We often talk about spring cleaning the home, but what about ourselves? Our minds can get bogged down with the challenges and routine of day-to-day life, so it is super important that we declutter the mind as well as the home. Decluttering the mind by introducing some positive habits will have the knock-on effect of creating a stronger, more confident outlook, giving you the energy and mindset that you need to be at your very best! So, what are the best ways that you can spring clean your mind and prepare it for success?
Meditate
Research shows that regular meditation has a whole host of benefits, such as reduced stress, improved emotional health, enhanced self-awareness, increased attention span, reduction of memory loss, and improved sleep. Taking just a few moments out of your day every day to practice this technique will have a hugely positive impact on your mind and neurological pathways. To get started, simply download a free app such as Headspace or Insight Timer, then find a guided meditation or soundscape that appeals to you. Listen to it somewhere comfortable and quiet, where you will not be disturbed. No time at all? No worries, just 5 minutes a day can have a positive effect and help you keep your mind uncluttered.
Maintain Good Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene is the practice of ensuring that the quality of your sleep is as good as it can possibly be. Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to ensure that your focus, concentration, and memory are all in tip-top condition, so it is a good idea to regularly evaluate your sleep hygiene and make sure that it is working for you. Stick to a regular sleep-wake cycle every day as this will help to set the body’s natural circadian rhythm; avoid blue light from screens for several hours before bed; and avoid sleeping in, even at the weekends, as this will disrupt your natural cycle.
Learn Something New
The brain is a muscle, and it needs to be stimulated and worked out regularly to keep it healthy, active, and sharp. Pick up a new hobby such as learning a new language, making art, writing stories, trying a new sport, or dancing. Each new challenge presented to the brain helps to create new neurological pathways, allowing electrical impulses to travel across the brain much faster and making the mind stronger and more resilient.
Look At Your Diet
They say you are what you eat, and that certainly rings true when it comes to what’s going on in your mind. Eating unhealthy, processed foods all the time will inevitably lead to low moods, feeling sluggish, and general unhappiness. But, eating foods that are good for your brain will not only help to improve mood and energy, but they can also improve concentration and memory for activities that require focus, like sudoku, reading, poker, or chess. Foods such as walnuts, green leafy vegetables, and berries are great for helping cognitive function and boosting your brain power, so stock up on these as an alternative to fatty and sugary processed foods.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is known for its positive impact on the muscles, bones, and ligaments of the body, but it also has a number of benefits for the mind. Regardless of age, fitness levels, or experience, regular exercise is so beneficial for the mind as it reduces stress, promotes feelings of well-being, fosters self-esteem and confidence, and creates a healthy mindset. Exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, which flood our systems and leave us feeling happy and self-assured. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking every day can help to keep the mind in check. Add in other fun activities such as playing tennis, swimming in the sea, or hiking up mountains and you will be well on your way to a tidy mind!
Spring cleaning the mind does not necessarily have to involve lots of hard work, it can simply be the act of introducing healthy lifestyle habits that enable you to maintain a tidy mind that is free from clutter. Give it a try!
