From getting groceries for supper to picking the kids at school while trying to meet that tight work deadline, a lot goes on in our heads, and most times, we don’t know where to begin.
We’re usually prepared for these things until there’s a sudden meeting with the boss or a flat tire on the way home. So, while trying to do these new tasks you didn’t plan for, you start to fall behind on initial tasks.
We often live more than the daily time we have. You read it right. 24 hours is not always enough and that’s why you find yourself working late when you clearly ought to be in bed and you eventually become stressed and start to slow up on tasks as they stack up and you become overwhelmed and unable to focus on the things that matter.
So, if you ever find yourself in that imaginary pool of thoughts where you don’t know which is what or what is which, these 6 simple tips can help clear out the clog and focus your attention on the important tasks ahead:
1. Make a To-do list
Making a to-do list is a pretty obvious way to schedule your day and effectively manage your time. Everyone and their mom know this. But making a to-do list alone is not enough.
People often make plans and don’t end up sticking to them. It’s true to-do lists are important in making your day easier and unclogging the mind but you can often spend more time than planned on tasks especially when there’s a lot of research involved, then you end up shuffling one task for another or even forget them as more tasks queue up.
A good practice is adding extra time to the time you intend to spend on tasks even though you might not actually spend that much time. Better safe than sorry!
2. Write a journal
Sometimes you can often get a nagging feeling lingering at the back of your mind and clogging your mental wheel as you try to think. Writing about your day can help address that.
Writing a journal detailing daily encounters, challenges, or accomplishments can help you identify and address the cause of it.
You can also write about things you’d done, which project gave you a tough time, how many tasks you were able to complete, tasks you hope to complete in the future, how you hope to complete them.
Writing a journal can help you get a good grip on long-term and short-term objectives
3. Try Meditating
Meditation is key to mindfulness and you’d be surprised how well a couple of calm breaths in and out can help work wonders on the mind.
You don’t have to be a guru to start your meditative journey. Find a quiet space and breathe slowly as if you’re trying to relax because… you are! Focus on your breathing as you clear your head of all thoughts and revel in the tranquil stillness.
Meditation can help increase self-awareness and get rid of negative feelings and emotions. You’ll get a clearer view of things when you meditate.
Also read: How Yoga and Meditation Can Help Addiction Recovery
4. Take a walk
You are more likely to make irrational decisions when you have too much on your mind. So, don’t quit that job just yet. Take a walk first.
Walking is an essential part of us. Walking helps us get things done, escape when things go south, and can also help us clear our heads.
Whether you decide to take a walk to the park or a couple of miles out and back, it doesn’t matter, as long as you’re walking and keeping an open mind.
Walking can help clean up your thoughts and help you see things differently. Who knows, you might just decide to keep that job after all.
5. Talk to a friend
Just like walking, communication is also an integral part of our lives. It is how we set our thoughts free.
Expressing how you feel to a friend or someone you trust can help you feel better, less burdened, and get rid of all that mental stress.
Your friend might be able to help figure out the underlying thoughts clogging your mind.
6. Tap the Airplane button
I’m just so glad mobile devices come with this option. It’s such a lifesaver! God knows how many calls and texts I’ve brushed with this button, and you can do the same too!
Distractions are usually the reason you can’t seem to remember what you’re looking for in the kitchen or why you’re standing there talking to your colleague. These distractions are sometimes caused by the number of notifications and calls we get daily.
Don’t be afraid to tap the airplane button once in a while and have that little ‘me’ time you need to unclog your mind and plan ahead.
Michael Bankole is a health/lifestyle writer. He seeks to help all colors of people live better lives. When he’s not researching, reading, or writing, you’ll catch him listening to music and humming along. You can also catch him on Twitter.
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