Our lives are filled with clutter, whether it’s a desk covered with papers, a kitchen drawer stuffed with items that don’t seem to belong anywhere else, or an overwhelmed mind trying to deal with too much. A cluttered mind is fatiguing and results in poor performance and poor decisions. You can declutter your mind, just as you can declutter your kitchen drawer. Declutter your mind and gain clarity:

1. Start with your diet. A poor diet can result in a foggy and confused mind. The main culprit is inflammation and unstable sugar levels. There are plenty of resources available on anti-inflammation diets. Avoid processed carbohydrates and all the foods that your mother told you were bad for you.
2. Simplify your life. You might just have too much going. Cut out activities that don’t add significantly to your life or your enjoyment. Clamp down on optional activities. It’s easy to become bogged down by things that don’t matter.
3. Create habits. Habits eliminate the need for making decisions. It streamlines your thought process. Eating the same thing for breakfast each day is an example of a habit that avoids having to make a decision. Create daily and weekly habits that take care of your basic needs.
4. Use lists. Creating mental notes to yourself to do something at a later day or time requires a lot of mental resources. It’s always in the back of your mind, taking up part of your attention. By writing it down, you’re free to eliminate it from your awareness. It’s right there on the paper instead.
5. Rest your mind each day. Reading, watching TV, or surfing the internet do not count as a rest. Meditation or sitting alone can be considered rest. Sit outside and enjoy nature. Stay focused on your surroundings and avoid allowing your mind to think about anything other than your surroundings.

 Clutter is everywhere. Some is controllable, and some is not. The clutter between your ears is under your control. Simplify your life as much as possible. The less you have to deal with, the easier it is to avoid mental clutter. Give your mind regular breaks through the day. Use your time as advantageously as possible. Prioritize. You’ll enjoy the peace and clarity that result.