Download Article
Download Article
Sometimes it can feel like your head is too cluttered. With work, school, and/or a busy schedule, things are bound to get jumbled every once and a while! Anxious and intrusive thoughts fueled by stress can put a big damper on your day, but there are plenty of things you can do to clear your mind and calm things down. From journaling to talking it out, we’ll teach you how to mindfully distract yourself from worrying thoughts. All you have to do is take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and keep reading.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow can I empty my mind?Michelle Shahbazyan is the Founder of The LA Life Coach, a concierge life, family, and career coaching service based in Los Angeles, California. She has over 10 years of experience with life coaching, consulting, motivational speaking, and matchmaking. She has a BA in Applied Psychology and an MS in Building Construction and Technology Management from Georgia Tech University, and a MA in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate University.Write everything down that you're thinking of. That way, you can manage your list and tackle each thing one at a time.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Reader Videos
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
References
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/how-to-stop-worrying.htm
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm
- ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response
- ↑ Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Life Coach, Author, and Speaker. Expert Interview. 18 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm
- ↑ Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Life Coach, Author, and Speaker. Expert Interview. 18 March 2020.
- ↑ https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2016/The-Impact-of-Music-Therapy-on-Mental-Health
- ↑ https://www.unr.edu/counseling/virtual-relaxation-room/releasing-stress-through-the-power-of-music
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
- ↑ https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/crafting-for-stress-relief
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/manage-social-support
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/howtoimprovementalhealth.html
- ↑ https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/p/pets-and-mental-health
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2022/01/why-we-continue-to-rely-on-and-love-to-do-lists
- ↑ https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/12/24/678232331/if-you-feel-thankful-write-it-down-its-good-for-your-health
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/how-to-stop-worrying.htm
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/how-to-stop-worrying.htm
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truisms-wellness/201607/the-powerful-psychology-behind-cleanliness
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/benefits-of-mindfulness.htm
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/alternative-and-integrative-health/two-mindfulness-meditation-exercises-to-try
- ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/stress/treatment-for-stress/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To clear your mind, start by closing your eyes or focusing intensely on an object in the distance. Then, try some deep breathing exercises by taking a deep breath, holding it for a few moments, and slowly exhaling. If you have trouble sitting still, try walking meditation, or a form of yoga to help clear your mind. Additionally, some people find that playing a sport or making a game out of an activity, like cleaning your room, can help to ease anxiety. For tips on finding clarity through personal exploration, read on!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 750,334 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Thank you for this nice article. I also do write my thoughts and then I throw them away. It works perfectly well for me, but discipline is important. Thank you also for the picture of an obese person. Its a way to represent the diversity of humankind.." ..." more
Advertisement
87%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"Thank you for this nice article. I also do write my thoughts and then I throw them away. It works perfectly well for me, but discipline is important. Thank you also for the picture of an obese person. Its a way to represent the diversity of humankind.."
..."
more
"It's just awesome. I feel better since I changed my lifestyle. Go to sleep earlier, write in your diary, wake up at 4:30 AM, go for an 1 hour run with music and yourself, get back, take a shower, go to work or school. You are gonna get better!"
..."
more
"I found being with a pet a very good way of clearing the mind and distracting one's self from thoughts which nag at the conscience of the human being. The others were very good methods as well."
..."
more
"I used to be much more relaxed few years ago when i had started meditation. This article reminded me of that sensation, and made me realize what i was missing. Once again, saved by wikiHow..."
..."
more
"My mind was a wreck. I was constantly worried about life and wasn't living in the moment. The throwing-away-my-thoughts technique and writing everything down really helps."
..."
more
