7 Ways to Clear Your Mind when You Feel Overwhelmed ...

Is the sky outside clear? No problem. One of the ways to clear your mind is to take a trip to rainymood.com, plug in your headphones, and listen to the sounds of the rain. Don’t let yourself think about all of your problems and your long to-do list. For a few minutes, the only thing you’re allowed to do is listen to the sound of raindrops and let your mind be soothed. Once you’re feeling a bit better, you can return to your tasks and complete them without feeling completely overwhelmed.

Search Google or Tumblr for nature photos. Stay away from any snapshots that you’ve captured yourself, because it could trigger certain memories and make you feel even more stressed. Even if you’re an indoorsy person, you can’t help but admire the beauty of the mountains and sea. Looking at calming pictures has a therapeutic effect and can help clear your mind. If you live in a beautiful place, forget about the Internet and go appreciate the beauty in your own backyard.

If you’re stressed over how much work you have to do or the way your friends are treating you, let yourself bask in the feeling for ten minutes or so. Set a timer so that you don’t go overboard with your emotions. Once that time is up, you’re no longer allowed to think about it. Sometimes the release of feelings is enough to hold you over and you’ll be able to stop thinking about all that’s wrong with your life. If you know you have the ability to pull yourself back together after a crying session, this could be the technique for you.

Watch a scene from your favorite TV show, open a book, or blast your favorite song. Focus on the characters or lyrics and forget about your own life. It will give you the opportunity to get away from your problems for a short while and gives you a chance to breathe. Just don’t neglect your responsibilities so that you can escape. Use this method when you have the time, but don’t fully emerge yourself in an imaginary life.

Breathe through your nose and exhale through your mouth. If that doesn’t work, visit helpguide.org. There are different forms of breathing techniques depending on the type of stress you are going through. You should breathe differently if you’re depressed than when you’re filled with anxiety. You might find a remedy as simple as breathing silly, but it can help. You might as well try it out.

When in doubt, write it out. If you’re stressed about all of the chores you have to do, write them down so that you can keep track of them. Each time you cross something off of the list, you’ll feel a little less stressed. If the thing that’s causing you worry is another person or concept, write out your feelings and then tear up the paper. There’s nothing that can’t be solved without a paper and pen.

It might seem counter-productive to go on a walk where you’re left alone with your thoughts. However, it could help to get out of the house and get your body moving. By releasing physical energy, some of your stress can disappear with it. Passing by neighboring houses and cars can be a good distraction. By the time you get back home, your mind should be a little less cluttered.

The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, try out some of these ways to clear your mind. Even if they don’t clear your mind completely, they should help you relax it a bit. What do you do when you’re feeling stressed out?