We probably all have that one drawer, or cabinet, that is just a whole lot messier than the rest of our place.
Or maybe it’s the other way around, you have that one corner, drawer or cabinet that is just a tiny bit more neat than the rest.
Do you notice how you keep postponing tidying up?
Do you realize that it takes up so much mental energy to time and time again, look at the mess?
Today it’s time we make a change.
Let’s dedicate five minutes of today to lower our stress by decluttering.
Three Ways to Lower Stress by Decluttering
You Can Concentrate on Important Things More Easily
Your brain has limited processing capabilities.
You can only do so many things at once, and you can only pay attention to so many things at once.
Clutter fights for that attention, making it much harder to concentrate on what matters.
You Can Improve Focus and Productivity
While your brain is busy filtering out what’s important and what’s not, it could be busy getting things done.
Clutter takes up your mental capacity to focus, and decreases productivity.
You Can Lower Stress by Decluttering
Clutter isn’t just annoying – it can create a very real stress-response.
Chronic low-level stress caused by clutter, can build up and contribute to anxiety and feeling overwhelmed.
Tips for Success
- Start tiny: Choose a small, high-impact area to start with. This will kickstart the feelings of success and motivate you to keep going. Cleaning the whole house at once can be extremely overwhelming. That’s why we suggest decluttering space by space. You can use the 4-step routine for any and every space.
- Pair it with an existing routine: Try incorporating just 5 minutes (or less) of tidying up into your daily routine, to prevent feeling stressed and overwhelmed by a constantly messy room.
- Keep it short: If you don’t have a lot of time, you can still declutter. Start incorporating a 10-item pick up into your day every time you have 1-2 minutes of spare time. Pick up 10 items, toss them, or put them back in the spot they belong. You’d be surprised at how much of a difference it makes.
- Make it fun: Put on some music, dance while placing items back where they belong. Tidying up doesn’t have to be a drag, it can be fun too.
- Don’t get sidetracked: Try focusing on speed and visibility first, and spend more time sorting and organizing once your space is already more decluttered.
- Combine it with other mental challenges: Do some breathing exercises beforehand to “get in the zone” or some journaling afterwards to process how your mental state has improved.
Your 4-Step Guide to Decluttering and Destressing
Step 1 – Quick Scan & Trash
Grab a trashcan and walk around the room or house with it. Immediately toss the obvious garbage, broken items, scrap paper and expired items.
Step 2 – Relocate Misplaced Items
Move items that belong in a different spot right away, or put them in a pile/box to move them all at once later.
Step 3 – Wipe & Straighten
Wipe down the surface that you cleared and straighten the remaining items.
Step 4 – Breathe & Absorb
Take a step back, take 3 deep breaths and consciously notice the new open space.
Welcome a calmer feeling, congratulate yourself on this accomplishment and feel your mind destress.
Spending just 5 minutes every day decluttering will keep your home and your mind tidy.
When you make an effort to keep a tidy home, you make an effort to keep a stress-free mind.
It might sound too simple to be true, but wait until you’ve tried.
Feel the mental load reduce, feel your body relax.
Don’t wait until you have more time, all you need is 2 minutes.
Start today.
What area are you going to clear first?
Share with us in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe for more fantastic tips on how to mentally reset and destress.
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