Spring clean your mind

In 2006, Akira Haraguchi recited 100,000 digits of pi from memory at a public event near Tokyo. It took him 16hrs 30mins. 

The human brain can fit an apparently infinite amount of information, but without the occasional clean-up, it can feel cluttered and overfull. It is normal to have thoughts that take up a portion of space in your mind, but letting these thoughts consume too much space can cause feelings of stress, anxiety, and a sense of overwhelm. It might just be time for some decluttering.

Decluttering your mind is the act of removing what is unnecessary in order to focus on the present moment with more clarity and peace of mind. It can also help to keep you motivated and productive throughout the day. 

If your mind needs a declutter, give the following 10 practices a try: 

1. Update your to-do list.

• Ticking off tasks that you have completed can highlight what you have accomplished and determine what needs to be done.

2. Practise mindfulness.

• Meditating is an effective way to control your thought processes and clear your mind. If you are new to meditating, try out a guided session in the Thrive section first.  

3. Take a digital detox.

• Limit the time you spend scrolling through social media feeds and unsubscribe to content that doesn’t serve a purpose in your life.

4. Transfer your thoughts to a journal.

• Remove distracting thoughts from your mind by writing them down. This can help you let go of unwanted memories and create more space in your mind for constructive thoughts. 

5. Focus on the positive.

• Gratitude journaling is a great way to do this.

6. Clarify your priorities so you know how to spend your time and energy.

• Start by considering the following perspectives: career, family, relationships, leisure, health, spiritual, and life management.

7. Take a 15-minute power nap.

• Sleep is an effective way to recharge your body and mind.

8. Avoid multitasking.

• Switching between tasks hampers your productivity and performance. Complete one task at a time and then move to the next. Don’t forget to take a break between tasks.

9. Exercise regularly.

• Choose an exercise mode that you enjoy and fits best with your lifestyle, whether it’s a daily walk around the block or a home-based workout.

10. Set goals.

• Give yourself direction in life by planning short- and long-term goals. Include a plan with steps for achieving them.

While it’s no secret that rest can do wonders for your body, don’t forget that your brain needs maintenance, too. Declutter your mind for peace of mind.