• Features
  • News
  • Print
  • Home
  • Features
  • Perspectives
  • News
  • Lifestyle
  • Gallery
  • Family
    • Weddings
    • Milestones
    • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • About
  • Share a story
  • Contact us
  • Sign in

Latest News

  • A woman counting a hundred dollar bills. There is a calculator and an envelope with some money in it next to her on the table.

    When Your Paycheck Disappears: Why 'Enough' is Never 'Enough'

    February 07, 2026, by Oscar "Mike" Sánchez
  • An Invitation, Not an Ending

    February 07, 2026, by Heidi Baumgartner
  • Multiplying Fish

    February 06, 2026, by Paula Wart

Print magazine

3 Ways to Keep a Clear Mind

By La-Dana Manhertz-Smith, December 22, 2020

You don’t have to do everything on your to-do list. How about just doing the ones that matter today?

It's easy to be tempted to think taking a break slows you down, making you less productive. However, taking a break helps clear the mind, improve focus and helps you make better and more productive decisions.

Here are three simple ways to keep your mind clear when you are completely exhausted:

Go out in nature.

Take a walk outside, bask in the sun or follow a gentle stretching sequence if the weather isn’t great. This helps refresh bodies and minds.

Do a technology detox throughout the day.

Leave your phone in another room or in your backpack and only check your texts and emails on the hour, i.e at 1 p.m. or 2 p.m., instead of mindlessly scrolling.

Get creative.

Draw, bake, knit, crochet, color mindfully, decorate a "corner" in your room, or design something online or on paper.

Image
Print Friendly and PDF

Featured in: January/February 2021

Author

La-Dana Manhertz-Smith

Auburn Adventist Academy well-being coordinator
Section
Washington Conference
Tags
Education, tips, clear mind

You may also like

  • Instrumental Music Festival Celebrates Joy, Unity and Worship

    February 02, 2026, by Andrei Melniciuc
  • Seeds Vision Strengthens Church Multiplication Culture

    January 29, 2026, by Enoc Garcia
  • HopeCity South Hill Launches Inaugural Service

    January 28, 2026, by Enoc Garcia
  • Lacey Church Supports Healing and Hope in Mostar

    January 27, 2026, by Sven Frantzen
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Submit
  • Reprint/Repost Request
  • Style Guide
  • Change of Address
  • Subscriptions
  • Sunset
  • RSS
  • Contributor Login
  • Contact

The Gleaner is a gathering place with news and inspiration for Seventh-day Adventist members and friends throughout the northwestern United States. It is an important communication channel for the North Pacific Union Conference — the regional church support headquarters for Adventist ministry throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The original printed Gleaner was first published in 1906, and has since expanded to a full magazine with a monthly circulation of more than 40,000. Through its extended online and social media presence, the Gleaner also provides valuable content and connections for interested individuals around the world.

Copyright 2026, North Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. All rights reserved. Legal disclaimer & privacy policy.