Spring Cleaning: Clearing Mental Clutter & Managing Anxiety

Wendy Ayala, Psychotherapist

In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with noise – from social media, news updates, policy changes, rising costs, and global conflict. All of it adds to the mental clutter that fuels anxiety.

Islam teaches the value of sakina – inner tranquility – which comes from turning to Allah in remembrance. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ often retreated for moments of reflection and dhikr, reminding us that peace begins with a heart that remembers the Creator. In a world full of distractions, taking intentional time to pause, reflect, and realign our nafs through salah, du’a, and recitation of the Qur’an is not just a spiritual act – it’s essential self-care.

The self, like a home, has distinct parts that need tending. Just as we declutter our physical space from time to time, we must also tend to our hearts – clearing them from the noise of dunya to make room for clarity, gratitude, and deeper trust in Allah’s plan. The phrase “we must” speaks to intentional action – an active choice to cultivate our inner world, much like caring for an outer home or garden.

The Heart as a Garden

Now imagine a garden overrun with weeds, littered with debris, and swarming with pests. If left unattended, it becomes chaotic and burdensome. Likewise, if we neglect our mental and spiritual well-being, our hearts and minds become overwhelmed.

True calm begins when we release what we cannot control and surrender fully to the One who controls all things – Al-Muhaymin, the Guardian of peace and order. As Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:

“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
— Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:28)

It is through dhikr – constant remembrance – that we begin to clear the mental clutter, pulling out the weeds one by one, and allowing the soul to breathe again.

A Path Back to Him

In moments of heaviness, we turn to the du’a of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari

This simple supplication is a powerful reminder that healing begins with acknowledging our need for divine help. With every whispered dhikr and heartfelt du’a, we take one step closer to inner stillness and spiritual renewal.

Ultimately, we must acknowledge our thoughts and learn to process them, as they are part of our human experience. Even difficult thoughts reflect how Allah created us – with the ability to endure, feel deeply, and grow through the hardships He places before us. Every trial is a means of elevation, a path back to Him.