What is the process of cleaning your thoughts, and how does it nurture mental growth?
Cleaning your thoughts is a process of decluttering your mind and mindset. It's not about forgetting the bad things that have happened to you in life. Instead, it's an act of letting go of the attachment to those experiences so they don't impact who you are and how you live your life today.
Moreover, it is about getting rid of old habits and patterns that no longer serve our highest good. And finally, it's about clearing out space for new ways of thinking and living that feel more authentic to who we really are.
The act of cleaning one's thoughts can be done in many different ways, but it requires a certain amount of mental training. The determination to hold on, no matter what and a mental training coach can make this process smooth and effective for you.
How to clean your thoughts?
First, you need to zoom out. That means taking a step back and looking at what is causing negative emotions and how these emotions are affecting your life.
When we're clear about the underlying cause of our problems, we can then set goals and intentions toward a more desirable outcome: career-wise, financially, physically, etc. This bears significance because once we start focusing on specific actions instead of generalizations ("I never get hired"), then clean thoughts follow suit.
Next comes the important process of clearing our minds by removing clutter that distracts us and by staying focused on what matters most right now. Let's take a look at some of the ways to do this:
1. Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness is the act of being aware of your thoughts and surroundings. It involves being aware of the present moment whilst acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations at that moment, without judgement.
To practice meditation, set aside a few minutes per day—ideally, first thing in the morning when you're still fresh mentally—to sit quietly with your eyes closed and focus on your breath - the life force within us all. This doesn't mean that you won't be distracted, but your job is to be a kind and unattached observer, gently bringing your attention back to the breath.
2. Journaling
Journaling is a great way of getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. It can be a great way to process emotions by helping you ruminate on your life in general. It can also help you identify patterns in your thoughts, which can help you make changes.
If writing seems to be a very daunting task in the initial stages, try talking to yourself in the mirror. It can be super uncomfortable at first but really insightful and revelatory as you persist with this approach.
3. Resting and Sleeping
You need to give your mind a break to clean your thoughts. Sleep is just about the best thing for this. Your body needs sleep for recovery and repair (7-8 hours at least)—but a good night's sleep allows your brain to function better. In addition to helping with mental clarity and awareness, getting plenty of rest can improve memory and decision-making skills.
To have better quality sleep:
● Keep your bedroom dark—use blackout shades or an eye mask if necessary
● Use soft lighting or no lights at all when it's time to go to bed
● Avoid caffeine after 2 PM; avoid alcohol before bedtime
4. Walking, running, and physical activity
Walking and running are great for your mind. The release of endorphins from physical activity is a boon for our mental health—it makes you feel so good after you've been running or working out. And we all know that when we're feeling happy, it's easier to focus on what's important and ignore distractions.
You don't have to do it alone - Get a life coach near you
Remember, there are no perfect solutions to mental health, and everyone is going to have their own journey!
But having said that, a life coach can help you readjust and realign yourself when things become tricky and thoughts too overwhelming. Do consider checking out Leigh Stafford's Life Coaching Program if you are keen to elevate your functioning and experience clarity of thought.