Vaidya Kalpana Sukhdas, Assistant Professor (vaidyakalpana@gmail.com) Marathwada Mitra Mandal’s College of commerce, Pune

Book Review –Declutter Your Mind by S.J. Scott and Barrie Davenport is a self-help book focused on reducing mental clutter—such as negative thoughts, anxiety, worry, and overthinking—to create a calmer, more focused, and intentional life. The central idea is that just as physical clutter overwhelms our living space, mental clutter overwhelms our minds and prevents us from being productive, happy, and present.
The book begins by explaining what mental clutter is and where it comes from. Mental clutter includes repetitive negative thoughts, constant worrying about the future, regrets about the past, information overload, and unrealistic expectations. The authors emphasize that many of these thought patterns are habits formed over time, not fixed parts of our personality. Because they are habits, they can be changed with awareness and practice.
A major theme of the book is mindfulness. The authors argue that learning to observe your thoughts without immediately reacting to them is key to decluttering your mind. By becoming aware of negative self-talk or anxious thinking, you can interrupt it before it spirals. Simple mindfulness practices—such as focusing on your breathing or noticing your surroundings—help anchor you in the present moment instead of being trapped in worries.
Another core concept is letting go of negative emotions. The book discusses how emotions like anger, guilt, jealousy, and resentment take up mental energy and keep the mind cluttered. The authors encourage readers to accept emotions without judgment and then release them rather than suppressing or obsessing over them. Techniques such as journaling, reframing situations, and practicing forgiveness are suggested as ways to clear emotional clutter.
The authors also focus on overthinking and worry, describing how the brain often exaggerates problems or imagines worst-case scenarios. They recommend practical strategies like setting “worry limits,” challenging irrational thoughts, and focusing on what you can control instead of what you cannot. By simplifying decision-making and reducing mental noise, readers can conserve energy for what truly matters.
Another important section addresses habits and routines. The book explains that daily habits strongly influence mental clarity. Poor sleep, lack of exercise, and constant digital distractions all contribute to mental clutter. By building supportive habits—such as regular movement, healthy boundaries with technology, and consistent routines—you create an environment that supports a calmer mind.
Finally, Declutter Your Mind emphasizes intentional living. The authors encourage readers to define their values and priorities so they can say no to unnecessary commitments and distractions. When your actions align with your values, life feels simpler and more meaningful, and mental clutter naturally decreases.
Overall, Declutter Your Mind is a practical guide that combines psychology, mindfulness, and habit-building. Its message is that mental clarity is not about eliminating all thoughts or stress, but about learning how to manage your inner world so it no longer controls you. Through small, consistent changes, anyone can create a more peaceful and focused mind.

I recommend this book to be read once in life time.