How to Declutter Your Mind: Strategies to Reduce Mental Load
Many of us, especially moms, struggle with the overwhelming mental load that comes with juggling multiple responsibilities. The constant buzzing in our minds, the never-ending to-do lists, and the feeling of being pulled in every direction can leave us mentally exhausted and unable to find peace, especially when it's time to sleep.
In the latest episode of Sleep Like a Boss podcast, we were joined by Sarah Dew, the Unapologetic Mompreneur, to explore the concept of mental load and she shared three effective strategies to declutter our minds and reduce the mental burden.
Sarah is a life + biz coach for mompreneurs helping them take back their time, home, biz and self so they can reclaim their power, restore the balance and THRIVE both at home and at work WITHOUT feeling like they have to choose between the two whilst unapologetically creating the life they want for themselves and their family - WITHOUT worrying about what other people think.
A certified master life coach, goal success coach, podcast host, self-published author and the founder of The Unapologetic Mompreneur, Sarah is also a mum, stepmum, wife, introvert, breast cancer survivor and the fur mama to two (somewhat lazy!) French
Understanding Mental Load
Mental load refers to the mental burden of managing and remembering all the tasks, responsibilities, and obligations in our lives. As women, we often find ourselves shouldering the responsibility of organizing and executing various aspects of our families, homes, and businesses. This constant mental clutter can lead to feelings of overwhelm, fatigue, and difficulty in prioritizing and focusing.
Strategy 1: Master Task List
Creating a master task list is a powerful tool to declutter our minds and gain clarity. This list should include everything we need to do, organize, and remember. By transferring our thoughts onto paper, we free up mental space and prevent the mental load from building up. It is recommended to review and update this list regularly, prioritizing tasks and breaking them down into manageable chunks. By focusing on the most important tasks each day, we can avoid feeling overwhelmed and celebrate our accomplishments.
Strategy 2: Closing Out Your Day
Taking the time to close out your day is essential for mental clarity and restful sleep. Spend a few minutes at the end of each day to review what you have accomplished, celebrate your wins, and acknowledge your progress. This practice helps you draw a line under your work, signaling to your brain that you are done for the day. Additionally, use this time to identify your top priorities for the following day, ensuring a smooth start and a sense of accomplishment right from the beginning.
“As women, we often find ourselves shouldering the responsibility of organizing and executing various aspects of our families, homes, and businesses. This constant mental clutter can lead to feelings of overwhelm, fatigue, and difficulty in prioritizing and focusing.”
Strategy 3: Prepping for Tomorrow
Prepping for the next day is a proactive way to reduce mental load and set yourself up for success. Take a few moments each evening to prepare for the next day. This can include organizing your gym clothes, packing lunches, or placing keys by the front door. By completing these small tasks, you eliminate unnecessary stress and create a sense of calm and control. Prepping for tomorrow allows you to start your day feeling prepared, energized, and ready to tackle your responsibilities.
Reducing mental load is crucial for maintaining mental well-being, achieving work-life balance, and getting restful sleep. By implementing the strategies discussed here you can declutter your mind and reclaim control over your life.
If you want to connect with Sarah or learn more about her work, make sure to visit her Instagram and Facebook. And if you’re looking for more strategies to take back your time and restore the balance in your live, make sure to check out Sarah’s podcast
The Unapologetic Mompreneur Podcast.
