Declutter Your Mind
By News Editor Anna-Katharina Priesterath
The year is coming to an end and with the current political climate and crisis worldwide, it might feel like the world is coming to an end after all. The libraries are filled with students that are stressed about deadlines and exams. While there is still a bit of time left until 2025 starts, I want to share some tips on how to set boundaries and goals now that your future self will thank you for.
New Year's resolutions, whether you believe in them or not, there is something about starting a new calendar year that makes everybody excited and motivated to work towards bringing out their best version. According to the 21/90 principle, it takes 21 days to form a habit and 90 days to make it a permanent lifestyle change. So, whether your goal is to start working out, for example, or improve your reading habits (the UCC Express is a great starting point for this one), it’s best to start now so your habits are formed by the time the new year arrives. As an international postgrad student, I have struggled with finding my new routine here in Cork but here are five steps that helped me not only settle in but also elevate my routine:
Be selective with your social media usage.
If you find yourself doom-scrolling for hours, forgetting about what Reels or TikTok you saw after only a few minutes, trust me, you are not alone. I deactivated my Instagram a month ago and deleted TikTok, and although I was scared it would limit me in my social interactions, I found quite the opposite happened. I am talking more to my friends over call instead of just sending memes back and forth and I also started becoming more selective with the relationships around me.
Instead of watching videos that mostly promote consumerism and often lack credible information, I’ve started listening to podcasts. My focus on studies has improved, and my concentration span is growing. My eyes are getting a break from screens, and I’m allowing myself to sit in silence. Think about it — when was the last time you just sat in your room without any background noise? Giving your mind a break is essential to processing the day’s impressions. Try meditating. Allow yourself to enjoy silence and just relax.
Declutter your emails.
This might seem random, but it helps in more ways than one. Delete old, useless emails and unsubscribe from newsletters you don’t need. Unnecessary emails also disrupt productive phases of your day, take up storage, and drain your energy. Plus, deleting old emails and unsubscribing from newsletters also helps the environment.
Re-evaluate the connections and relationships in your life.
Decluttering usually involves your wardrobe and personal belongings, but it is crucial to not only be intentional with what you own but also who you have in your life. It’s important to stay true to yourself and surround yourself with people who uplift you, make you feel good, and have your best interest at heart. Be the kind of friend you want to have. Gossip less. Declutter your thoughts and words. What you criticize in others might reflect what you don’t like about yourself. Be intentional with your time and who you invest it in. Check in with your loved ones regularly. Write them cards, send them a picture of something that reminded you of them, and let them know you love them. Loving someone is never a waste.
Make a vision board.
One of my favorite activities! You don’t have to wait for the new year to start one. I’ve made vision boards for New Year’s, but also for big life changes, like starting a new degree, or just in general whenever I felt like I wanted to visualize my goals. Find pictures and quotes that resonate with your goals for the next few months or years. It’s crucial to regularly check in with yourself to reassess your goals and how they’re developing and changing. Don’t be afraid to aim high!
This vision board is for you, so think about what you truly desire, and put it on that poster. Hang it up somewhere you see it every day, like opposite your bed. By visualizing your goals, you’re more likely to achieve them. Of course, things won’t just fall into your lap, but directing your energy and work toward your goals will help you reach them. Be specific. Sure, we all want to be happy and healthy, but what steps do you need to take to achieve that?
These actions have gradually helped me regain a better sense of myself during this challenging but exciting new chapter of my life. Sometimes, I struggle to clearly see where I want to go, but since reevaluating my routine and critically reflecting on my habits, I’ve become more motivated to exercise, study, and work. I’ve made more time for friends and family and have become more selective with who I allow into my life. I have also started to do more crafts again, paint and write. Using our hands has a proven positive psychological effect on us. So decluttering and finding space for activities that stimulate my brain have helped me a lot. It’s the small habits that form our routine and identity, and even small changes can lead to incredible growth. After all, I started to feel more at peace again.
So, don’t wait until January 1st to suddenly change your entire life. Growth comes in waves, and there will be setbacks and unexpected challenges. Especially in times of political uncertainty, you have to focus on your mental health. Building a daily routine that works for you and dedicating your time to the things that uplift and matter to you will have a lasting positive impact on your body and mind. Decluttering your life and mind will help in the short and long run so why not start right now? Don’t wait for the first of January, a Monday, the first of a new month, or a big event to take place to start your journey. All you have is the present. Nothing in the future is promised, and therefore it is important to focus on your present self and work around that to build a future for yourself that makes you happy.
