Mental clarity is essential for better decision-making, improved focus and reduced stress — and it doesn’t have to be a challenge to achieve.
While many people think focus requires complicated techniques, some surprisingly simple habits can have an immediate effect.
With small, actionable changes you can sharpen your focus and reduce stress almost instantly.
These habits may be unexpected, but their effects are both profound and immediate.
Why not try them today and see how quickly your mind becomes clearer and more productive?
1. Chewing Gum: A Surprising Brain Stimulator
You might not associate chewing gum with productivity, but research has shown that this everyday activity can significantly improve mental clarity.
For example, a study by Morgan et al. (2013) tested the audio memory of those chewing gum, compared with those who didn’t.
The gum chewers had improved short-term memory compared with non-chewers, suggesting they were paying more attention.
How Does Chewing Gum Work?
- Boosts Blood Flow to the Brain
The act of chewing increases heart rate and blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to your brain. - Activates Memory and Focus Regions
Studies have linked chewing gum to enhanced activity in the hippocampus, a part of the brain essential for memory and learning. - Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Chewing gum lowers cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress, which can cloud your thinking.
How to Incorporate This Habit
- Choose sugar-free gum to protect your teeth and overall health.
- Chew during tasks that require sustained concentration, such as studying or completing work projects.
- Use it sparingly, as constant chewing can lead to jaw fatigue.
With this small change, you can improve your focus and reduce feelings of mental fog almost instantly.
2. Decluttering Your Desk: The Power of a Tidy Space
Your physical environment has a direct impact on your mental state.
A cluttered desk creates unnecessary stress and divides your attention, while an organised space fosters a sense of control and clarity.
Why Does Decluttering Work?
- Reduces Cognitive Overload
Visual clutter forces your brain to process too much information at once, which can make you feel scattered. - Boosts Productivity
A clean, organised workspace allows you to focus fully on your priorities. - Improves Emotional Well-being
Tidying up reduces stress and helps you feel calmer and more in control of your environment.
Simple Steps to Declutter
- Take just five minutes at the start or end of each day to tidy your workspace.
- Remove unnecessary items from your desk and keep only the essentials, such as your computer, notebook, and a water bottle.
- Add a calming element like a small plant or a minimalistic organiser to create a more inviting environment.
A clean workspace can have an immediate and lasting effect on your ability to think clearly and perform effectively.
Bear in mind, though, that research has also found that clean desks encourage people to do what is expected of them (Vohs et al., 2013).
However, messy desks enhance the ability to come up with new ideas — so if that is your primary aim then decluttering might be mistake!
Why These Habits Are Effective
Both chewing gum and decluttering tackle common barriers to mental clarity in unique ways.
Chewing gum stimulates physical changes in the brain that promote focus, while decluttering removes external distractions that drain mental energy.
These habits are simple, accessible, and require very little time or effort.
By incorporating them into your routine, you can regain mental clarity whenever you feel distracted or overwhelmed.
