The Tranquil Vintessa

Staring at my living room after coming home, I first notice my disheveled couch, blankets tossed everywhere, and a bit of fur courtesy of my furry companion. I couldn’t be bothered to clean; I had too much on my mind and my plate, and it’s now spilling over into my home. That’s how it always goes, isn’t it? You come home after a long day, and when you find a mess, it feels like another task to tackle. No wonder our parent’s would get frustrated when they come home to see school bags right by the front door!

As I began to clean up the blankets, I was reminded of the saying: “A cluttered home is a sign of a cluttered mind.” Who even said that? I have no clue, but they were right. When my mind is cluttered with too many thoughts, everything around me seems disorganized too. Even though my world might feel like it’s going up in smoke, it’s still important to take some time to care for your space. Your home, and especially your mind, is your retreat when the world gets too much. While we can’t always keep them neat and orderly, we can always clean up the mess and get back to the peace and calm we love. We can also work towards creating an environment that supports that calm as our default state.

I want to share with you some ways to declutter your mind—practices I use to help me when my mental health isn’t at its best and that keep me in check even on good days.

Meditation

Meditation brings you back to reality by grounding you and focusing your mind on breathing. It has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, aid in concentration, and give an overall feeling of peace. There are many ways to meditate: you can practice yoga, try walking meditation, or simply have a seat if you’re able to. Do this daily for about 5-10 minutes—sit down, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. As you advance, gradually increase the length of your meditation sessions.

Adopt A Personal Mantra

Consider adopting a personal mantra to center and focus your thoughts. For example, “I am strong and capable.” A mantra is an instrument of thought in Sanskrit, and using it can help reprogram your thoughts and calm your mind during stressful moments. Grab a pen and paper and think about what your personal mantra should be. Once you have it, begin your day by saying it as you get ready—first in your head, then speak it aloud, and finally, say it loud and proud!

Now That We Have Our Mind Calm, Let’s Clean It Out

When everything seems to be going wrong and you feel like everyone and everything is against you, it might be a sign of deeper issues. The world doesn’t hate you; you might just be having a bad day, and your anger might be coloring your perceptions. Harboring negative thoughts—like self-doubt, scattered thinking, cynicism, and fear-based emotions—can add to the clutter. Identify the root of this negativity. What occupies most of your mind? Say it out loud or write it down. I like to rant into my notes app; even though it’s private, it’s not a secret. It’s not being held in my head—it’s out in the universe, and I’m one step closer to clearing the clutter from my mind.

Be Clear on What You Want

The book that changed my entire way of thinking about myself and my goals is “The Mountain Is You” by Brianna Wiest. In one section of the book, she encourages us to think about our ideal selves: what we would be doing day to day, what we look like, and how we behave. By doing this, we gain a clear goal for what we want our lives to look like. Be specific—don’t just say “I want to be rich.” Richness can mean different things: financial wealth, rich experiences, or something else. Be clear about what you want, visualize it in detail, and start making adjustments in your life to make that vision a reality.

Let Go Of Nostalgia

Looking back and reminiscing about good times with friends is enjoyable and can show us how far we’ve come. However, we shouldn’t dwell in the past. Holding onto things like uncomfortable shoes or jeans with holes because of the memories they carry is like cluttering your mind with outdated thoughts. Just as these items take up space in your closet, these old memories can crowd your mental space. Refresh and renew—it’s okay to keep some memories, but don’t let them clutter your mental closet. If you hold onto everything from the past, you won’t have room for the new memories and experiences that lie ahead.

With my space finally cleaned, I plopped onto my couch and sighed as my puppy curled up on my lap. My house felt lighter, and I felt like I could breathe for a moment. Taking the time to declutter both your space and your mind is like cleaning up after a long day—it seems hard until you do it, and you’re always happier that you did!