Trying to be the most innovative person or company in the world can get pretty exhausting. You’re always brainstorming new ways to develop an edge over competitors, creating new content, and Mrs. Peterson wants you to walk her dog Billy Joel 9 nights a week. (it happens)

When you’re the person everyone counts on to be creative, it’s even harder. Try the 5 hacks below to declutter your mind and take it on a well deserved mental spa date.

Hack #1: Listen to music

This is easily my favorite hack. if you’re a music lover this is probably the easiest hack to commit to. I’m a big hip-hop and R&B fan, but when it comes to clearing my mind I like to switch to a different genre of music. My choice is jazz or sounds of nature. Which may sound cheesy (not literally) but this genre easily helps clear my mind. The different instruments allow me to feel better and think clearer. I easily find free music on YouTube. Here is one of the channels I enjoy listening to “Relaxing Jazz“.

Hack #2: Write things down

When you’re a creative, ideas continuously run through your mind a mile a minute. Writing these ideas down may be just what you need to stay organized.

When it comes to writing ideas down I love to use sticky notes. I find them to be the most effective way to keep my thoughts in order. When I’m on the go and need to quickly jot down an idea or 10. Stick notes definitely get the job done. My ideas are usually lost throughout the day if I don’t have the chance to write them down.

The act of physically writing down an idea gives me the ability to easily recall that idea when necessary (I call them my million dollar ideas). This technique also allows me to make mental space which is key in keeping my mind clutter free.

Side note: I enjoy the ability to stick the notes anywhere I want. When I’m doing research this is a very important tool for order.

Hack #3: Organize your work-space

I’ll admit when I’m in my creative zone, work-space clutter is the last thing on my mind. This is a hack I’m definitely trying to master. I’ve done it a few times and was pretty amazed at the results.

For this hack, you may have to run out to target and purchase a few cheap filing bins. Once purchased the bins I labeled them accordingly. This method made it much easier to organize everything on my desk. I even took the time to update my vision board!

Cleaning and organizing my workspace gives me a sense of accomplishment. My mind is clear and I’m 3x more productive when it comes to my creative projects.

Hack #4: Try activities that center your mind ( Yoga, Meditation, Exercise, etc )

I believe a centered mind helps me maximize creativity. Innovation is key in my line of work. I usually have a better flow of creative thoughts when I’m exercising. It’s almost like a filtration system that clears out the junk and allows real ideas to flow through. The less cluttered your mind is. The better the flow of ideas. If one of the perks of being healthy is being more creative then sign me up!

Hack #5: Turn off your electronics before bed 

You’re probably thinking “Turn off my phone? ha.. yeah right.” This guy must be crazy. Yes, it sounds a bit far-fetched, but there is a method to my madness.

I personally spend over 12+ hours in front of a computer each day. This not only causes a significant strain on my eyes —but I’m pretty sure my mind can use some rest as well. My go is to turn my electronics off an hour before bed at least 2 days a week. I feel like 2 days is better than no days. #preach

When we sleep our minds reset, store information and prepare for the next day. The use of electronics disrupts the natural pattern of the sleep-wake cycle. Even smaller devices have the ability to miscue the brain and promote wakefulness. You can read more about this subject here: More about sleep and electronics. It’s simple, the better you sleep the clearer your mind will be for the next day. Put the electronics down and write down goals or read a chapter book before bed.

To sum it up

Decluttering your mind comes with many different benefits. As entrepreneurs or professionals, in general, our minds need a break. The work we take pride in creating will ultimately suffer if we don’t take care of our mind and body. These are just a few methods that have worked very well for me.

What methods are you using to declutter your mind?

Please share this article with friends and family that you think should be decluttering their mind!