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Forbes
10 hours ago
- Health
- Forbes
Clearing The Clutter Is Not Just For Your Desk
Ankur Bindal, MD, MPH, FAPA, FAASM, is a board-certified psychiatrist and the CEO, Founder and President of KAB Medical Group Inc. We've all heard the advice to tidy up our workspaces for better focus and productivity. There's truth to that, but as a psychiatrist and a physician, I can confidently say that the real game-changer I've seen is clearing the mental clutter. A clean space can boost efficiency and productivity, but even the most pristine workspace can feel like chaos if your mind feels overwhelmed with never-ending to-do lists. If you're feeling this way, you aren't alone. In fact, an increasing number of adults are feeling more anxious. Data from the American Psychiatric Association showed that 43% of American adults said they were feeling more anxious than the year before, an increase from 37% in 2023. While mental clarity won't address all the root causes of stress and anxiety at work, it can certainly create space for a healthier worldview and a more productive workday. Follow these evidence-based strategies to clear the clutter upstairs for a better work and home life. 1. Start with self-reflection. Before we can clear anything, we need to understand what's taking up space in the mind. I recommend carving out a few quiet moments each day to check in with yourself, even if it's just five minutes during your morning commute. Ask: • What's weighing on me right now? • What do I need to feel more at ease or in control? • What am I carrying that isn't mine to hold? You'd be surprised how often we internalize stressors like unrealistic expectations or other people's business priorities without realizing it. Reflecting on your needs helps you recognize what's truly important and what you can let go. For example, if you're panicking about a presentation that's due tomorrow, taking the time to zoom out on that concern may help you realize you have plenty of time to do your work and that it isn't worth agonizing over. 2. Set mental boundaries. Just as you'd draw a line between your desk and someone else's, you should define your mental and emotional limits. This might mean: • Not checking work emails after hours. • Saying 'no' to a project when your plate is already full. • Letting go of the guilt when you take a well-deserved break. Boundaries help filter out unnecessary noise and preserve your energy for what truly matters. They also protect you from burnout, which I've seen far too often in professionals who struggle to set healthy boundaries. 3. Simplify your inputs. We live in a world of nonstop notifications and constant connectivity, at work and at home. While technology can be a blessing, it can also be mentally draining. Mental clutter often comes from overstimulation, so simplifying what you allow in can make room for clarity and calm. Reduce the amount of information overwhelming your brain by: • Turning off nonessential alerts. • Limiting your time on social media, especially when you're already stressed. • Creating "no-input" zones in your day. These are times when you don't consume news, text messages or email updates. 4. Declutter through action. Sometimes, the best way to clear your mind is to tackle the nagging task you've been avoiding. I call these 'mental mess-makers.' They hang out in the background, quietly draining your focus and energy. Checking even one item off your list can restore a sense of control. Whether it's responding to one email or making that phone call you've put off all week, completing a task can feel like lifting a weight off your shoulders. 5. Make space for stillness. Even high achievers need moments of stillness. In fact, high achievers especially need mental breathing room without extra noise. Stillness looks different for everyone. Fortunately, it doesn't mean you need to go on a seven-day silent retreat. In everyday life, stillness might look like: • A quiet cup of coffee in the morning with no distractions. • A brief walk outside the office without your phone. • A five-minute breathing exercise at your desk. You don't need an hour-long meditation to find peace, though I'm a big fan of those, too. Just a few moments of intentional quiet can reset your nervous system and create space for clearer thinking. Find clarity, mindfully. Clearing your desk may help you find that report you've been looking for, but you may need more to help you think more clearly. In my experience, actively simplifying your mind can help you live and work better. When your mind is clutter-free, you may be more present, thoughtful and resilient. Instead of starting your day organizing paperclips, pause and clear the mental clutter first. You may find that it can help you make better decisions and engage with others more mindfully. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Associated Press
15-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
New York Court Shuts Down Foreclosure Attempt, Citing Expired Deadline Under the Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act
Petroff Amshen LLP's foreclosure defense attorneys secured a major legal victory after a New York court dismissed a time-barred foreclosure case. The ruling confirms that the Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act ('FAPA') applies retroactively and blocks financial entities from manipulating timelines. This decision protects homeowners and strengthens legal defenses against long-standing foreclosure threats. NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / April 15, 2025 / A Brooklyn homeowner has won a major legal battle after a New York court dismissed a foreclosure case brought by a financial entity. The court ruled that the foreclosure was filed late-and that the bank couldn't legally restart the process after the deadline had already passed. The case was handled by Petroff Amshen LLP, a New York law firm that fights for homeowners facing unfair or prolonged foreclosure threats with legal advocacy for its clients. The foreclosure in question was tied to a mortgage that had been the subject of a previous foreclosure case years ago. That earlier case had been dismissed, but the financial entity later tried to bring it back to court by sending a letter in 2018-claiming the mortgage was no longer accelerated. That move was meant to restart the clock and give them more time to file a new foreclosure. Thanks to the Foreclosure Abuse Prevention Act ('FAPA')-designed to stop financial institutions from dragging out foreclosure cases for years-banks can no longer restart the timeline just by sending a letter. The law protects homeowners from being stuck in legal limbo and applies to cases that were already in progress before the law was passed. Importantly, the court confirmed that FAPA can be applied retroactively, even to foreclosure actions that started before the law existed. The court rejected arguments that this violates constitutional rights like due process or contract protections, stating that the law was created to fix a confusing and unsettled area of foreclosure litigation. Because the rules around deacceleration weren't clear in 2018, the court determined that applying FAPA retroactively does not unfairly harm financial institutions, and instead accurately protects homeowners' rights. 'This case represents more than just a legal victory-it's a critical moment for homeowners who have been left in limbo by the banking industry's inconsistent and self-serving tactics,' said Steven Amshen, founding partner of Petroff Amshen LLP. 'The court sent a clear message: you cannot manipulate time and law to trap people in endless foreclosure cycles. FAPA exists to level the playing field, and we're here to enforce it.' The judge agreed that the six-year deadline to start a foreclosure had already passed, and that the attempt to reset the clock wasn't valid under the law. As a result, the court dismissed the foreclosure case entirely and denied all of the financial entity's requests, including its efforts to move forward with the process. This ruling is part of a growing number of decisions that show how FAPA is helping New Yorkers stand up to unfair foreclosure attempts. It sends a strong message: homeowners deserve clear answers, legal protection, and finality-not years of stress caused by repeated filings. Key highlights from the court's decision: Petroff Amshen LLP, a New York based law firm, has been advocating for New Yorkers' to keep their home since the 2008 recession, helping people fight back against foreclosures, mortgage abuse, and credit damage. Their foreclosure defense attorneys work directly with homeowners to challenge illegal practices and defend their rights in and out of court. 'As long as financial entities continue to use delay tactics and stretch the law to their advantage, we will be in court fighting back,' added Mr. Amshen. 'Our clients deserve finality, dignity, and protection-and we won't stop until they get it.' Contact Information Gabriel Botero Media Relations [email protected] (718) 336-4200 SOURCE: Petroff Amshen LLP press release
Forbes
04-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Maximize Mental Clarity: Simple Steps To Sharpen Focus And Brain Power
Ankur Bindal, MD, MPH, FAPA, FAASM, is a board-certified psychiatrist and the CEO, Founder and President of KAB Medical Group Inc. My patients often say they feel spaced out and unfocused. While there can be other medical issues going on, as a psychiatrist and sleep medicine practitioner, I know just how much lifestyle choices can affect the mind. Whether it's mental clarity or emotional regulation, there are simple, science-backed habits business leaders and other professionals can incorporate into their daily lives to boost brain power. If you've ruled out other causes, a few small changes to your routine could significantly improve your brain power. Let's walk through a few practical strategies for clearing the mental clutter, leaving you refreshed and ready to tackle the workday. One of the key areas to focus on is your pre-sleep routine. After all, quality sleep is the foundation of mental clarity. When we sleep well, our brains are better equipped to handle challenges, process information and stay focused throughout the day. However, achieving that level of rest often requires intentional habits before bedtime. Developing a nightly ritual creates a positive association with sleep. This is a cornerstone of what we call 'sleep hygiene.' Everyone is different, but a few strategies include: • Technology-free time: Turn off screens an hour before bed to reduce blue light exposure and mental stimulation. Switch to less stimulating activities without screens, like reading or taking a bath. • Gentle activities: You can read, listen to calming music or engage in mindfulness exercises like meditation or breathwork. • Stretching: Gentle stretching can release tension and relax your body, signaling that it's time to wind down. • White noise: For those who struggle with intrusive thoughts or external noise, white noise can help create a calming environment. Some people buy a white noise machine, but there are many YouTube videos and white noise apps to choose from. These small changes can de-stimulate the mind and promote the natural onset of sleepiness. What you consume—and when—matters. Avoid heavy meals or alcohol within two to three hours of sleep so your body can digest and wind down. Nutrition is complex, but for most people, eating more whole foods (especially fruits and vegetables) can help you feel better. Additionally, planning your meals to include balanced, nutritious lunches and snacks can help sustain your energy and focus throughout the workday. Avoiding overly processed or heavy meals helps prevent the mid-day crash, keeping you sharp and productive. Regular exercise enhances mental clarity and supports sleep, but for many people, it's best done earlier in the day or at least three hours before bedtime. If you have trouble winding down after working out, try exercising in the morning instead of the evening. Journaling is one of my favorite tools for improving mental focus and reducing stress. Writing down your thoughts creates a safe mental space for processing emotions, identifying patterns and gaining perspective on your day. When you journal, you're essentially clearing your mental 'desktop,' slowing down repetitive thoughts and freeing up your mind for the day ahead. Whether you jot down a gratitude list, record your worries or map out tomorrow's goals, this practice fosters self-awareness and promotes relaxation. Some people like to journal on their smartphones. That's fine, but the physical practice of putting pen to paper is part of the meditative experience of journaling. Try both approaches to see which one you like best. Practicing mindfulness or meditating, even for five minutes, can do wonders for mental clarity. These activities help you stay present, reduce mental noise and improve your focus over time. Pairing mindfulness with your pre-sleep routine can be particularly effective in calming an overactive mind, although meditating first thing in the morning is helpful, too. Like any skill, mental clarity improves with practice. Developing consistent routines for sleep, mindfulness and journaling not only boosts your focus but also creates a sense of stability and control in your daily life. I've found that the more regularly you engage in these activities, the more your brain will reward you with sharper focus and improved cognitive performance. If you struggle to stick with new habits, set alarms on your phone or enlist the help of an accountability buddy. Make it as easy as possible to implement these habits. For example, most phones have a sleep mode that dims the screen at a specific time. I've found that most business owners benefit by scheduling these practices into their work calendar and prioritizing it as a work meeting time block. Blocking off time for mindfulness, journaling or even a pre-sleep routine ensures these habits become a non-negotiable part of the day. Just like any critical business task, protecting this time can lead to better focus, decision-making and long-term success. Maximizing your mental clarity doesn't require overhauling your life—just a few intentional tweaks to your daily habits. A consistent pre-sleep routine, mindful journaling, and thoughtfully timing meals and exercise clears the mental clutter and allows professionals to approach each day with renewed energy and focus. By integrating these small but impactful strategies, you may find yourself better equipped to handle work and life's demands with a sharp mind and a calm, focused demeanor. The information provided here is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for advice concerning your specific situation. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
