Feeling Overwhelmed? Here Are 6 Tips You Can Use to Declutter Your Mind

By Tatenda

-

Last Updated: April 3, 2025

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Do you often feel overwhelmed and unable to focus on any one thing?

If yes, that could mean that your mind is cluttered and has a lot of brain ‘tabs’ open and you might need to close some of them down. The question is ‘How?’

From too much social media to trying to multitask to holding on to old issues from our past, adding to our mind clutter is not hard. But how do we start sweeping it out so we can feel less overwhelmed? 

“Clutter is not just physical stuff. It’s old ideas, toxic relationships and bad habits. It’s anything that does not support your better self.” — Eleanor Brown

 

 

What is a Cluttered Mind? 

Every thought has the potential to become clutter if we don’t have the ability to properly organize our thoughts. 

It is normal for us to have random thoughts throughout the day.

Considering that we live in a fast paced world, our mind goes all over the place, from “what should I cook for dinner,” or “do I look fat in these pants,” to “am I a good parent?” in a short space of time. We are surrounded by many things that stimulate us.  

However, when these thoughts take over our ability to focus on anything, it becomes a problem.

Signs of a cluttered mind can include:

  • Racing thoughts
  • Focusing on the negative thoughts and emotions (such as anger, resentment, guilt, inadequacy and emptiness)
  • Inability to focus and lack of clarity
  • Feeling demotivated

A cluttered mind results in us wasting time thinking about and stressing over things that are beyond our control.

On top of that, it makes us emotionally and physically exhausted and confused. We spend a lot of time in our heads and become less present, which hinders us from effectively connecting with ourselves and those around us. 

However, it’s important to note that these thought patterns can also be attributed to mental disorders such as:

  • anxiety disorders
  • OCD
  • PTSD
  • depression
  • and ADHD among many others

If you are really struggling with any of these tips or ideas, or even if you're not, it could be a good idea to speak to your doctor or a professional about prolonged and intense feelings of being overwhelmed. 

 

 

6 Ways to Declutter Your Mind & Feel Less Overwhelmed

There has been a lot of loud conversation about minimalism and the benefits of leading a minimalist life, which is great.

However, a large part of this discussion has been around materialistic minimalism and decluttering. Unfortunately, it is not only our homes and closets that need to be decluttered.

Removing the non-essential stuff from our minds is important and it helps us focus on things that matter. It also makes us feel a lot less overwhelmed and more motivated. 

Here are some tips to help you declutter your mind and lead a more balanced and purposeful life. 

 

1. Reduce your social media time.

It is with no doubt that we get a lot of stimulation and ‘ideas’ from social media. Sadly, a lot of stimulation can fill up our brain - causing clutter. Subconsciously, we also start to compare ourselves with the versions of people which they present on social media (most of which are not real).

We start feeling less than and our self esteem can start tanking. This results in us feeling stressed and anxious. 

Studies have shown that limiting the time we spend on social media reduces loneliness and depression.

Monitor and limit the time you spend on social media and delete accounts that don't contribute to your general well-being. When using social media, be selective about the material you consume and follow accounts that bring positivity. 

 

2. Limit multitasking.

On the surface, multitasking might seem like an effective way of getting a lot done. Unfortunately, studies have proven that multitasking actually reduces productivity and efficiency.

Think back to the time you tried to text while driving or respond to emails while on a call and trying to browse through the internet to find the perfect gift. 

Multitasking fills our brain with a lot of stimulation and limits our attention span, which increases brain clutter.

Consider creating a simple to-do list and designating time for each task.

This way, you don't get carried away with one task and ignore the others. You avoid mental overload and increase your productivity. 

 

3. Declutter your environment.

If you pay close attention you will notice that clutter in your environment and work space is correlated with clutter in your brain. Physical clutter feeds our mind with excessive stimuli and always reminds us that there is something else we need to do. 

If you’ve been contemplating tidying up your place, now is the time to do so. 

 

4. Jot your thoughts down. 

As mentioned earlier, having a lot of thoughts randomly floating in our head is one of the trademarks of a cluttered mind.

Things like appointments, ideas and to-do lists can flood our brain. Writing these thoughts down takes them out of our heads - which is exactly what we need when decluttering our mind. 

 

5. Let go of the past.

We tend to hold on to the past a lot and that adds to the mind clutter.

We think of the:

  • times we embarrassed ourselves
  • opportunities we missed
  • instances where we misunderstood people
  • people we’ve treated unfairly and so on

Yes, not all things in our past make us happy, but at some point we have to let go. 

Holding on to the past does not serve us and it only clutters up our present. Take some time to go through all the past encounters that are taking up space in your mind and work towards letting them go. 

 

6. Practice meditation and mindfulness.

Practicing meditation and mindfulness might not be easy at first but the more you practice, the better and more rewarding it becomes.

Learn to be still and direct your focus on one thing or one thought. Throughout the day, occasionally stop and take a deep breath, then slowly exhale. This helps you redirect your thoughts and focus on what needs your attention. 

 

 

You Don't Have to Feel Overwhelmed!

A cluttered mind gets in the way of us focusing on what is really important in the moment.

We've all become used to feeling overwhelmed by all the tempting stimulation out there, so don't feel like you're alone in this.

Whether you're going to sort through some old baggage, or want to begin limiting your social media exposure (Or just unfollow those unhelpful, negative accounts.), just start somewhere! 

Use these tips and lead a more fulfilling and productive life. Remember, the goal is not to ‘empty’ your mind. But, to start practicing the skills you need to better organize and prioritize your thoughts. 

Did any of our tips resonate with you? Let us know in the comments below! 

Editor's Note: This article was originally published Jun 14, 2022 and has been updated to improve reader experience.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

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  • Jennifer T says:

    This article was very helpful. It gave me the push I needed .

  • Fiona Alderman says:

    Your recent days posts have been extremely helpful and apt.I have just lost my partner and friend of nearly 40 years and am feeling very overwhelmed.I look forward to your daily Motivation, they really have helped Thank you

  • Darrel says:

    You brought my attention to some things I need to changes.

  • Annie says:

    Yes, learning transendental meditation has helped me enormously and allowed me to put everything I am/do/inspire to be into focus.
    My thanks.

  • MOSES KAREMA says:

    I thank you so much. This what every one should read in times like these. I mean, sickness, bills, wars, hatred, relationships, finances, debts, poitics ...etc. But... nothing has any meaning unless the meaning we give it. I think if we give empowering meaning to some of the things that improve our lives, we would better be on the side of Engels.

    Dr V Norman Peal once said, ''You can not stop birds from flying over you heard but certainly one can stop them from entering in one's ears''

  • Mei C says:

    Thank you, coverage of this topic is much needed in this particularly time, I think 70% of us suffer from overwhelm at sometime or even daily basis!it brings some grounding to our incessant thoughts..

  • Yarbrough Valerie says:

    I love your daily motivations this wa really helpful I really want to learn how to meditate successfully I try but negative thoughts seem to come back all the time

  • Karen says:

    This article was very helpful and I will start implementing these practices.

  • Cassia says:

    Excellent article. People are so conditioned to multitasking and taking in more than they should it's like they don't feel the difference or why they feel off in their head. I have done that since the pandemic started in 2020 and it has been essential to finding my new normal amidst it all. Nonetheless, when I suggested to some people who were complaining about being "losing control" and balance, I was criticized under the statement that they "wanted to be in the loop". We all have our priorities, and we have our free will to choose what is essential for our well-being or not. But if one chooses to be in the middle of the hurricane, please do not come to your friends wanting to "vent" all the overwhelm you yourself is bringing into your own life. #self-preservation is key to balance in life.

    • Sarah @ Daily Motivation says:

      Well said Cassia! Taking accountability for what the situations we have control over is an important step in personal development. And you make a great point about drawing your own boundaries. If people just want to complain and not help themselves, then they have themselves to blame. For many people, the pandemic forced us to SLOW DOWN. It's cool to hear what you have learned and applied to your own life to come out ahead. Wishing you so much luck on your journey 🙂

  • Evelina says:

    Wow..very true and very helpful..thank you so much.

  • Patti Nimetz says:

    Very helpful article, it's grounding, just what I need. Thank You.

  • Mike Ivey says:

    This article will help me tremendously! Thank you.

  • Styole says:

    Thank you i needed this today

  • Katibe says:

    Thank-you for this well-written article to integrate into our daily lives for well-being.

  • Pamela says:

    It's almost as if the writers can read my mind. Every day i read these motivational messages and they are usually spot on what i am going through at that time! I don't know how your doing it, but please don't stop. You have my permission to read my mind Any time!! 😉 it really helps!!

    • Sarah @ Daily Motivation says:

      We CAN read your mind Pamela!! Just kidding, but we love that we are on the same wavelength, especially if it's giving you support. Thank you for checking in and we'll keep motivating you 🙂

    • Su says:

      Oh my gosh! That’s exactly how I feel! The messages seem to apply to me personally somehow and I get totally reassured after reading it! Seems like the Universe is talking to the bunch of people collectively and yet individually through this blog/ post/ website. I’m great at motivating others but can sometimes not apply that on myself so this helps tremendously in seeing the bright side.
      Thank you guys! Keep doing what you do however you are doing it! It’s a blessing ❤️

      • Sarah @ Daily Motivation says:

        Thank YOU Su! Hearing that our site is helping people even a little bit makes such a huge difference for us. And to your thought - it's so hard for most of us to self-motivate and even to be kind to ourselves, where it feels so easy to give those things to others. Keep at it! You are worth it! And thank you for your support. Take care 🙂

  • Teri says:

    Love these motivational messages. I find it helps me redirect my energy to focus on things with potential to experience an overall sense of well being. It’s the “ reboot” I need daily and find meaning it what I’m seeking! Keep them coming! Sincerely thankful!

  • Aroha says:

    I gotta say that I don't read the motivational messages everyday but when I do, it always seems to be on point and helpful. Nga mihi
    Thank You.

  • NUALA PINSON says:

    6/1/2023 and this is the first time that I have seen this article!.
    My intension was to look at my emails and limit the time to 20 mins. and then 'tidy up'. Yes, I suffer from overwhelm. I also started with an affirmation. Then I am excited to read the video and see the exact thoughts that are in my head. Now optimistic that at the age of 86 I will finish my literary work. I have just found out that I have ADHD but I can manage that. Thank you so much for your generous sharing of wisdom.

    • Sarah @ Daily Motivation says:

      Well we're so happy you connected with the article and video Nuala! It sounds like you have a terrific mindset and you are working on your own overwhelm, which is really all we can do! Keep practicing and learning, and we wish you luck on that literary work as well. Take care!

  • Harriet says:

    Take it to the Lord in prayer

  • Rosalidah says:

    Thank everyone for helping us in times , iam grateful for the daily blessings I receive.

    • Sarah @ Daily Motivation says:

      We are grateful for YOU Rosalidah! We're so happy you're feeling supported by our community. Thank you for being here 🙂

  • Anne Hewitson says:

    Hello Nuala - I hope you have been able to declutter your mind somewhat and that you have been able to concentrate on the important things: your literary work for instance 🙂 I never reply to posts in general but I hope you will be able to read this (from a 63-year-old, who also suffers from overwhelm). Kind wishes - Anne

  • Karen A Shelton says:

    Making a prioritized list helps me tremendously! Also breaking down a task into smaller steps makes it not so overwhelming. For example cleaning out my closet #1 sort through shoes. #2 hats belts and accessories #3 tops. And so on.

    • Sarah @ Daily Motivation says:

      That's great advice, Karen! Breaking things down into smaller pieces can make the whole thing seem more achievable, and then you can feel awesome when you've A. gotten started and B. completed even some of it. Thank you for your helpful comment 🙂

  • Anna says:

    So grateful for all the sharing ❤️

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