My brain feels like it has 87 browser tabs open—time for a little mental decluttering.

The other day I walked into the kitchen to grab… something. Was it coffee? A snack? A rag to clean up something sticky? I honestly couldn’t tell you.

I stood there for a solid 45 seconds before admitting I had no clue what I came in for, so I just wandered into the next room, hoping I wasn’t forgetting something important. That’s where I’m at.

My brain? Cluttered.

Like 87 browser tabs open—except the tabs are my thoughts, and somehow they’re all autoplaying something at once.

• There’s the tab for the school calendar and all the kids’ activities.
• The one (well, twelve) for my running to-do list.
• The tab reminding me to look up topical magnesium for menstrual cramps.
• The one about the researching wide-fit shoes for a kid who thinks everything is too tight.
• And somewhere in there is the tab blaring “WHAT’S FOR DINNER?!” at full volume, 24/7.

Mental Clarity Sounds Great… But I’d Settle for Finishing a Thought

This time of year, everyone’s talking about spring cleaning. Closets, pantries, garages, all of it.

But what about your brain?

What about all that mental noise you’re carrying around:

• The emotional load of parenting
• The constant problem-solving
• The 57 half-finished tasks running in the background like forgotten laundry

I’ve realized that mental clarity isn’t some perfect Zen vibe.
It’s just the ability to access your own thoughts again.
And honestly? That feels like enough.

What’s Contributing to the Clutter?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, foggy, reactive, or just mentally done before noon—here are a few sneaky contributors I’ve noticed (in myself and my clients):

No real breaks—only task-switching
Decision overload—a thousand tiny choices that drain your battery
Background worry—you’re not actively anxious, but you’re never fully relaxed either
Lack of “me time” that actually feels like a break (scrolling doesn’t count)
Unspoken stress—stuff you haven’t processed, but it’s still taking up space

Spring Cleaning Your Mind (Real-Life Edition)

Here are a few things I’ve been doing (and suggesting) to clear the mental clutter—no meditation cushions or vision boards required:

1. Choose Fewer Tabs
When I feel scattered, I ask:
What can wait?
What’s actually urgent?
What’s just open because I haven’t closed it yet?

Pick one or two things to focus on that day. Ignore the rest. Even if they’re important. Even if they’re unfinished. They’ll wait.

2. Say It Out Loud or Write It Down
If it’s in your head, it’s taking up space. Get it out of your brain—onto paper, into a voice note, spoken to your partner, whatever. Don’t let it just hover in the background.

3. Do One Thing That’s Just for You
Not productive. Not related to your kid’s development. Not a sneaky way to get ahead on your to-do list.
I’m talking about something that genuinely fills your cup, even a little. A hot shower with no interruptions. A walk. Music. Something that says: “Hey brain, you matter too.”

4. Check In With Your Body
Mental clutter and physical burnout go hand-in-hand.
Are you drinking enough water? Eating enough food? Breathing? (No seriously—when was the last time you took a deep breath on purpose?)

Sometimes what feels like brain fog is actually your body screaming, “Could I get some basic support here?”

Mini Coaching Moment: Try a Reset This Week

Pick one small thing to do this week that helps clear your mental space. Here are a few ideas to borrow:

• Unsubscribe from 3 email lists you never open
• Pick one corner of your house and declutter it for 10 minutes
• Do a brain dump—everything on your mind, onto paper
• Say no to one thing that doesn’t matter as much as your peace
• Schedule a real break (yes, you’re allowed)

Small acts of clarity create more space than you think.

You Don’t Need a New Mindset—You Just Need a Little Room

This isn’t about becoming a new you. You’re not broken, disorganized, or lazy. You’re just carrying too much.

So this spring, maybe don’t focus on “starting fresh.”

Just give yourself room to think. Room to breathe. Room to feel like you again.

You’ve done so much already. Now give your brain a chance to catch up.

Janel Stewart

Let’s Begin

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