Writing three pages of stream-of-consciousness reflections each morning may help reduce mental clutter and boost productivity, experts say. This technique, known as "morning pages," involves jotting down unfiltered thoughts immediately upon waking and was popularized by Julia Cameron in her 1992 book *The Artist’s Way*. Cameron described the practice as a way to overcome internal obstacles such as fear, negativity, and self-criticism.

The method has seen a resurgence in popularity following the Covid-19 pandemic, with thousands of individuals sharing their experiences on platforms like TikTok. Psychologists suggest that the act of articulating thoughts early in the day can help clear the mind, allowing for improved focus and decision-making throughout the day.

Ravi Gill, a psychologist, explained that writing down what occupies the mind can alleviate mental clutter, making it easier to prioritize tasks and concentrate. Supporting this view, a 2014 study published in the *Journal of Experimental Psychology* investigated the impact of expressive writing on test anxiety. In the study, 80 students preparing for a math exam were split into two groups: one group wrote about their anxieties before the test, while the other sat quietly. The results showed that students who did not engage in writing experienced a more pronounced negative effect of anxiety on their test performance. In contrast, those who wrote down their worries beforehand showed a smaller performance gap, suggesting that the exercise helped reduce intrusive thoughts and enhanced working memory.

Proponents of morning pages assert that the practice serves to bypass the inner censor—the internal voice that often suppresses creative or honest expression—thereby fostering a more open and productive mental state. While originally aimed at unlocking creativity for artists and writers, the technique has found broader appeal as a tool for managing stress and improving mental clarity in daily life.