Declutter To Reinvent: Cat Coluccio
“Your mind needs to be decluttered just like your home does” – Steve Maraboli
Have you ever felt like your head was going to explode? You’re trying to remember all of the appointments you and your family have this week. The ingredients you need to buy for dinner tonight, the haircut booking you urgently need to make. Moreover, the important paperwork your boss is waiting on, and to top it off, there’s that pesky voice that relentlessly reminds you that you are not good enough. Not pretty enough or tall enough or slim enough…….you get the idea.
Is it any wonder that you feel so stressed and overwhelmed most of the time?
Decluttering Your Mind:
“We all know that decluttering your home can make you feel happier.”
We all know that decluttering your home can make you feel happier. And reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed, but did you know that decluttering your mind can have the same effect? In this post, I’ll share some tips on how to declutter your mind to reduce the overwhelm, so grab a cuppa and read on!
1. Focus On One Thing At A Time:
When we try to do too many things at once, our brains become overloaded and it can be difficult to think clearly. We, women, tend to be the masters of multi-tasking, however, it’s not actually doing us any favors, as our brain takes time to refocus when we jump from task to task.
Feel like you are working all day but not actually completing anything? Chances are you are trying to focus on too many things at once. If you can declutter your mind from distractions, you’ll soon discover that it gets easier to find solutions for the task you are working on, and ultimately you’ll become more productive. One simple example of managing your over active brain is work with a notepad next to you. When another task or “need to do” pops into your mind, just write it down and keep working on the project in front of you. This way your brain won’t keep wanting to remind you, as you’ve acknowledged the thought and taken action.
2. Let Go Of Negative Thoughts And Emotions:
If you’re constantly dwelling on negative thoughts, they’ll not only take up space in your mind leading to overwhelm, they’ll make it harder for you to focus on the positive things in your life. It can be tricky to change the habit of thinking a certain way, but thankfully, it can be done.
“Now consciously switch your focus to something more positive.”
One example to help you let go of negative thoughts is to be aware so you can recognize when you’re having them. Identified one? Now consciously switch your focus to something more positive. You can even use simple tools like snapping a rubber band on your wrist to interrupt you when you are thinking negatively so that you can then consciously change your thought habits to positive.
3. Start A Journal:
This is a fabulous practical exercise which flows on naturally from tip #2, as journaling is a great way to support your mental health. Writing down your thoughts and worries can help you to let them go so that they no longer clutter your mind. Doing so can also help you to track your progress over time. If you find that you are struggling with stress and overwhelm, journaling can be an extremely helpful tool.
There are no rules when it comes to journaling, so feel free to write whatever comes to mind. You may want to focus on specific topics, such as your fears or what makes you happy, or you may just want to write about whatever is on your mind each day. The important thing is that you take the time to write regularly.
If you’re not sure where to start, try checking out some journal prompts online. You can also find a variety of journals designed specifically for mental health at your local bookstore or online.
4. Take A Break:
Finally, one of the most effective ways to de-clutter your mind is also one of the simplest: take a break. When you take a break, you give your mind a chance to rest and recharge.
“If you’re feeling overwhelmed or bogged down by your thoughts, take a break!”
Even if it’s just for a few minutes, taking a break can help you feel more relaxed and less stressed. And when you’re less stressed, you’re better able to focus and be productive.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or bogged down by your thoughts, take a break! Go for a walk, listen to some music, or read a book. And when you come back to your work, you’ll be refreshed and ready to tackle it with a clear head.
Intentionally decluttering your mind is something you should make time to do on a daily basis. If you want to lessen your stress and reduce that feeling of overwhelm, these four tips are good starting points. I’d love to know which one resonates with you the most – or if you have any other tips to share!
Happy decluttering!
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About the Author:
Cat Coluccio is a qualified Educator, Personal Trainer and Life Coach – and a champion of midlife women. She is the host of the Rocking Midlife® Community and Podcast, and the author of a number of books, including 21 Hacks to ROCK your Midlife. Join my FREE 30 Day Love your Home Decluttering Challenge for 30 days of email prompts to help you fall in love with your home once more!
Cat is passionate about helping midlife women create fulfilling and purposeful lives yet understands how challenging it can feel to consider reinvention when your world is already so incredibly full. Hence she firmly believes that the first step to building the life that you desire in your next season, is to declutter and create space right now – be that physically, mentally or digitally.
