Spring Cleaning: My Mind

Spring Cleaning my mind is 50% fun and 50% draining. There are calming aspects to it such as meditating and going for walks or listening to music and then there are other aspects that take a little more out of me. For instance, if I am choosing to write about something that has been stressing me out it can either be a weight lifted or it can force me to deal with the stressor head on. If I don’t want to get too deep then maybe I will try meditating or watching a TV show or even listening to music. Read on to see my top five ways to mentally cleanse.

One of the simplest and quickest ways to clear my mind and refocus is to meditate. Now when I talk meditation it can come in many forms. Sure, there are times when I want to sit in lotus pose, in my room, in the dark, with only candles lit, and meditate but I can’t always have as dramatic of a set up. Sometimes I only have a few moments to spare when I’m on the train going to work or when I am in-between school assignments. In these moments I try to close my eyes and focus on my breathing. I think to myself “Inhale peace, exhale stress and anxiety”. For me, meditation is far more mental than anything else. If meditating on the go doesn’t work for you then I would suggest dedicating 15 minutes, either in the morning or at night before bed, to yourself for meditating. It may not seem like a lot now but those 15 minutes can make or break your mindset for the day.

Another thing that I have found helpful is music. When I’m stressed or tired or just wanting an escape I can always turn on music and completely zone out. Cleaning my mind doesn’t necessarily mean clearing it completely, however. Sometimes cleaning your mind can simply be ridding it of the background noise and making that little voice in your head shut up for a bit. The music can literally be anything that pleases you. You can listen to nature sounds (my favorite is the rain or ocean) or instrumentals, classical music, electric guitars, songs for your mood (i.e. sad songs or love songs), or inspirational songs. With music it more so rids your mind of the extra thoughts and puts you into the mindset that you choose. Sometimes that little voice in our heads can be too much for the moment.

Something new I am trying is to stay off of social media for a set period of time. When I stay off of social media it allows me to live in the moment and focus on what I have going on in my life as opposed to everyone else’s. I don’t inadvertently see anybody’s drama or any negative posts. It can be refreshing. On the other hand, sometimes when we are upset we just want and escape and social media can be tempting but does that really help whatever situation we are in? The best thing about social media is that it’s not going anywhere. Once you log back on to social media after taking a break for your 30-minute TV show or your lunch date everything will still be right there waiting for you.  Unplug. Let your mental batteries recharge every once in a while.

While you are unplugging perhaps you can take advantage of my next mind cleaning exercise and that is going outside. Now, I am a country gal so I love being outside in nature and the earth. Fresh air, sunshine, cardio, nature parks, the zoo, the beach, the park, the things to do outside are unlimited. Of course, my favorite is the beach. It’s just something about the smell of salt water in the air and the sound of the waves breaking on the shore that immediately calms me and reminds me of home. Tell me in the comments where your favorite outdoor spot is!

Lastly, when I want to clean my mind I turn to a creative outlet. It’s no surprise that I like to write but I have also been dancing ever since I was a child. Sometimes I prefer to dance out what I’m feeling because it produces a different kind of release. With writing, I have to think of words or concepts or examples to explain how I am feeling and what I am going through. When I am dancing I can completely go somewhere else and let my body move in ways dictated by the music. I don’t have to think of where to place my arm or if my feet are turned out or what I am going to do next. I just move and allow myself to be moved by the music.

It doesn’t have to be dancing or writing in order for you to mentally cleanse. It can be drawing, hoola hooping, exercise, music, writing, photography, designing, doing hair and/or makeup, science, math, blogging, making YouTube videos, whatever. If you are passionate about it and it’s what you love, do it. You will feel such a weight lifted when you are done. As with the meditation, try to give yourself 15 minutes a day for a creative release.

So, there you have it. That is how I am spring cleaning my mind. I don’t find time to do all of these things everyday but if I can fit at least one of them in per day it helps. Now if you will excuse me, I’m off to do some quick meditation. Let me know what you want me to spring clean next.

~Tea