Pro Cheer Wellness: How to Declutter Your Mind and Free Up Mental Space

When it comes to clutter, what often comes to mind is physical stuff — a drawer of things you don't need, old electronic devices, etc. You get the idea. Mental clutter, on the other hand, refers to anything you think of that can prevent you from focusing on important goals. This includes guilt and shame (for example, not making your dream team), self-criticism or negative self-talk, and regrets.

As an aspiring cheerleader or someone who has already made the team, letting go of mental clutter helps you reach your full potential. Having a clear mind allows you to find focus and direction. It makes it easier to prioritize and get things done, whether that's mastering a dance routine or pushing through a workout.

This article lists four ways to declutter and clear your mind.

Declutter your physical environment.

Keeping your room or entire home clean is actually good for your mental health. Seeing clutter in your environment can somehow make it challenging for you to focus on a task, plus it triggers feelings of stress and anxiety. If you're a busy pro cheer mom, you can ask a family member or friend to help with cleaning. Another option is to start small. For example, picking up things on the floor or putting something back where it belongs.

Spend time in nature.

According to the American Psychological Association, getting out into the natural world can improve your mood. In fact, spending a few minutes looking at something green can have healing powers. Maximize your experience by getting a workout done. For example, hiking in a natural park, swimming on the beach, kayaking, or planting a tree.

Schedule time to worry.

While it's totally normal to worry from time to time, some people worry too much to the point where it negatively affects their sleep and health. Stop wearing yourself out. Ever heard the tip "schedule worry time"? It's a cognitive behavioral therapy technique where you assign specific time — for example, 20 minutes a day — to mentally go through all your worries. You can take this as an opportunity to think of solutions to your problems. Once the timer goes off, stop worrying.

Develop healthy habits.

Make time for things that allow your body to thrive, such as following a regular exercise routine, eating more whole foods instead of processed foods, and getting enough sleep at night. Ever heard of the mind-body connection? These health-promoting habits can help beat mental stress in your career and personal life.

Over to You

Have you tried any of these strategies to reduce mental clutter? I personally love spending more time in nature — at the beach with my family. What about you? I hope you've learned from this article. Remember that decluttering your mind makes room for things that matter more and bring joy!

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