6 Most-Effective Ways To Stop Thinking & Clear Your Mind
Find some peace.
Yolya Ilyasova / Shutterstock Desperate to learn how to clear your mind? You are not alone.
Everyone is stressed, and everyone knows how much stress can impact your quality of life. Clearing your mind will definitely benefit you in the short and long term.
But how can you do it?
Here are 6 ways to clear your mind.
1. Practice mindfulness.
You can easily calm your mind by practicing mindfullness. But what does mindfulness even mean?
Mindfulness allows you to stay focused in the present moment.
Meditating is an example of practicing mindfulness.
But if meditation isn't for you, you can easily focus on your senses or on your breath.
Close your eyes, count to ten, and clear your mind. Goodbye troubles. Hello, reduced stress.
2. Discuss your problems.
Discussing your problems is a great way to stop thinking in your head.
Expressing your feelings is a great way to lighten the load that’s plaguing your mind.
Spiritual Life Coach and Clinical Hypnotherapist Keya Murthy explains that "discussing your problems with others who care can be uplifting and also provide relief."
"It’s a great destresser," she continues, "reducing feelings of loss, stuckness, and overwhelm."
Sometimes it helps to lay your problems out to someone else because it helps you look at things rationally.
It’s difficult to be logical when you’re swamped with emotions. Bouncing ideas off someone else can help you get logical.
If you feel like clearing your mind is a consistent struggle for you, you should definitely consider talking to a therapist.
A therapist can help you identify negative thought patterns and strategize ways to break free from them.
3. Exercise.
Doing a little bit of physical exercise every day can help you clear your mind and stop thinking.
Expert Lisa Newman, a positive psychology practitioner specializing in eating behavior and body acceptance, advises getting "into your body as a method of getting out of your head."
"There are many ways to do this," she explains, "but a simple practice is to shift attention away from your thoughts and to what you are feeling in your body."
Going for a long run or taking a quick 15-minute walk around your neighborhood are both great options.
You don't have to overload yourself to benefit from exercise. The point is not to lose weight or build muscle — it's to focus on unfocusing.
4. Clean your room.
If you are messy, don't beat yourself up about it. Everyone is different, and being tidy and organized is a skill — one that takes practice.
But cleaning up is worth it, as studies have shown that a clean house can lead to a clear mind.
"Make it a daily practice to tidy your space for five to fifteen minutes," Murthy suggests.
"Imagine or visualize as you tidy one area of your external space," she continues, "you are tidying your inner space and reducing redundancy within."
It's a great way to get yourself in a focused headspace. You wouldn't overthink how to clean your room, would you?
5. Listen to music.
Another perfect way to relieve stress is to listen to music. Rock out in your room, why don't you?
Listening to music can improve your mood and relieve stress.
6. Write things down.
Writing down your feelings is a great way to process your emotions. Putting your feelings into words helps you stop thinking in your head.
Journaling has been proven to help reduce intrusive thoughts, in addition to reducing stress.
Izzy Casey is a writer who covers pop culture and entertainment for YourTango.