Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: 5 Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Toxic Thinking

by Caroline Leaf

TABLE 3. The Divisions of the Mind Conscious Mind Fully aware, awake when we’re awake, and functions best when we’re deliberate, intentional, actively self-regulated, and proactive. Subconscious Mind “Just aware” level where thoughts move from the nonconscious to the conscious mind. Nonconscious Mind The swirling, high-energy powerhouse that works 24/7, where all memories are stored. It’s our wisdom and intelligence. It involves a dynamic, self-regulated process that is the potent and effectual driving force behind our communication and behavior. It’s always online working with the conscious when the conscious mind is awake. It’s in constant conversation with the subconscious mind, working to bring balance and clean up our mental mess. Unconscious Mind This is not a division of the mind, per se, but rather something that can be done to your mind. When you get knocked out, for example, from a concussion, drinking too much, or being anesthetized for surgery, you become unconscious.