Spring has sprung! Which means we can start opening our windows, putting our winter coats in the closet, and cleaning out the clutter.
What does that really mean and how does clutter affect our well-being?
April is Stress Awareness Month so I wanted to raise awareness about the importance of decluttering to help reduce stress. When we bring up the subject people tend to think that it means just cleaning up your spaces, purging items that haven’t been used in a long time or just organizing closets but it can be so much more.
Clutter affects not just our environmental health, but also our emotional and psychological health without us even knowing it.
When I walk into a space and see things out of place or piled on top of each other it just makes me want to scream. Or see that I have a pile of bills that I push to the side in hopes that they will just go away. Both of these situations cause me acute episodic stress (learn more about the types of stress in my self-care article) which gives me anxiety and makes me tired by the end of the day.
Are you the same way? If so, what are the next steps?
Let’s start out by describing other situations that may need to be de-cluttered.
Honestly, this is anything that may cause you to stress – whether it’s relationships in your life, thoughts that are constantly on your mind that you can’t get rid of, or other emotional baggage that you may be holding on to. Often times we think our stress is well managed but it’s hurting us more than we think.
First, we need to identify what causes you stress so that we can slowly pick away at each one individually.
Establishing what you are ready to tackle first will help you to cross off each one on your list –and guess what– you will feel a sense of relief with each one that is completed. You will start to feel happier, you will get better sleep and you will be able to enjoy the little things as those big issues have been put to rest. How awesome does that sound?
Ok, so let’s now jump into the obvious subject when we think of decluttering, which at this time of year would also be called Spring Cleaning!
One of our personal trainers, Leslie Kos, inspired me recently as I had seen her get rid of clothes and items she no longer wanted or used. In the past I have gone through my closets but have always said, “but what if I want to wear that item one time in the future” so I put it back on the hanger and keep it in my closet … and guess what … I still haven’t worn it, haha!
This year I have decided to tackle my closet in full force. If I haven’t worn it in a year, or wouldn’t buy it again today, then I should get rid of it. No second guesses, just get rid of it. I have done the same thing with things in my dresser and my shoes. Those fancy shoes are just not getting the use out of them that they should, so I would rather someone else get some good use out of them.
If decluttering and purging is a challenge for you, I recommend that you read the book “the life-changing magic of tidying up” or watch the Netflix series featuring Marie Kondo. You may not go the extremes of living entirely by her “only keep what sparks joy” philosophy, but you may be inspired by some of her tips and approach to appreciation, gratitude, and decluttering.
Prioritizing what sparks joy is at the heart of all the tips I share. Keeping this philosophy at the center of everything I do helps me focus on what I value. If you are struggling to figure out what sparks joy for you, my first piece of advice is to tidy your home! Once you are done tidying up, you will find it easier to keep your home – and mental space – clear and focused. By being surrounded only by the things that spark joy, your life naturally begins to achieve clarity. – Marie Kondo
After purging items, I organize what I have so that each item has a place. When things have a place then you are more likely to put them in their spot rather than leave them on the floor, counter or other places where they shouldn’t be which causes clutter.
I am notorious for getting asked….uh why are your socks there? But I have gotten better because of the fact that my things now have a place to be. I have purchased baskets for items in my linen closet so I have more space. I have also purchased a two-tier organizer for my beauty products to decrease the amount of space they take up on the counter.
By doing these things thus far I feel less stressed, which is due to the fact that when you have less things, there is less time spent on cleaning them, which gives me more time to enjoy with my boyfriend, friends, family, and my three dogs.
You wouldn’t think that by getting rid of things it would help you to feel better about yourself, but it does – whether that is a material item, a negative relationship, or putting a chronic issue to rest.
Material items seem to give us joy, but to be honest they often just cause clutter, stress, and overwhelming feelings.
Remember that clutter isn’t just in your home, attic, garage or office. Clutter is also in your mind and distracts you from the amazing things you are meant to do.
I challenge you to go closet-by-closet, drawer-by-drawer and get rid of things you rarely use. Knowing that you only have what you need will help you to be truly happy and at peace. As far as your emotional clutter, I challenge you to reflect on why it causes you stress and decide if it is truly necessary for you to be happy. If not – cut it loose. Nine times out of 10, I bet you will say that it is not worth the stress and eliminate it.
Want a helpful tool to help guide you through the process of decluttering? We have just the thing for you. Download our FREE wellness worksheet, which gives you 30 decluttering suggestions. Do them in order, or pick the items that you know you can tackle in the moment. Do an item once per day, or work ahead. The goal is to complete all 30 by the end of the month.
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