Spring Clean Your Brain - Part 3 of 3

Part 1 discussed what mental clutter is and why it’s worth clearing out. Part 2 we examined how to identify mental clutter, now in part 3 we will see how to get rid of the mental clutter for good. 

Action. 

Move your body, and you shift your mind. Getting physical—especially outside in nature—boosts your brain’s chemistry almost instantly. Exercise releases endorphins, the natural feel-good chemicals that help lift your mood and clear your mind. It’s hard to stay stuck in negative thinking when your brain is producing positivity from within. The more you move, the more your brain learns to associate that movement with feeling better. Over time, it becomes a habit—a routine way to create a healthier, happier mindset. You’re not just exercising your body; you’re training your brain to work with you, not against you. 

Dirt.

Get dirty, literally. Digging in real soil can do more than grow plants; it can actually boost your mood. There’s a natural, beneficial bacteria found in dirt (Mycobacterium vaccae) that has been shown to trigger the release of endorphins in the brain. That’s why gardening can feel so grounding and joyful. It’s not just about the plants—it’s about what the earth gives back to you. Even if you don’t have a yard, you can still experience the benefits. Use planter boxes, balcony pots, or a small indoor setup, but try to include real soil—go find some if you can. Get your hands into it. It’s a simple, natural way to support your mental health by connecting to something ancient and alive. Your brain and your body will thank you. 

List.

Take some time each day to mindfully meditate and focus on the positive. This simple practice can shift your entire mindset. Start by listing the good things in your life, big or small. Even if it feels like the negatives are louder, keep turning your attention to the positives. The more you do this, the more your brain starts to prioritize them. It’s not just a feel-good exercise, science backs it up. There’s a field called psychoneuroimmunology, which studies how your thoughts affect your brain chemistry and even your immune system. Positive thinking isn’t just mental, it’s physical. Keeping a gratitude journal, taking a few minutes to breathe and reflect, and consistently bringing positive things to the front of your mind trains your brain to see life through a healthier, clearer lens. Over time, this becomes your default way of thinking. 

Bedtime.

What thoughts am I going to bed with? What is my brain going to bed with? Your mind doesn’t shut off at night—it sleeps with your last thoughts. If you go to bed with stress, regret, or self-doubt, your brain keeps looping it. You wake up heavy. But if you choose peace, gratitude, or hope—you start rewiring your mindset. You rest better. You wake up lighter. Go to sleep focusing on the positive. Doing this will shift the way you think.

People.

The people you keep close can either water your spirit or drain your energy. They're not just background characters in your life they’re influencers of your mindset. That’s why surrounding yourself with positive people is essential, not just nice.

Stress.

To keep your brain positive, it’s essential to manage stress in healthy ways. One of the simplest and most effective techniques is deep breathing. Make it a daily habit just a few minutes of focused, slow breathing can calm your nervous system and clear your mind. When negative thoughts pop up or start running on repeat, take a moment to pause. Walk yourself through it: Why am I thinking this? What triggered it? Is it true? By identifying the root cause of the negative thought, you can release what’s not serving you and stop it from cluttering your mind. The more you practice this, the easier it becomes to clear away stress before it piles up like clutter in the corner of a room. 

Hobby.

Consider taking up a hobby. If your brain is really in a negative state of mind on a regular business, a well chosen hobby that will put you around other positive people maybe doing something creative.

There it is, a spring cleaning project that will benefit you for more than just a season or two. Assess, identify and declutter your mind. You will see how doing this will positively impact your entire life and you may even see better health as a result. 

Happy brain spring cleaning!

-Julie "Brain Lady" Anderson