Cleaning up your space, narrowing down unwanted stuff and strategizing your furniture can relieve tension, but your brain might contain unhealthy items, too. Taking a more minimalistic approach to your happiness can probably get rid of a lot of that mental clutter we all have. Here’s how:
1: NOW Is More Powerful Than THEN
If you live in the past, you live in depression. If you live in the future, you live in anxiety.
Sure, your past might have gotten you where you are now, whether you like where that is or not, but keeping your focus there can fuel unnecessary regret, negativity and take away your valuable productivity abilities and time. On the other hand, when you have your flashbacks, try to see things from a learning perspective.
To keep it simple, two things happened in the past. You grew to where you are now and that’s awesome progress. Or, things happened to make you feel like you’ve regressed. That’s ok, too. Just realizing that part is the first step in using the power of the present to make the changes you want for yourself. You can do it.
2: Less Multi-tasking = Less Clutter
No matter how good you think you are at multi-tasking, as a human, you are simply better at focusing 100% on one thing at a time. Not only is this more efficient because you can get things done faster but it can be less stressful knowing you’ll probably do a better, more accurate job if you give what you’re doing the focus it deserves. When you’ve got a lot on your plate and it’s time to switch gears, be conscious about it. Consider doing something as small as taking a drink of water and a deep breath to get your mind off task A and give your brain a little transition to get ready to take on task B.
3: A Few Great Friends > A Lot of Fake Ones
People, as harsh as it sounds, can be mental clutter too. Sometimes, relationships need to be cut. They shouldn’t be cut needlessly, however, and you should take care in discerning valuable relationships. Just like a little bit of gold is worth more than a bunch of silver, having a few great people in your life is so much better than having lots of artificial people in your life.
Related: The “Real Friend” Checklist
Think about what your core values are and how many of your friends uphold them. Weeding out negative influences which are strangle-holding your creativity, expression, and happiness can not only bring you some joy, but will give you more time to pursue more compatible people who lift you up.
