Many individuals have faced challenges such as illness, economic instability, climate change, loss, and racial inequalities. In addition to these difficulties, factors like inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the consequences of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine are causing significant stress for people in the United States, as indicated by a recent survey conducted for the American Psychological Association. Experts suggest that the arrival of spring can be a good opportunity to assess our mental well-being and reconnect with activities that bring us happiness and purpose, providing our minds with a break when needed. This time of year offers a chance for individuals to reflect on their current circumstances and consider where they stand. Paul Napper, a psychology consultant to business leaders and co-author of "The Power of Agency: The 7 Principles to Conquer Obstacles, Make Effective Decisions and Create a Life on Your Own Terms," reflected on his experiences and emphasized the importance of making decisions that align with our values, interests, and passions to achieve personal agency. Napper stressed that even when choices may not be ideal, examining options can help individuals adapt to circumstances. Here are five strategies to clear and focus the mind as a new season begins. Nkechi Njaka, a meditation guide in San Francisco with a background in neuroscience, emphasizes the importance of practicing mindfulness in order to combat the stress that comes with being human, especially in the present moment. Mindfulness meditation helps individuals refocus on the present when their minds wander to the past or future, ultimately reducing daily stress levels. Njaka suggests starting by tuning into bodily sensations, such as feeling the ground beneath you, to bring your focus back to the present. Text = If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your focus back to your breathing and stay in the present moment. Approaching mindfulness with compassion, curiosity, openness, and forgiveness will make you more likely to try it again. Use transitional times in your day, like waking up, meal times, or changing locations, to practice mindfulness and establish a routine. Research has shown that keeping a journal can enhance well-being, so try the Bullet Journal method. One technique that has become popular recently is the Bullet Journal, which was created by digital designer Ryder Carroll and explained in his bestselling book, "The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future." This system is not just for organization, but also for practicing mindfulness. Carroll emphasizes the importance of regularly assessing how you spend your time and energy to determine if it is worthwhile. He warns that being productive on the wrong things is not beneficial. Carroll, who has ADHD, initially started journaling to improve his focus and career success, but he also began evaluating how tasks made him feel. He found that activities that brought him purpose and pride involved helping others and serving. He said that if you are unsure of what you want, you will never find satisfaction in what you already have. In today's world, we are bombarded with a constant stream of information from various sources like news alerts, social media, and emails, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Cal Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown University and author of "Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World," advises that now is the time to revamp how we consume news. He suggests choosing one or two reliable sources and reading them at a specific time each day. For example, you can listen to a news podcast while commuting or read a newspaper during breakfast. Newport, who is 39 years old and has never used social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram, also recommends taking a 30-day break from optional technologies in your life. He wrote about the experience of 1,600 individuals attempting the challenge in his book. Those who completed the entire 30 days were described as being enthusiastic and determined to make the most of their time. Rather than mindlessly using TikTok or Instagram, consider using your free time for more meaningful activities like reading, going for a walk in nature, or simply relaxing and listening to music. Allocate time for those activities. Cleaning up your physical space. During the pandemic, and particularly during lockdown, many individuals started to remove unnecessary items from their homes, a trend identified as the "great decluttering" by The Washington Post. If you have not yet addressed your clutter, now may be a good opportunity to do so. According to Catherine Roster, a professor at the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico who has studied the impact of cluttered homes on individuals, "Messy spaces can hinder clear cognitive thinking." This distortion can affect various aspects of a person's life, including their emotions and productivity. While hiring a professional organizer may not be feasible for everyone, Roster suggests enlisting the help of a friend who is also decluttering their home. By working together, you can support each other in making decisions about what to keep and stay on track. Listening to music while organizing can be a motivating factor, according to a clinical psychologist. Many people are feeling emotionally cluttered due to information overload and lack of social or emotional fulfillment. It is important to reconnect with loved ones who bring support and positivity into our lives. If it has been a long time since you last spoke, reinitiating contact may feel uncomfortable initially. However, Greenberg suggests being honest in your approach. For instance, you could explain that you lost touch during the pandemic, but now that things are settling down, you would like to reconnect. Expressing that you have missed seeing the person can also create a positive chain reaction, where the individual you reach out to may feel motivated to do the same with others. According to Greenberg, everyone appreciates receiving such a call. Copyright 2022 The New York Times Company.