“If the structures of the human mind remain unchanged, we will always end up recreating the same world, the same evils, the same dysfunction.”- Eckhart Tolle

Thoughts can be very distracting.  Their dangerous subtlety can quickly sneak up like a shadow in the dark taking you by surprise and demanding your attention.   You can end up being quite absorbed in an endless borage of mindless thoughts preventing you from living in the moment.

Always being in your mind consumes energy that could be used in a more productive way and even your body will feel the repercussions as tension and fatigue sets in.  This can become a huge obstacle to making any sort of forward motion in your life.

Learning to calm your mind will free up space and time in your life.  The irritable, grouchy mood you couldn’t seem to shake will even become a happier disposition as your life begins to flow with ease and grace.

Here’s are 8 tips to help your clear your mind so you can get more done and be happier:

1.  Write Your Thoughts Down 

This point can not be emphasized enough.  Externalizing your thoughts, whether negative or positive, can help you see them more clearly.  When you are done consciously let it go by throwing it away or burning it.  Visualize them leaving and your psyche becoming lighter.

2.  Giving Your Thoughts a Home

When you notice the same thought spiraling in your head focus your attention on it for a brief moment.  Really look at it to see what it is.  Is there something you can do about it?  If so then write it on your to-do list.

If it doesn’t require immediate action file it away in your mind.  Find a place for it mentally.  Visualize some sort of filing system-drawers, file cabinets, or a closet.  Put that thought in the appropriate location.  When you need it you will know where it is filed.

3.   Make a List

We have all heard this so many times!  Have a to-do list you carry around with you.  When something comes to mind that you have to do write it down.  Scratch the items off the list as you go.  This also allows you to see your progress so you can begin to feel like you are moving forward.

Happiness

4.  Meditate

This can be done for as little as a few minutes a few times a day.   Meditation can simply be to slow down, breath, relax, come into your body, and clear your mind.  This is especially beneficial to do before you go to bed and sleep better with a peaceful mind.

5.  Be Creative

Get our of your head by expressing your creativity in the form of painting, drawing, singing, and other self expressions of what flows through your creative juices.  You might be pleasantly surprised at how creative you really are.

6.  Be Active

Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride.  The idea is to get up and start moving.  You might notice that you will even come up with a couple of solutions to that nagging problem you couldn’t figure out.

7.  Talk to Someone

Call a friend or family member to talk about what’s on your mind.  Talking, venting, sharing, and simply listening to youselve out loud can help you solve an issue.  Often times, you even end up answering your own question.

8.  Laughter is Good Medicine

Above all, remember to not take yourself too seriously.  Laugh at your mistakes and silliness.  Laughter opens up the energetic channels of the body and will often reveal in the funniest of ways the right path to take.

By practicing these tips every day you will notice your mind become more silent and your body become more energized as you look forward to the day ahead of you.

Be happy-Be well!

by Joaquina W.