We can all have the potential to become scatterbrained, especially during the really busy seasons. There are no longer non-busy seasons, we have busy, very busy and the really busy season(s). I know when I hit a really busy season because I find myself asking the front reception desk for a temporary badge, we are out of laundry detergent at the house for a week, and I find myself pacing down isle 7 in Target then stop and say to myself “What in the world did I come in here for?”

Outside of an increased dosage of Adderall, what can we do to ensure our thoughts don’t travel at the speed of light in every different direction?

These five practices have helped my scatterbrain go in reverse:

1.       The “Stop and Think” practice

Literally, every time I leave the house or office I pause for a few seconds to stop and think. I ask myself, “Where am I going and do I have everything I need?” That practice of pausing for a few seconds has saved me a lot of time and energy, or reminding me of that email or call I have to return. We are so consumed with the clock that we tend to rush here and there and the goal becomes to beat the clock. Typically, when we do get to the next place, after we have a second to pause, this comes to mind… “Shoot, I forgot…” I have two signs hanging up at my house by the side door (the one we always go out of). One says “Every Day is a Gift” and the other says “Stop and Think.”

2.       Hide your head for 10 min every day

Hide your head in a book, some motivational material, funny quotes, something that peaks your interest and can feed your mind with positivity. Wrap your head in truth, wisdom and practical life principles. By doing this you wrap your mind up like you would a sore knee. You are placing your mind in a cocoon so that a positive metamorphosis can take place.

3.       Release people and situations out of your control

Frustration can set in when we can’t dictate to our surroundings what we feel needs to happen. So, practice patience by allowing people around you to do something other than what you feel they should be doing. That’s a tall order but what it does is releases you from pressure. I don’t mean to say become passive or simply ignore reality, rather find the balance of staying engaged with people and your surroundings but not letting them control your mood, feelings or lifestyle. The bottom line is that the only things you can control are your own thoughts, attitude and responses.  

4.       Get outdoors

This time of year is great weather. I love the outdoors any time of year, but now certainly is great time to enjoy being outside. Making it a point to be outside has a way of naturally reducing stress. Being out in the open has a way of opening us up. The beauty of nature naturally does it for us! Even if it’s taking a walk in the evening, sitting outside at a restaurant, enjoying a Tuesday stretch for 10 minutes outside, it’s worth it! I like to look at the entire year and get my fill of the beach, the mountains and the parks.

5.       Clear the clutter

I have become a big fan of the Container Store. Clearing the clutter around you helps to clear the mind of clutter. In college I used to read over my notes for 10-15 minutes every night and found that I didn’t have to spend hours cramming the night before tests. I have taken that example and applied it to my home. If I clean clutter for 10 minutes in the morning and in the evening, I rarely have to have one big clean. As a single parent, I have had to implement ways to keep the house up. I do that by getting the kids involved in all of the house not just their rooms. We have chore charts but we also make it fun. We do a nightly 10 minute “house rescue” after dinner with loud music. I get a little crazy sometimes and even tie sponges on their feet and give them spray cleaner and let them go to town.

Use these simple tips and create some of your own! You will find that even during the really busy season, your mind doesn’t have to get caught up in a whirlwind.