Mindfulness is “having awareness of the present moment or experience with kindness and curiosity.” Another way to say this is to “pay attention on purpose to right now without judgment.” Multi-tasking contributes to the clutter in our brains. Although we believe that we are more efficient when we are doing more than one thing at a time, the reality is we are less efficient. We miss important details and are more forgetful.
In her article 10 Ways to Clear Your Mind Without Meditating, Melissa Eisler shares 10 simple activities that clear and unclog the mind of clutter. We are constantly thinking and when our brain gets too much clutter, it becomes harder to think. We become stressed and overwhelmed. These mindfulness suggestions are so simple, that they are worth trying.
My favorite is #10 which suggests handwriting a note of gratitude to someone. Before writing, she suggests being mindful of the person. Picture them in your mind and recognize the feelings that the image invokes. Write down adjectives that describe them, words or phrases that come to mind, or sentiments that you want to share.
Handwritten notes are so rare today that receiving one is bound to be a pleasant surprise. In the past handwritten notes were works of art. Letters would be written using lavish strokes of the pen. The wording would flow, like the ink, with creativity and imagination. The recipient would feel the sentiment as if the words were spoken directly.
Ms. Eisler’s suggestions are wonderful. I would like to share one of my own. Look out of a window or better yet, sit outside in a quiet area. As you look around notice all of the different colors and hues in nature. Bring your awareness and attention to the various shades of green. You may see green on grass, leaves, or plants insects. There are many different shades of green. As you focus on the color green try to count the different shades that you see.
I would love to hear how these suggestions helped you to clear your mind of clutter and caused you to relax.
I also invite you to download your free copy of “Stress is Personal; Your Personal Starter Guide to Stress Relief.” This 36 page guide will give you activities that will help you to prevent, manage, and relieve overwhelming stress.
For more suggestions, join the “Get Through the Day Without Losing It” 7 Day Challenge. Go beyond counting to 10 when you are pushed to the limit. Learn healthy ways to calm your mind and relax your body in 30 minutes or less. Click here to sign up and receive your first session.
Marcyline Bailey created the Happy Half Hour Club for “hardworking professionals who want to be happy.” We provide stress relieving tips and techniques to calm your mind and relax your body in 30 minutes or less. Join our Facebook group to share comments, questions, and suggestions or to just say hello. Click here to receive tips directly in your inbox.