May 4, 2024 • 18 mins
Join Brittany in another rousing episode of "One Hot Mess," this time discussing an often overlooked yet critical aspect of health: mental clarity. User-friendly, informative, and enlightening, this episode walks listeners through a comprehensive understanding of mental clarity. What is it? How does it affect your overall performance, productivity, and well-being? How can it be improved, and what are the common signs of its lack?
Through an in-depth exploration, Brittany lays out the importance of maintaining mental clarity in daily life. Known to improve memory recall, quicken thinking pace, and aid in unclouded judgment, mental clarity is essential for productivity. However, many factors can compromise mental health, leading to a loss in mental clarity and resulting in stress, burnout, and a perceived lack of mental sharpness.
Listen as Brittany explains how to recognize, understand, and manage this essential aspect of cognitive function. Learn how certain lifestyle choices — like poor sleep, chronic stress, and inadequate nutrition — undermine mental clarity, and discover practical tips for improvement. From managing a healthy sleep schedule and practicing mindfulness, to eating the right foods and seeking help when needed, Brittany provides lifestyle adjustments and practices that listeners can employ to ultimately boost their mental performance.
In this episode, listeners will gain insight into how a clear and focused mind can help make better decisions, address stress and overwhelm, prioritize tasks more efficiently, and derive more enjoyment from life. Each of these aspects plays an integral role in leading a happier, fulfilled, and mentally healthier lifestyle. Start your journey towards achieving mental clarity with Brittany's guidance in this episode of "One Hot Mess."
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Music.
(00:04):
Hi guys, it's Brittany, and welcome to another episode of One Hot Mess.
Music.
Alright everyone, today we're going to talk about mental clarity.
(00:27):
Like, if you can't think straight, how to achieve mental clarity.
All right, so a lot of people wonder, like, what is mental clarity?
Well, it's a state of mind in which you are more focused and your perception is clear.
(00:48):
With mental clarity, you're able to recognize, understand, and organize your thoughts.
So let's explore how important
mental clarity is for your health and
your well-being and how you can become fully engaged in every moment so like
(01:08):
i said mental clarity is a state in which your mind is fully active and engaged
we need mental clarity in order to work through problems and stay productive throughout the day.
Sharp memory recall, quick thinking, and unclouded judgment are all parts of mental clarity.
(01:29):
And everyone goes through ups and downs that cause different states of cognitive
performance throughout their lives.
If we could choose to be mentally sharp every day of the week,
we probably would. But it's not that simple.
Sometimes our mental fitness, it suffers and we feel kind of like stuck in a slump.
(01:52):
Mental clarity is not necessarily our default state.
Most of the time we let our worries and different types of stress affect our
brain function and prevent our minds from performing at an optimal level.
So learning how to improve mental clarity without burning out or becoming overwhelmed
(02:16):
Overwhelmed is key to maintaining a productive and engaged lifestyle.
So how to tell or know if you are lacking mental clarity?
And lack of mental clarity is not a medical condition, but rather a symptom
of other medical conditions.
(02:37):
And despite our best efforts, everyone has experienced a lull in cognitive function
at some point in their lives.
The weight of stress and anxiety, it can cause fogginess in the mind.
For many, this state of mental exhaustion is a daily battle.
(02:58):
So let's go over some commonly experienced indicators that you could be lacking mental clarity.
So the first thing is inability to focus or concentrate.
So if you struggle to focus on a subject, you may be experiencing a lack of mental clarity.
(03:19):
When we are mentally fit, concentration, it just comes naturally and without strain.
So pay attention to how much effort it requires for you to focus.
And this can give you a clue as to how strong your state of mind currently is.
Okay, and physical or mental exhaustion. When our mind's energetic resources
(03:44):
are depleted, the rest of the body often follows.
Physical exhaustion and mental fatigue are common side effects of low mental clarity.
That can mean it's time for a behavior change.
If you're feeling tired after even the smallest of tasks, a lack of mental clarity
(04:07):
could possibly be the reason.
Then we have lost of interest and
lack of motivation losing interest in
subjects or tasks that used to bring fulfillment is another symptom of low mental
clarity when our minds are strong enthusiasm for learning comes naturally your
(04:27):
lack of motivation could mean your mind is seeking renewal or memory problems.
Just as a strong ability to recall memories is a sign of high mental performance,
poor memory recall is a clear sign of low mental performance.
(04:48):
When our minds are healthy and clear, things like memory retention should not be an issue.
Checking the quality of your
memory recollection is a
good way to monitor mental clarity okay
so before we can learn how to improve mental clarity we need to look at the
(05:10):
potential causes or triggers that may be at play there's three main things that
deplete our mental resources and make mental performance much harder to upkeep.
So if any of these sound familiar, you may have found your culprit.
Number one is the lack of sleep.
Without seven or more hours of sleep each night, the mind and body,
(05:35):
they struggle to exhibit high performance behavior.
And some of us struggle to sleep due to stress, while others practice poor sleep hygiene.
Aging some people who work non-traditional hours
could develop shift work sleep disorder
and if you're not allowing your body the type of rest it requires you may be
(05:57):
putting your mental state at risk number two is stress and anxiety we all know
that stress is bad for the body although sometimes a little bit of stress can
be good but stress can also be an enemy to the mind,
Chronic stress, it contributes to high cortisol levels, which means weakened circulation.
(06:19):
Poor circulation results in the heart sending less oxygen to your brain.
And this can cause a lack of mental clarity, which in turn may amplify your
stress and your anxiety levels.
And it can just be a vicious cycle if left untreated.
The third thing is poor nutrition. There are many, many foods that support mental
(06:44):
clarity and concentration.
Poor nutrition often stems from not eating a diverse enough diet or consuming
a high quantity of processed foods.
Vitamin B12 in particular has many health benefits for the brain and immune system.
And this vitamin is found in fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.
(07:09):
Omega-3 fatty acids and other
healthy fats also have a positive impact on the
brain especially regarding mild memory
loss and depression so when you lack mental clarity even performing the simplest
of tasks can feel like a challenge and there are several different ways that
(07:29):
low mental performance can be expressed both through the body and the mind.
Like work performance is usually one of the first things to take a hit when your head is unclear,
because work requires mental sharpness a lack of clarity is going to make work
(07:50):
harder than it needs to be if you find your work performance standards dropping
you could be dealing with an unclear mind,
and your emotional well-being it also affects mental clarity many people struggling
with with low mental clarity, may develop a sense of loneliness or isolation.
This happens as an intuitive method of self-preservation.
(08:16):
The fewer people around you, the less energy you expend on maintaining relationships,
so feeling isolated and distant from loved ones.
Low self-esteem and depression, the combination of having minimal mental energy,
low job performance, and isolation
(08:37):
from family and friends can quickly result in poor mental health.
It can be difficult to see yourself in a positive light when you know you aren't
performing at your peak.
This means self-doubt, low self-esteem, and even imposter syndrome are likely to develop as a result.
(08:58):
And this can further lead to depression if not addressed.
And of course, sleep dysfunctions, poor sleeping habits, and mental stress have
a very close-knit relationship.
If you're stressed, you're likely going to have trouble sleeping properly.
You are likely to become stressed.
(09:18):
Your mental clarity can drastically affect your sleep schedule.
And if your mental health is struggling, you may find that you are sleeping
either too little or too much.
And despite all the challenges of low mental clarity, there are many ways to
promote mindful engagement.
You can improve it for yourself.
(09:40):
And there's eight tips for how to improve mental clarity. They're all easy to
incorporate into your daily life.
They can help you lay down the foundation of a sharp, active, and clear mind.
And if you are leading or working with someone who seems to be lacking mental
clarity, encourage them to practice self-care and point them toward resources
(10:04):
that can support these tips.
So of course, make sure you are getting enough quality sleep because how much
sleep you get is directly proportional to how much energy you will have throughout the day.
And this applies to both with mental and physical energy.
If you cultivate a consistent and healthy sleep schedule, you can avoid developing
(10:28):
a backlog of fatigue and make sure that your performance stays on top all day long.
Using a sleep tracker is one way to manage your sleep schedule to ensure that
you're getting enough quality sleep.
Make sure to manage your stress. Knowing how to effectively reduce stress Stress
levels will make a tremendous difference to your state of mental clarity.
(10:53):
Managing stress includes figuring out personal methods of tension release and relaxation.
There are also stress tracker devices that allow you to track your stress levels throughout the day.
And being aware of these levels will enable you to stay mentally sharp and help
you reach your full potential.
(11:16):
Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the fine art of living presently.
So by slowing down and being conscious of your body, environment,
and actions, you can manage your energy more efficiently.
Also, having a good work-life balance means having time for both work and play.
(11:38):
If you spend too much time at the office, you could deplete your energy levels
and trigger an onset of burnout. out.
Similarly, if you only focus on relaxing and having fun, very few tasks would get done.
So finding a healthy balance between work and life is the key to knowing how
(11:58):
to improve mental clarity.
And you know, you have to practice self-care. Self-care practices are an extremely
important aspect of life.
So finding the tools, activities, spaces, and people that make you feel safe
and supported will allow you to control stress levels and stay productive.
(12:19):
Taking some time out of your week to do something purely because it brings you
pleasure is really good for your mental health.
Plus, it will keep your mindset flexible and strong.
Regularly moving your body is a fundamentally important aspect of good health,
both mentally and physically. You can keep your mind active by sweating out
(12:42):
toxins and stimulating the circulatory system.
Even simple movements like walking, swimming, or yoga can support you in achieving mental clarity.
And you can eat your way to a sharper mind. Nutrition and mental health are
closely linked, which is why a healthy diet is so important for overall health.
(13:06):
And there are plenty of foods for mental clarity
out there that can give you all the nutrients you need for cultivating mental
strength like fatty fish berries dark leafy greens pumpkin seeds and drinking
plenty of water will also help your brain function at its peak,
(13:27):
and many people struggle to reach out when they're going through a tough time
but asking for help is one of the most empowering things anyone can do for themselves.
The stress of experiencing mental fogginess is not uncommon.
Do not be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or a healthcare professional.
(13:50):
They'll help you feel recognized and understood.
And create an environment of more clarity. If someone on your team or in your
family seems to be struggling with mental clarity, there are ways to help create
a more conductive environment.
Be more intentional about what information you share and what you ask them to do.
(14:14):
Make priorities clear and simplify your request.
A manager who is not clear on what they need or want is most important or what
is most important can contribute to a feeling of anxiety,
overwhelm, and mental fog in a team member.
(14:36):
Set up a standing check-in every day or create an open channel to encourage
the other person to help themselves seek clarity from your others.
But mental clarity is a vital element
of productivity and fulfillment both in
and outside of the office we need a
clear mind to problem solve and stay on top of whatever challenges are thrown
(15:00):
our way so what is mental clarity going to result in when it comes to your personal
and professional goals well it's going to help you make better decisions when
your mind is clear and focused.
You make decisions that are more aligned with your and other people's best interest.
(15:22):
A clouded mind means clouded judgment. Your judgment needs to be sound if you're
going to make smart choices in life.
Helps you avoid feeling stressed and overwhelmed. It's natural to feel overwhelmed
when you're running low on energy and concentration. concentration,
you can overcome stress and anxiety more easily when your mindset is at its peak.
(15:45):
Poor mental health is something we will all battle with from time to time,
but with a strong mind, managing stress levels becomes a whole lot easier.
It makes it easier to organize tasks and prioritize.
Have you ever heard the saying, a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind?
When your mind is performing at an optimal level, organization becomes effortless.
(16:12):
An organized mind is able to approach tasks with more efficiency and can execute
them in order of priority.
And of course, it helps you enjoy life more.
When your mind's functioning like a well-oiled machine, it can enable you to
extract more purpose and enjoyment out of life.
(16:33):
Mental clarity allows us to see life more clearly and prioritize what's really
important to us this includes quality time with loved ones and the pursuit of personal growth.
Mental clarity, it sits at the epicenter of wellness, performance, and productivity.
(16:55):
And no matter where you find yourself in life, and your mental clarity helps
to create the conditions for clarity for the people around you at work or in life.
Taking care of your brain help is an integral part of leading a happy and fulfilling lifestyle.
Lifestyle and as we've discovered there are many simple ways to achieve mental
(17:18):
clarity for personal growth and success of any task you set your mind to.
So guys just keep all that in mind so you can remember how to achieve mental clarity.
(17:40):
Okay y'all that wraps up another episode
of one hot mess if you have enjoyed today's episode please don't forget to follow
and share and please leave a review your support helps keep this mess going
thank you so much for listening i'll talk to you guys next time.
(18:00):
Music.
Music.
(00:04):
Hi guys, it's Brittany, and welcome to another episode of One Hot Mess.
Music.
Alright everyone, today we're going to talk about mental clarity.
(00:27):
Like, if you can't think straight, how to achieve mental clarity.
All right, so a lot of people wonder, like, what is mental clarity?
Well, it's a state of mind in which you are more focused and your perception is clear.
(00:48):
With mental clarity, you're able to recognize, understand, and organize your thoughts.
So let's explore how important
mental clarity is for your health and
your well-being and how you can become fully engaged in every moment so like
(01:08):
i said mental clarity is a state in which your mind is fully active and engaged
we need mental clarity in order to work through problems and stay productive throughout the day.
Sharp memory recall, quick thinking, and unclouded judgment are all parts of mental clarity.
(01:29):
And everyone goes through ups and downs that cause different states of cognitive
performance throughout their lives.
If we could choose to be mentally sharp every day of the week,
we probably would. But it's not that simple.
Sometimes our mental fitness, it suffers and we feel kind of like stuck in a slump.
(01:52):
Mental clarity is not necessarily our default state.
Most of the time we let our worries and different types of stress affect our
brain function and prevent our minds from performing at an optimal level.
So learning how to improve mental clarity without burning out or becoming overwhelmed
(02:16):
Overwhelmed is key to maintaining a productive and engaged lifestyle.
So how to tell or know if you are lacking mental clarity?
And lack of mental clarity is not a medical condition, but rather a symptom
of other medical conditions.
(02:37):
And despite our best efforts, everyone has experienced a lull in cognitive function
at some point in their lives.
The weight of stress and anxiety, it can cause fogginess in the mind.
For many, this state of mental exhaustion is a daily battle.
(02:58):
So let's go over some commonly experienced indicators that you could be lacking mental clarity.
So the first thing is inability to focus or concentrate.
So if you struggle to focus on a subject, you may be experiencing a lack of mental clarity.
(03:19):
When we are mentally fit, concentration, it just comes naturally and without strain.
So pay attention to how much effort it requires for you to focus.
And this can give you a clue as to how strong your state of mind currently is.
Okay, and physical or mental exhaustion. When our mind's energetic resources
(03:44):
are depleted, the rest of the body often follows.
Physical exhaustion and mental fatigue are common side effects of low mental clarity.
That can mean it's time for a behavior change.
If you're feeling tired after even the smallest of tasks, a lack of mental clarity
(04:07):
could possibly be the reason.
Then we have lost of interest and
lack of motivation losing interest in
subjects or tasks that used to bring fulfillment is another symptom of low mental
clarity when our minds are strong enthusiasm for learning comes naturally your
(04:27):
lack of motivation could mean your mind is seeking renewal or memory problems.
Just as a strong ability to recall memories is a sign of high mental performance,
poor memory recall is a clear sign of low mental performance.
(04:48):
When our minds are healthy and clear, things like memory retention should not be an issue.
Checking the quality of your
memory recollection is a
good way to monitor mental clarity okay
so before we can learn how to improve mental clarity we need to look at the
(05:10):
potential causes or triggers that may be at play there's three main things that
deplete our mental resources and make mental performance much harder to upkeep.
So if any of these sound familiar, you may have found your culprit.
Number one is the lack of sleep.
Without seven or more hours of sleep each night, the mind and body,
(05:35):
they struggle to exhibit high performance behavior.
And some of us struggle to sleep due to stress, while others practice poor sleep hygiene.
Aging some people who work non-traditional hours
could develop shift work sleep disorder
and if you're not allowing your body the type of rest it requires you may be
(05:57):
putting your mental state at risk number two is stress and anxiety we all know
that stress is bad for the body although sometimes a little bit of stress can
be good but stress can also be an enemy to the mind,
Chronic stress, it contributes to high cortisol levels, which means weakened circulation.
(06:19):
Poor circulation results in the heart sending less oxygen to your brain.
And this can cause a lack of mental clarity, which in turn may amplify your
stress and your anxiety levels.
And it can just be a vicious cycle if left untreated.
The third thing is poor nutrition. There are many, many foods that support mental
(06:44):
clarity and concentration.
Poor nutrition often stems from not eating a diverse enough diet or consuming
a high quantity of processed foods.
Vitamin B12 in particular has many health benefits for the brain and immune system.
And this vitamin is found in fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.
(07:09):
Omega-3 fatty acids and other
healthy fats also have a positive impact on the
brain especially regarding mild memory
loss and depression so when you lack mental clarity even performing the simplest
of tasks can feel like a challenge and there are several different ways that
(07:29):
low mental performance can be expressed both through the body and the mind.
Like work performance is usually one of the first things to take a hit when your head is unclear,
because work requires mental sharpness a lack of clarity is going to make work
(07:50):
harder than it needs to be if you find your work performance standards dropping
you could be dealing with an unclear mind,
and your emotional well-being it also affects mental clarity many people struggling
with with low mental clarity, may develop a sense of loneliness or isolation.
This happens as an intuitive method of self-preservation.
(08:16):
The fewer people around you, the less energy you expend on maintaining relationships,
so feeling isolated and distant from loved ones.
Low self-esteem and depression, the combination of having minimal mental energy,
low job performance, and isolation
(08:37):
from family and friends can quickly result in poor mental health.
It can be difficult to see yourself in a positive light when you know you aren't
performing at your peak.
This means self-doubt, low self-esteem, and even imposter syndrome are likely to develop as a result.
(08:58):
And this can further lead to depression if not addressed.
And of course, sleep dysfunctions, poor sleeping habits, and mental stress have
a very close-knit relationship.
If you're stressed, you're likely going to have trouble sleeping properly.
You are likely to become stressed.
(09:18):
Your mental clarity can drastically affect your sleep schedule.
And if your mental health is struggling, you may find that you are sleeping
either too little or too much.
And despite all the challenges of low mental clarity, there are many ways to
promote mindful engagement.
You can improve it for yourself.
(09:40):
And there's eight tips for how to improve mental clarity. They're all easy to
incorporate into your daily life.
They can help you lay down the foundation of a sharp, active, and clear mind.
And if you are leading or working with someone who seems to be lacking mental
clarity, encourage them to practice self-care and point them toward resources
(10:04):
that can support these tips.
So of course, make sure you are getting enough quality sleep because how much
sleep you get is directly proportional to how much energy you will have throughout the day.
And this applies to both with mental and physical energy.
If you cultivate a consistent and healthy sleep schedule, you can avoid developing
(10:28):
a backlog of fatigue and make sure that your performance stays on top all day long.
Using a sleep tracker is one way to manage your sleep schedule to ensure that
you're getting enough quality sleep.
Make sure to manage your stress. Knowing how to effectively reduce stress Stress
levels will make a tremendous difference to your state of mental clarity.
(10:53):
Managing stress includes figuring out personal methods of tension release and relaxation.
There are also stress tracker devices that allow you to track your stress levels throughout the day.
And being aware of these levels will enable you to stay mentally sharp and help
you reach your full potential.
(11:16):
Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the fine art of living presently.
So by slowing down and being conscious of your body, environment,
and actions, you can manage your energy more efficiently.
Also, having a good work-life balance means having time for both work and play.
(11:38):
If you spend too much time at the office, you could deplete your energy levels
and trigger an onset of burnout. out.
Similarly, if you only focus on relaxing and having fun, very few tasks would get done.
So finding a healthy balance between work and life is the key to knowing how
(11:58):
to improve mental clarity.
And you know, you have to practice self-care. Self-care practices are an extremely
important aspect of life.
So finding the tools, activities, spaces, and people that make you feel safe
and supported will allow you to control stress levels and stay productive.
(12:19):
Taking some time out of your week to do something purely because it brings you
pleasure is really good for your mental health.
Plus, it will keep your mindset flexible and strong.
Regularly moving your body is a fundamentally important aspect of good health,
both mentally and physically. You can keep your mind active by sweating out
(12:42):
toxins and stimulating the circulatory system.
Even simple movements like walking, swimming, or yoga can support you in achieving mental clarity.
And you can eat your way to a sharper mind. Nutrition and mental health are
closely linked, which is why a healthy diet is so important for overall health.
(13:06):
And there are plenty of foods for mental clarity
out there that can give you all the nutrients you need for cultivating mental
strength like fatty fish berries dark leafy greens pumpkin seeds and drinking
plenty of water will also help your brain function at its peak,
(13:27):
and many people struggle to reach out when they're going through a tough time
but asking for help is one of the most empowering things anyone can do for themselves.
The stress of experiencing mental fogginess is not uncommon.
Do not be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or a healthcare professional.
(13:50):
They'll help you feel recognized and understood.
And create an environment of more clarity. If someone on your team or in your
family seems to be struggling with mental clarity, there are ways to help create
a more conductive environment.
Be more intentional about what information you share and what you ask them to do.
(14:14):
Make priorities clear and simplify your request.
A manager who is not clear on what they need or want is most important or what
is most important can contribute to a feeling of anxiety,
overwhelm, and mental fog in a team member.
(14:36):
Set up a standing check-in every day or create an open channel to encourage
the other person to help themselves seek clarity from your others.
But mental clarity is a vital element
of productivity and fulfillment both in
and outside of the office we need a
clear mind to problem solve and stay on top of whatever challenges are thrown
(15:00):
our way so what is mental clarity going to result in when it comes to your personal
and professional goals well it's going to help you make better decisions when
your mind is clear and focused.
You make decisions that are more aligned with your and other people's best interest.
(15:22):
A clouded mind means clouded judgment. Your judgment needs to be sound if you're
going to make smart choices in life.
Helps you avoid feeling stressed and overwhelmed. It's natural to feel overwhelmed
when you're running low on energy and concentration. concentration,
you can overcome stress and anxiety more easily when your mindset is at its peak.
(15:45):
Poor mental health is something we will all battle with from time to time,
but with a strong mind, managing stress levels becomes a whole lot easier.
It makes it easier to organize tasks and prioritize.
Have you ever heard the saying, a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind?
When your mind is performing at an optimal level, organization becomes effortless.
(16:12):
An organized mind is able to approach tasks with more efficiency and can execute
them in order of priority.
And of course, it helps you enjoy life more.
When your mind's functioning like a well-oiled machine, it can enable you to
extract more purpose and enjoyment out of life.
(16:33):
Mental clarity allows us to see life more clearly and prioritize what's really
important to us this includes quality time with loved ones and the pursuit of personal growth.
Mental clarity, it sits at the epicenter of wellness, performance, and productivity.
(16:55):
And no matter where you find yourself in life, and your mental clarity helps
to create the conditions for clarity for the people around you at work or in life.
Taking care of your brain help is an integral part of leading a happy and fulfilling lifestyle.
Lifestyle and as we've discovered there are many simple ways to achieve mental
(17:18):
clarity for personal growth and success of any task you set your mind to.
So guys just keep all that in mind so you can remember how to achieve mental clarity.
(17:40):
Okay y'all that wraps up another episode
of one hot mess if you have enjoyed today's episode please don't forget to follow
and share and please leave a review your support helps keep this mess going
thank you so much for listening i'll talk to you guys next time.
(18:00):
Music.
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