if it makes any sense. You're the only one who will see it. This may be hard to do at first, but it will get easier with time. Soon you will be penning out novels! Writing these things down relieves your mind of the burdens it's been carrying for you. We all need that!

3. Go for a walk  Take a nice walk...long or short, it doesn't matter. Use this time as an escape; a vacation without the baggage. Listen to the trees talk, the whisper of the wind, the birds joyfully singing their songs, or just focus on the sounds of your feet when they hit the ground. In doing this, you are encouraging your brain to release endorphins. This naturally boosts your mental health, and decreases your sensitivity to stress. Now tell me....who couldn't use a little of that!

4. Take a tech break  Put your phone down, turn your computer off, the t.v., and any other electronic device you may have around you. All of these things create 'mental noise' for our ears and eyes. I think we can all agree we have too much of that in our lives already. Stepping back from these things will help you engage in real life, not someone else's life, but yours. So, instead of consuming life, take the time to create it!

5. Let go  Figure out what's really important, whether in the day ahead or in your life, and let that be your main focus. We often allow ourselves to worry or stress about things that aren't really that important. All of this worrying and stressing is only depleting our energy. I once read a saying, "Worrying is like a rocking chair. It'll give you something to do, but it won't get you anywhere." I like that saying. I think of it often, and find it kind of keeps me in check. Start monitoring your mind, and the thoughts that run through it. Don't be sitting in the rocking chair of worry!

I hope you try adding some, or all of these things into your daily life. We can't always control what life throws at us, but we can control how we deal with it. We set the tone for the day, by first setting the tone for our lives. Do your family, friends, and all the other people in your lives a favor, and create a better YOU!

Blessings,
Julie


Leave your comments below ♥