After the stress 2020 brought us, I think everyone should take time out to clear their minds. Clearing your mind allows you to be able to live life with a little less stress. I decided to share with you all the few activities that I do to help clear my mind and lift my mood.
Meditate
Meditation has been used for centuries to help clear minds and destress. The simple art of breathing, while in a controlled environment, has helped millions of people center their thoughts. Normally when people are stressed out, their minds get filled with intruding thoughts. That is where meditation comes in. When we meditate, we are practicing acknowledgment and release. Not only does this help to clear your mind, but it also helps to alleviate any negative emotions you were feeling. Most people give up on meditation because they find it hard to control their thoughts. Many believe that when you meditate, your mind is supposed to be empty. That’s not true. When you learn to simply acknowledge your thoughts and release them, meditation becomes an easier practice.
Try this: First, get into a comfortable meditation position (sitting in a chair or sitting on the ground with your legs folded). Next, take about 20 seconds to gently acknowledge your surroundings. After that, take three deep breaths and slowly close your eyes. Once you close your eyes, breath in and out as normal, and bring your focus to your breath. If any thoughts pop up in your mind, acknowledge them then bring your focus back to your breath. Do this until you reach your time limit.
Write
Writing is a great way to get your mind off anything that could be stressing you out. It allows you to take whatever is on your mind out of your head and onto a piece of paper (or device). Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I always run to my journal to let out whatever I am thinking or feeling. This helps me to stop my mind from racing. Also, writing helps me to analyze my thoughts and find a way to help myself feel better in that moment and the future. If you tend to emotionally dump your feelings onto other people writing in a journal may help you and others tremendously. It’s always okay to go to someone you trust with your emotions and troubles, but constantly dumping your issues onto other people can be stressful for the other party. (Side note: I am not speaking on therapy. Therapists are here to take in our issues and help to guide us to a solution.) Another great way to clear your mind is to write about what you are grateful for. This helps you to see the great things you have in your life. We tend to always look and strive for better once we reach our goals. Many of us fail to reflect on our lives to see our accomplishments. Having gratitude allows you to have a little less stress in your life.
Try this: Go out and buy a nice notebook, or grab an empty one you own. Pick one day out of the week to write about what you are grateful for and brain dump in your journal.
Skin Care
I always say self-care is the best care and taking care of your skin is included in this. The skin on your body is your largest organ so take time out to take care of it. I’ve noticed that when I am participating in my normal “self-care Sunday,” all the clutter in my head flies away. Soaking my body in a tub after a long day brings my mind into a meditative state. I usually add Epsom salt, coconut oil, and lavender oil to my bath water to soothe my skin and relax my mind. The great thing about adding lavender oil is it is known to relieve anxiety, which is amazing for my racing mind. I also love relaxing in a nice face mask. While wearing a face mask, I feel as though I am forced to focus my mind on how great the face mask feels. Plus, I never heard of someone having a cluttered mind after wearing a face mask.
Listen to music
Music is great to set any mood. However, it is great for its ability to get a person’s mind off any problem. Think about it, this is why most people love to party and dance to music. If you are trying to have a positive clear mind, be sure to listen to uplifting music.
Try this: Create a playlist specifically for clearing your mind. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, navigate to this playlist. If you have the time, take a break to dance. Not only will this help you to get your mind off work, but it’s also fun.
Clean
I truly believe that having a clean space equals a clear mindset. Whenever my desk or work area is massively cluttered, I notice my mind starts to race. Over time I become overwhelmed and it becomes harder to concentrate on my tasks. This eventually leads to me feeling anxious about completing my work. I know that sounds crazy, but whenever my space is not in order every item causes my mind to race, making me feel as though I can not complete anything. Tidying up my space helps my eyes not to wander to each and every item out of place, essentially allowing me to feel more focused. Some psychologists also believe that there are benefits to having a tidier space, such as reducing anxiety and gaining more energy.
Try this: Take 10-15 minutes each day to clean or declutter a different area of your home. This will help to eliminate the stress of “where should I start?” Also, it’s a lot easier to spread out your cleaning schedule instead of spending one day doing everything.
I hope you all try at least one of these tips to help clear your mind. Comment down below any extra tips or if any of these tips helped you out. Take care of yourself during this trying time. Always make sure your mind is always in the best shape possible, after all, it's the only one you have. Much love, Kendra.
I sympathise with you.
boyxxx