How to Clear Your Mind

Sometimes it can feel like your head is too cluttered. With work, school, and/or a busy schedule, things are bound to get jumbled every once in a while! Anxious and intrusive thoughts fueled by stress can put a big damper on your day, but there are plenty of things you can do to clear your mind and calm things down. From journaling to talking it out, we’ll teach you how to mindfully distract yourself from worrying thoughts. All you have to do is take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and keep reading.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Focus on the present moment.

1. Practice mindfulness daily to help clear your mind and be more focused. Mindfulness is all about centering your attention on the task at hand and letting all other thoughts come and go. Observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, as if you’re an outsider in your own mind. Then, let those thoughts and feelings go and pay attention to what you’re currently doing instead.^[1]
   
   • For example, if you’re sitting outside, notice the temperature of the air, if there are any birds chirping, and how the sun feels on your cheeks.
   • If you’re taking a shower, pay attention to how your shampoo smells and the way it feels in your hair.
   • Emotions are constantly changing and flowing, so it’s okay not to know why or how you feel a certain way. Just let them come and go as they are.

[Edit]Take a walk.

1. Moving your body mindfully can help things seem clearer. When you’re being mindful, you’re fully engaging in the present moment, letting feelings come and go as you focus on what’s in front of you.^[2] Combining this state of mind with walking produces an extra special stress reliever that improves mental and physical health. Try scheduling a walk around the block, on the treadmill, or through a local park every day. This simple activity can help you step away from worries and be present with yourself.^[3]
   
   • Think of your daily walk as a self-care break. When you go on your walk, there’s nothing but you and the world around you.
   • Focus on how the air feels, what you can smell, how your feet hit the pavement or floor, and what you can see.
   • Ask a friend to go on a walk with you for an extra social boost.^[4]

[Edit]Do deep breathing exercises.

1. Take a moment to breathe and come back to the present moment. Life can easily become go, go, go, and in the process, you can easily forget to breathe. Settling down wherever you are to take controlled breaths can calm your racing mind and heartbeat, helping you feel more relaxed. Try this deep breathing exercise the next time you feel overwhelmed:^[5]
   
   • Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down and close your eyes.
   • Take a normal breath.
   • On your next breath, breathe slowly in through your nose, letting your chest and lower belly rise.
   • Breathe out through your mouth, feeling your chest and belly slowly fall.
   • Do this once or twice a day to help clear your mind and ease tension in the body.

[Edit]Journal your thoughts.

1. Writing down your worries can help you sort through them. Try reaching for a notebook or phone when a million thoughts are racing through your mind. Jot down everything that comes to mind, letting it all pour out onto the page.^[6] Journaling can help you be more aware of your emotions and reflect on what’s troubling you.^[7]
   
   • Try to write in your journal every day, even if you don’t think you have anything “interesting” to write about (just being you is interesting enough).
   • Keep a digital journal in a notes app, so you always have a journal with you.
   • Write whatever feels right, and don’t worry about spelling or grammatical errors—let your words flow free.

[Edit]Move your body.

1. Doing something active helps you connect with your physical self. Believe it or not, exercise is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. When you move your body, you’re focusing on something outside your head, giving you a subconscious reason and purpose to forget your woes. Try a form of exercise that has repetitive, rhythmic movements like:^[8]
   
   • Yoga
   • Running^[9]
   • Swimming
   • Walking
   • Dancing
   • Rowing

[Edit]Listen to music.

1. Distract your mind with some upbeat tunes. When you’re stressed, anxious and intrusive thoughts can become a white noise constantly in the back of your mind. Music can help you block out the noise, replacing it with something pleasant. Listen to music that matches your mood or uplifts you.^[10]
   
   • Try closing your eyes and listening to instrumental or soothing music, allowing yourself to visualize the notes or sounds.^[11]
   • So, those are a few more options to try!

[Edit]Work on something creative.

1. Do something creative like drawing or crocheting to keep yourself busy. Sometimes all you need is something else to occupy your alone time. If you find your mind racing during quiet moments in the day, pick up some colored pencils or knitting needles to keep your hands and mind busy. Focus on creating what’s in front of you, the craft you can control, rather than stressful thoughts you can’t control.^[12] Consider trying these artistic projects:^[13]
   
   • Decoupaging
   • Cake decorating
   • Knitting
   • Crocheting
   • Embroidery
   • Scrapbooking
   • Painting
   • Sketching

[Edit]Chat with friends and family members.

1. Share your feelings with someone you trust to vocalize your concerns. Life can get too much sometimes, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to a friend or family member and talk with them about what’s going on in your life. Not only can this help you clear your mind, but it also gives you a chance to sort through your thoughts verbally.^[14]
   
   • Keep in mind that you don’t need to receive feedback on your struggles. Ask your loved one to be a listener if that’s all you need.
   • Socializing and connecting with others improves mental health and can protect you from stress, as a good talk or laugh can make you happier.^[15]

[Edit]Hang out with your pet.

1. Take time to cuddle your furry friend to lift your mood. Who doesn’t love a few puppy or kitten hugs? If you have a pet, their companionship can help ease anxiety and boost self-confidence. Schedule time in your day to take your dog for a walk, play with your cat, or watch your hamster burrow. Putting your focus on them can help you forget intrusive thoughts in a moment of bliss.^[16]
   
   • Having a routine with your pet can also help you feel more grounded and focused, so don’t skip out on feeding or caring for the family pet, as it may just help you feel better.

[Edit]Make a to-do list.

1. Take time to write down your tasks for the day for a fresh start. This may seem mundane and silly, but it can make the busiest days seem more manageable. Before you start your day, write down everything you want to accomplish, including fun activities and tasks. Making a to-do list will give your day structure and help things seem more manageable.^[17]
   
   • Consider sectioning your to-do list into 2 sections: chores and hobbies. Write out what chores you need to get done, and then include what you’d like to do for fun.
   • Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get everything on your to-do list done—there’s always tomorrow!

[Edit]Write a list of what you’re grateful for.

1. Start a gratitude list or journal to help you focus on the good in each day. Whether something big or small is causing your mind to wander and worry, a small reminder that you’re worthy can be enough to get you back on your feet. Jot down your favorite things, people, places, or memories onto a piece of paper or into your phone. Then, the next time your mind seems too cluttered, look at your list. This helps you think positively and remember that you can be happy, even for the smallest of things.^[18]
   
   • Try writing down your worries too. If you’re feeling anxious, put that worry or thought on paper to “save for later.” Giving yourself time to think about your worries later can lessen their power.^[19]

[Edit]Organize your space.

1. Clean a cluttered room to help clear your mind. More often than not, the space you live in reflects what’s happening in your noggin. Worrying about things out of your control is easy, so try to focus on what you can control.^[20] Try to spend at least 15 minutes a day organizing your living space. Maybe you rearrange your bookshelf, put away a pile of laundry, or vacuum the living room carpet.^[21]
   
   • Make cleaning or organizing your space a mindful activity by focusing primarily on the task at hand.
   • Think of each item you organize as putting away a stressful thought or worry.

[Edit]Try meditating.

1. Clear your mind by taking deep breaths and closing your eyes. Mindful meditations can help you find a sense of peace and quiet even during the busiest times. When your mind seems cluttered, take a moment to sit or lie down and close your eyes. Focus on your breaths or chant a mantra. Let thoughts come and go without judgment, briefly acknowledging them before you return to your breaths or mantra.^[22]
   
   • Schedule at least 20 minutes every day to meditate, no matter how busy you may be.^[23]
   • Meditating mindfully takes practice, and it’s okay if it’s not easy at first—it’s not supposed to be. The more you practice, the easier it’ll become and the clearer your mind will be.

[Edit]Talk to a licensed therapist.

1. Share your concerns with a trained professional for advice and clarity. Expressing your worries, anxieties, and/or jumbled thoughts can help you feel more relaxed when things are overwhelming.^[24] Try talking to a licensed therapist for extra support outside of your inner circle. You may just find that letting your feelings out can help you feel a thousand times better.
   
   • Check with your insurance company to see if your plan covers any local therapists.
   • Try signing up for online therapy with BetterHelp or Talkspace to quickly find and talk with a therapist.

[Edit]Reader Videos

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/how-to-stop-worrying.htm
2. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm
3. ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/
4. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
5. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response
6. ↑ [v161309_b01]. 18 March 2020.
7. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/
8. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm
9. ↑ [v161309_b01]. 18 March 2020.
10. ↑ https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2016/The-Impact-of-Music-Therapy-on-Mental-Health
11. ↑ https://www.unr.edu/counseling/virtual-relaxation-room/releasing-stress-through-the-power-of-music
12. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
13. ↑ https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/crafting-for-stress-relief
14. ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/manage-social-support
15. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/howtoimprovementalhealth.html
16. ↑ https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/p/pets-and-mental-health
17. ↑ https://hbr.org/2022/01/why-we-continue-to-rely-on-and-love-to-do-lists
18. ↑ https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/health-benefits-gratitude
19. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/how-to-stop-worrying.htm
20. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clean-home/room-room/living-room-dining-room-bedroom-cleaning-tips
21. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truisms-wellness/201607/the-powerful-psychology-behind-cleanliness
22. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/benefits-of-mindfulness.htm
23. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/alternative-and-integrative-health/two-mindfulness-meditation-exercises-to-try
24. ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/stress/treatment-for-stress/

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How to Make a Study Timetable

Manage your time and conquer your classes with your own personalized planner

A study timetable is a handy, inexpensive tool that can help you get control over your study time. Basically, a study timetable gives you a perspective of how much time you have to complete all your prioritized tasks, like exam prep for all your classes. If you want to get organized and feel motivated to get your work done, we'll teach you everything you need to know about study timetables. So, leap right into this straightforward article to unlock your full academic potential!

This article is based on an interview with our educational consultant, Alexander Ruiz.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Review the syllabi from all your classes to create the most detailed timetable.
• Set aside special blocks of time that are reserved for studying your material.
• Factor small breaks into your timetable so you'll be refreshed and stress-free.
• Revise your timetable whenever a new development, like extra credit, comes up.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Sample Timetable and List of Things to Include

Study Timetable Template

Study Timetable Template

Things to Include in Your Study Timetable

Things to Include in Your Study Timetable

[Edit]Setting Up Your Timetable

1. Review your current schedule to see how you spend your time. Before you create a study timetable that’s perfectly tailored for your academic goals, get a sense for how you’re running your life right now. For example, do you spend a ton of time socializing or unwinding with video games? While that’s perfectly fine, you might notice that you can repurpose some hours to master your class or ace a test.^[1]
   
   • Remember—any sacrifices you make are temporary. You'll be able to go back to your everyday routines after your big exam or assignment.
   • Sometimes, you’ll have to fit your studying around some things that you do on a regular basis, like extracurriculars, chores, or exercise.^[2]
   • It’s totally fine if you take off some days to enjoy yourself. Just be sure to make up the difference later!
2. Collect all the information you can about your class. Review your syllabus to see all the exams, group discussions, essays, and assignments you’ll be responsible for. If you accidentally tossed it, ask your teacher for another one. If your teacher uses an online platform, like Blackboard, scroll through it to familiarize yourself with the pace and general challenge level of your class.^[3]
   
   • For example, maybe your professor assigns a lot of small and super achievable assignments, like weekly reflection papers, and only gives one mid-term.
   • On the other hand, your professor might be more tough and assign bi-monthly exams. Or, they may expect you to turn in multiple drafts of any essay.
   • See which tasks are more time-consuming. For instance, maybe you’re a whiz at pre-lab assignments, but you need to dedicate a couple hours each day to quantum mechanics.
3. Decide which times are optimal for studying. Consider when your brain is alert and when you’re most energized. When it comes to reviewing your materials, are you a morning or a night person? After the sun rises and you chow down on a bowl of oatmeal, are you ready and raring to go? Or, do you like to eat dinner, wind down, and meticulously look over your notes? When you find out your “peak study hours,” you’ll be able to create the best schedule for yourself.^[4]
   
   • Look for times when you won't have any distractions—for instance, you might be completely free to study from 7 A.M. to 10 A.M. or 5 P.M. to 8 P.M.
4. Create your timetable grid. Are you a big picture type of person? If so, you might want to make a study timetable that maps out a whole month. However, you may prefer to “chunk” your material and create a study timetable that outlines your week. If you are really hands-on, you might like to use a ruler, a pen, and highlighters to draw out your timetable on a piece of paper. However, you can also speed up the process by making a digital timetable on a spreadsheet or with an app.^[5]
   
   • Try out spreadsheet programs, like Microsoft Excel or Apple Numbers. Or, experiment with some of the templates that your word processor—like MS Word—offers.
   • Some apps specialize in study timetables—for instance “My Study Life” helps you record and track all of your exams and assignments.
   • If you're frequently online or on your phone, a physical paper timetable might be the best option for you. You’ll be able to refer to it without getting distracted by your tech.
   • You can also combine paper and digital formats: use your computer to print out a grid that you’ve already added days and times to, then print out as many as you like and fill them out by hand.
5. Draw the grid for your timetable. A traditional timetable tracks all the days you’ll spend studying as well as the time you’ll allot for each task. Once you create a grid with plenty of squares (for example, a 7x8 grid), write the days of the week at the top. Once those squares are filled in, the rest can be used to block out times when you’ll study for tests, assignments, or presentations.^[6]
   
   • If you’re making a timetable by hand on paper, use regular notebook paper or blank paper and draw your lines with a ruler for a clean look.
   • The biggest downside to the paper-and-pencil method is that it can be pretty labor intensive if you need to make tweaks on multiple pages.
   • Your safest bet is to use a digital program, like Google Sheets. After all, you might end up adding more blocks on your timetable if your teacher assigns new material, like quizzes or extra credit assignments.
   • However, lots of people prefer to study and organize their time on paper, so you should do whatever motivates you best.
6. Choose a timetable template that you'll use every week. If you’d like to streamline your process, design or download a timetable that you’ll print out and fill in every week. Create a batch of these timetables in one go based on the information you receive from your syllabus and your course management system, like Blackboard. All this prep will save you a lot of time in the long run.^[7]
   
   • Take into account big assignments or final exams and update your study schedule by adding blocks of times you'll use to study for them.
   • Factor in extracurriculars that you identified earlier, like holidays or sports. Fill in squares to represent blocks of time in which you won’t be studying.

[Edit]Filling in Your Timetable

1. Block your study times. Aim for blocks of study time that are fairly long, such as 2–4 continuous hours. This will help you get into the groove of studying and make sure you're more productive with your time. Time-blocking is a tried and true tactic to eliminate distractions so you can dedicate all your attention to your coursework.^[8]
   
   • Have a day where you're super busy? That's totally fine—just look for a block of time that's available. Even 45 minutes can keep you ahead of the game when it comes to studying.
   • If you have some classes that are really challenging for you, it's a good call to set aside more time to study for them. For example, if French is a breeze, squirrel away 1 hour for it. However, if you have to rack your brain over Statistics, devote a whole 4 hours to review the ins and outs of it.^[9]
   • Bear in mind that you don't have to force yourself to stay on task for 4 continuous hours without a single break—we'll cover that in the next step.
2. Schedule time for breaks. Break are essential to your success. After all, you're not a robot, and no one, not even your teacher, expects you to work non-stop for hours on end. If you build breaks into your study schedule, you're more likely to overcome boredom and to return to your work feeling refreshed and energized.^[10]
   
   • Many experts recommend that you work for 45 minutes every hour, and then take a break for 15 minutes. Everyone is different, though, so experiment to find what works best for you.
   • If you think you thrive with regular breaks, or if you tend to get a little restless, try the "Pomodoro Method": during the block of time that you're studying, commit to 25 minute stretches of concentrated work, then take 5 minute breaks.^[11]
   • For an extra boost to your health, build in activity breaks—for example, go for a 15-minute walk or make use of a 5-minute break by doing a set of push ups, sit ups, or body weight deadlifts.
3. Be as specific as possible. Remember how you gathered all your of assignments and syllabi? Now's the time to put them to use. Schedule blocks of time that represent when you'll study for all of your classes. Also remember to fill out squares on your grid to note which assignments and presentations you'll be responsible for. For instance, instead of just writing "English," jot down: "Create outline for essay on post-modernism." You'll have a clear picture of what you need to prioritize.^[12]
   
   • Things will change over time, of course, and something you planned 2 months ago may not apply anymore. If that's the case, use a pen to draw an "X" through any assignments or tests you no longer have to take.
   • Homework's also great to add to your timetable. For example, if you always have 20 math problems to do each week, record that in your timetable.
   • Scribble in new updates that come up, too. For example, if two teachers are offering extra credit opportunities, factor that into your study timetable.
4. Schedule multiple subjects during each session. Keep in mind that it's totally okay to use one continuous block of study time to review concepts from different classes. For example, use a 4 hour block to review French vocabulary, chemical reactions, and business practices. Working on different subjects during a single session will keep you from getting completely burned out by intensely focusing on one subject and ending up with next to no energy to do anything else.^[13]
   
   • Of course, this can change once exam time rolls around and you need to devote all your energy to a single subject!
5. Color code your timetable to keep track of all your classes. Color coding classes and responsibilities will help make your timetable easier to use and be easier on the eyes. You might be looking at this timetable a lot—make it your own! Who knows: you might end up enjoying the process of managing your studying time and sprucing up your timetable. Best case scenario? You'll see it as a fun and almost therapeutic activity that lets you get a little artistic.
   
   • You might want to use colored pencils if it’s on paper. Or you could highlight things on the computer and print in color.
   • If you’re using an online-only app, you'll usually have to stick with the range of colors it provides (i.e., blue, green, orange, and pink).
   • Consider an online program like Canva. You'll have tons of templates to choose from. You can even add fun digital stickers, like bubbling beakers to represent your Chemistry class.
   • You can even buy some awesome and vibrant timetables on sites like Amazon or Etsy.

[Edit]Using the Timetable

1. Stick to the plans and obligations you agreed to. It might take some time for you to really get used to fitting your life around your timetable and taking it seriously without any deviations. Just give it a chance. Once it’s a part of your routine, it’s going to be a big help. Plus, think of it this way—it's a great tool to ensure you dominate your classes. When you ace all your tests and earn an awesome grade, so many doors will open up for you.^[14]
   
   • If an emergency comes up, take care of what you need to. Just be sure to find extra blocks of time later in the week to make up the difference.
   • All that dedication gives you a great chance to treat yourself later. Grab some ice cream, phone some friends, or play some video games when you finish. After you're done with all your classes, you can even throw a little party.
2. Relax whenever you make any tiny slip-ups. There's no reason to follow your timetable down to the exact minute. Look, if you start studying for Spanish at 5:05 P.M. instead of 5:00 P.M., it's not the end of the world. Just focus on finishing up all your most important tasks while also factoring in time for some rest and relaxation. Ultimately, a timetable's a little system to help you perform better in your classes. Base your time on it, but don’t worry about not following it to the tee.^[15]
   
   • If you want to, meditate, move around, or chat with a friend right before you jump into all your coursework. In fact, research suggests it's smart to unwind before all the hard work you'll do.^[16]
3. Revise your timetable if you need to adjust your study schedule. See what works and what doesn’t, and if something isn’t working, feel free to fix it. You already put effort into making the timetable—there’s no reason to scrap it when a few simple revisions could make it work well for you. While it's best to stick to your timetable, it's also important to update it if any there are any new developments.
   
   • If you have to make a lot of adjustments, a digital timetable might your best bet.
   • If you prefer a physical copy, make sure your timetable has lots of empty squares so you can fill in new information.
   • If you want a change, such as switching from a pen-and-paper timetable to one on an app, that's totally fine—it's important to do what feels sustainable for you.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Create Good Study Habits for Exams
• Create a Study Schedule

[Edit]Reader Videos

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/study-space/how-to-make-an-effective-study-plan
2. ↑ [v161441_b01]. 18 June 2020.
3. ↑ [v161441_b01]. 18 June 2020.
4. ↑ https://www.stetson.edu/administration/academic-success/media/STUDY%20SCHEDULE.pdf
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/JfZvWrUXhWY?t=245
6. ↑ https://algonquin-academic-success.libguides.com/study-skills/weekly-schedule
7. ↑ https://www.excelsior.edu/article/study-plans/
8. ↑ https://www.monash.edu/student-academic-success/study-better/prepare-for-timed-assessments
9. ↑ https://www.monash.edu/student-academic-success/study-better/prepare-for-timed-assessments
10. ↑ https://au.reachout.com/study-work-and-money/exam-stress/study-hacks
11. ↑ https://learningcommons.ubc.ca/the-pomodoro-technique-study-more-efficiently-take-more-breaks/
12. ↑ [v161441_b01]. 18 June 2020.
13. ↑ https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart/
14. ↑ https://beyondaccess.csd.uconn.edu/2021/12/09/creating-a-study-plan-and-sticking-to-it/
15. ↑ https://home.uark.edu/2020/02/the-dos-and-donts-of-time-management/
16. ↑ https://health.cornell.edu/about/news/study-breaks-stress-busters

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How to Redo Rock Landscaping

Rock landscaping is a beautiful way to add interest to your garden or yard, but sometimes you just need to change it up. Contrary to how it sounds, moving a bunch of rocks around is actually pretty easy with the right approach and vision. We’ve put together a thorough guide to removing, cleaning, and reusing your landscaping rocks. If you’re ready to add new life to your rock features, read on!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Removing Rocks

1. Shovel gravel into a wheelbarrow to move it around your yard. Gravel or pebbles can get caught in a lawn mower, so it’s important to be thorough when you remove these. Start by shoveling as much gravel as you can into a wheelbarrow or waste container. Use a rake to gather stones the shovel missed.^[1]
   
   • If your gravel path or garden has a geotextile cloth underneath, just lift it up after you’ve shoveled away some gravel to cleanly remove any stragglers.
2. Loosen soil and expose larger rocks with a rototiller. First, slowly and carefully push the rototiller to break up the top few inches of soil. As stones turn up, pick them up and place them in a wheelbarrow to keep them out of the way. To dispose of them, wheel them to a dumpster (or put them directly into one).^[2]
   
   • Rototillers can be bought or rented at most home improvement stores or online.
3. Rake through the loosened soil to gather small rocks you missed. A sturdy, metal rake works best. Rake the stones into a pile and shovel them into a wheelbarrow, dumpster, or separate pile to use or clean later.^[3]
   
   • It's tempting to leave rocks in the soil since grass will grow over them, but removing them makes planting a garden easier (and protects your lawn mower and other equipment).
4. Drive a tractor plow to scoop rocks from a large area of soil with less labor. This method can be expensive, but saves a lot of elbow grease. Rent a tractor with a plow attachment. Drive over the area you want to clear, using the plow to collect loose rocks. Sift the dirt away from the rocks and spread it back on the ground.^[4]
   
   • Go over the ground in sections rather than doing the entire area all at once.
   • This works best for rocks that are bigger than gravel but smaller than boulders. In landscaping, boulders are rocks bigger than in diameter.
5. Roll large rocks and boulders out of your yard with a pry bar. Use a flat stone or other hardy object as a fulcrum and place it near the boulder so they’re almost touching. Take a long pry bar and stick the end between the fulcrum and boulder. Push down on the high end of the bar to leverage the boulder forward.^[5]
   
   • Repeat this motion until you’ve moved the boulder to its final destination.
   • If the boulder is light, place it on a wooden board with parallel metal rods underneath. Roll the board over the rods, moving the rear rod to the front as you go.
   • If the boulder is partially buried, dig around it with a shovel until the entire rock is exposed. Lift it into a wheelbarrow or onto a rolling board.^[6]
6. Dispose of your landscaping rocks with a trailer or junk removal service. The easiest way to get rid of the rocks is to place them in a dumpster and call a junk removal company to take them away. You can also rent a truck and trailer to drive them yourself to a yard waste disposal place that accepts gravel and rock.^[7]
   
   • Post photos of your rocks online or put a sign in your yard that says “Free!” Anyone interested in using them will be happy to take a few off your hands.

[Edit]Cleaning Rocks

1. Separate dirt and gravel with a metal sifter. First, shovel the gravel on top of the sifter and move the rocks around with your hands or a garden hoe to shake loose dirt and leaves away. Put the cleaned gravel in a wheelbarrow or separate pile to reinstall later and shovel up the dirt that fell under the sifter.^[8]
   
   • If you don’t own a sifter, build one by nailing together a wooden frame and laying hardware cloth fencing (with spacing) over it.^[9]
2. Spray your gravel with water to remove stubborn dirt. Do this while your gravel is still on the sifter to get the maximum clean. Beware that the water will mix with the dirt underneath the sifter and make mud (consider doing this over a tarp for easy cleanup or in a driveway where you can spray the mud away).^[10]
   
   • Let the gravel dry completely before reinstalling (dirt will cling to wet rocks).
   • Place landscaping fabric down before reinstalling your gravel. It will block weed growth and help keep dirt from mixing with your gravel again.^[11]
3. Use a pressure washer to blast stubborn dirt off larger rocks. If you have one available, it saves you the trouble of scrubbing mold or fungus on your rocks by hand. Stand away so the tip of the washer is about away from the rock. Spray at an angle to prevent debris from blowing back at you.^[12]
   
   • Spray with a sweeping motion, like you’re using a broom. If the dirt isn’t blowing away, try moving closer.
4. Treat stubborn dirt, mold, or fungus on large rocks with vinegar. After rinsing your rock with water, spray the remaining dirty spots with a spray bottle full of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the organic material and then use a scrub brush to manually remove the debris. Rinse with water afterwards.^[13]
   
5. Use bleach to clean the most stubborn stains on your larger rocks. If a pressure washer or vinegar doesn’t work, combine of water with of bleach in a bucket. Scrub the stain with this mixture until you stop seeing mold, fungus, or dirt. Rinse the rock with water when you’re done.^[14]
   
   • Repeat this method until all traces of the stain are gone.
6. Decorate or seal your rocks after you clean them. Clean rocks look pleasing on their own, but there are a variety of ways to make them shine and give your rock landscaping a refined look. Make sure your rocks have thoroughly dried before trying some of these methods to customize them:
   
   • Polish stones with a heavy fabric (like denim) until they start to shine. You can leave them like this or seal them with mineral oil or commercial rock polish.^[15]
   • Use rock stain to change your stones’ colors or try stone enhancers to bring out the rocks’ natural sheen.
   • Spray paint your rocks to be whatever color you like! Wait for the paint to dry completely and then apply a clear sealant all over.^[16]
   • Apply a water seal to make your rocks look shiny, wet, and clean all year long.^[17]

[Edit]Repurposing Old Rocks

1. Use your leftover or unwanted rocks to build a firepit in your yard. First, stake out the shape and size of your pit with marking paint. Inside the outline, dig up of dirt and replace it with sand. Lay a base layer of stones that fit tightly together around the rim of the pit.^[18]
   
   • Continue building the walls of your pit, filling in any gaps with small stones or mortar.
   • Add a layer of gravel on top of the sand inside the pit.
   • Double check your local ordinances and make sure you have a safe spot to build a firepit before you start construction.
2. Build a retaining wall to manage soil and rain runoff. Dig a trench for the base of your wall (about deep for every of wall height) and fill it with compact, angular rocks. Add a layer of sand on top and begin laying the rows of your wall, making sure all rocks have their edges touching.^[19]
   
   • Use a rubber mallet to tap stones into place and use crushed gravel to fill in gaps in your blocks.
   • Take your time as you lay the stones—a stable, sturdy, straight wall is worth the extra time.
   • Sweep the top of each row before adding a new layer to get rid of small particles that can weather your wall.
3. Create a garden walkway with gravel or pebbles. First, outline your path and dig up the top of soil to eliminate weeds and ensure the path is level. Then place thick landscaping fabric over the path, leaving a few inches of fabric hanging over the edges. Lastly, wheelbarrow or shovel your gravel on top and voilà!^[20]
   
   • Use enough gravel to make a layer about thick. Use a rake or shovel to distribute the gravel evenly over the fabric.
   • Trim any overhanging landscaping fabric from the edges of your new path.
   • Try adding large, flat flagstone or trowel concrete pavers to your path to use as decorative stepping stones.^[21]
4. Move unwanted gravel underneath your deck or patio. This is an aesthetically pleasing look and a convenient way to remove gravel from your proper landscaping. Use a shovel and wheelbarrow to transport the gravel underneath your deck. Then use a metal rake to distribute the gravel evenly over the ground (you want a layer about thick).^[22]
   
   • To prevent weed growth, lay a thick landscaping fabric on the ground before you transport the gravel.
5. Redesign or build a new rock garden. First, choose a location and make a sketch of what you want your garden to look like. Place your larger rocks first (they’re the most difficult to move), then add an assortment of smaller stones to complement them. Leave room for beautiful plants too!^[23]
   
   • Succulents and hardy seaside plants do well in rock gardens.
   • Consider adding a water feature, like a small fountain or waterfall, for added interest.

[Edit]How Do I Choose The Right Landscaping Rocks?

[Edit]Tips

• Ask a friend or family member for help when you’re moving large rocks and boulders. An extra pair of hands can prevent back strain or another injury.
• If redoing your rock landscaping seems overwhelming, consider hiring a professional landscaping company to do the hard work and heavy lifting for you.^[24]

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.homereference.net/remove-rocks-from-soil/
2. ↑ https://www.homereference.net/remove-rocks-from-soil/
3. ↑ https://www.homereference.net/remove-rocks-from-soil/
4. ↑ https://moplants.com/remove-rocks-from-soil/
5. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/landscaping/21019419/how-to-move-large-rocks
6. ↑ https://www.homereference.net/remove-rocks-from-soil/
7. ↑ https://howtodispose.info/dispose-landscaping-rocks/#How_to_Prep_Your_Landscaping_Rocks_for_Repurposing
8. ↑ https://youtu.be/3xmq5xPQ4EU?t=76
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/3xmq5xPQ4EU?t=23
10. ↑ ​​
11. ↑ https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/landscaping/landscape-fabric-guide-types-uses/
12. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5575496-clean-landscaping-stones.html
13. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5575496-clean-landscaping-stones.html
14. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5575496-clean-landscaping-stones.html
15. ↑ https://sciencing.com/polish-rocks-gems-rock-tumbler-8164627.html
16. ↑ https://homesteady.com/13405501/how-to-paint-landscaping-rocks
17. ↑ https://howtofindrocks.com/what-to-put-on-rocks-to-make-them-look-wet/
18. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/build-a-fire-pit/
19. ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/building-landscape-retaining-wall
20. ↑ https://www.abbottsathome.com/steps-weed-free-gravel-path/
21. ↑ [v161586_b01]. 6 October 2020.
22. ↑ https://plasticinehouse.com/should-you-put-gravel-under-deck/
23. ↑ https://www.gardeningetc.com/us/advice/how-to-build-a-rock-garden
24. ↑ [v161586_b01]. 6 October 2020.

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