7 steps to declutter your brain and improve your wellbeing and productivity

To make 2026 your smoothest year yet, you have to reduce the mental load and noise. By understanding the neuroscience of attention, we know that our brains aren't designed to handle a constant stream of distraction. When you "clear the runway," we create the cognitive capacity required for high-level productivity and genuine workplace wellbeing.

7 steps to declutter your brain and improve your wellbeing and productivity

Here is how you can systematically remove the mental load and reclaim your focus:

1. Audit Your Digital Tools

The first step to focus is removing what you no longer use.

• Action: Review your device and delete apps that are cluttering your interface.

2. Manage Digital Overhead

Unused services can create background mental clutter and financial drain.

• Action: Delete subscriptions that are no longer providing value to your daily life.

3. Silence the Pings

Every notification is a distraction you didn't ask for.

• Action: Set up Focus modes on your devices to filter out non-essential alerts.

4. Create Tech Boundaries

Your devices should be tools for your success, not tethers to your work.

• Action: Set up Downtime to create a hard boundary for yourself, your family, and your friends.

5. Reclaim Your Inbox

Digital noise is a primary source of stress in the modern workplace.

• Action: Turn this into an "Unsubscribe Email Month" to permanently reduce the volume of distractions.

6. Schedule Your Recovery

True workplace wellbeing is built on the foundation of scheduled rest. If it isn't in your calendar, it often doesn't happen.

• Action: Schedule in the calendar dedicated blocks for exercise, family/friends, and "me time".

7. The "Someday" Purge

We all have those items or projects we are saving for "someday". The reality is that "someday" rarely comes.

• Action: Conduct a someday purge by throwing out or regifting everything you are holding onto for a hypothetical future.

By prioritising "space" over "more," you are giving yourself the best possible chance to succeed this year. When the runway is clear, you can finally take off.

If you want to equip your team with more strategies on the neuroscience of mental fitness and focus, book Jay Pottenger for your next event.