Did you know that too much clutter can lead to stress and depression? Most of us could benefit from a fresh start, a cleanout, a declutter, or a “life reboot.”
Decluttering is a strategy many people use to improve their living spaces, but the physical realm is not the only place where decluttering could do some good. Emotional and spiritual baggage can clutter up our lives as well, so a mental refresh could be just the thing to help you get back some of your zing.
Get a new lease on life by expanding the concept of spring cleaning, garage sales, and closet reorganization to other areas of your life. Here are five tips to get you started.
1. Start at Home and Work
The first places to start decluttering your life are in areas where you spend most of your time, like the car, your home, and your office.
Waking up to disorganization and chaos is never a good start to the day because a messy, disorganized environment is a catalyst for anxiety and can suck the energy right out of you before you even get going.
Start by tidying up your workspace. Get your desk drawers in order and throw out anything you don’t need or haven’t used in the last six months. Clean up your bookshelf and organize the files on your computer. Use dividers in your physical drawers to keep everything neat and organized.
Remember the fridge and pantry. Clean out the expired foods and make sure the healthy choices are the first ones you see when you open the door.
Clean your car and clear out the junk from the glove box. Hang a new air freshener on the rearview mirror.
Your kids can get in on the action as well. Get them to reorganize, clean, and declutter their desks and wardrobes. Donating old clothes that no longer fit is an excellent way to give something back to those in need.
Clearing out and organizing the spaces where you spend most of your time will do wonders for energizing your mind and body and getting yourself back into a good headspace where you can focus on your priorities.
2. Dump the Toxic Relationships
Consider the people who inhabit your daily life. Are there any relationships that deserve mending or rebuilding? Are any of your relationships too toxic to continue with?
Consider every relationship and do your best to surround yourself with people who are positive and uplifting.
Don’t ignore your social media relationships. Unfollow accounts that discourage you or stop you from feeling your best, and use the extra time to focus on the more uplifting personalities in your news feeds.
Get a new hobby, start exercising, and spending more time on self-care. When you choose to do something new, also choose to stick with it.
3. Reboot Your Priorities
Make the new season a blank slate for your priorities and re-affirm your goals. The current news stories can distract you from keeping your eye on what is important to you and your loved ones. Keep focused on what you have control over and what is important in your own life.
Keep things simple by only focusing on the things that matter most, like relationships with children, partners, and friends. Stop letting random events from outside determine your happiness. Instead, find peace, contentment, and joy from within.
List your goals and start working on the ones that are the most straightforward and realistic. Achieving one goal will fuel your motivation to carry on with the others on your list.
4. Eliminate Distractions
Distractions, even the ones you may not be aware of, can knock you off track and stop you from getting things done.
Do you spend too much time browsing social media feeds, or does the daily news get you down and ruin your mood?
Replace these activities with more productive or uplifting ones. When you remove distractions, you will spend more time on only those activities that will move you forward. You will also feel ready to tackle anything and overcome any obstacles that may stand in your way.
5. Stay Healthy
Your physical health can have a significant impact on your state of mind and ability to stay motivated and productive.
Eat healthy, nutritious meals. Get plenty of sleep, cut down on caffeine, limit alcohol, and quit smoking. Energize yourself for the day with a stretch, a brisk walk, and a healthy breakfast.
Make sure you get outside to touch the grass, breathe in the fresh air, and soak up the sunshine. Eat more salads for lunch and add a few more vegetables to each meal. When you improve your physical health, it will also enhance your mental health and reduce your stress levels.
Do you have difficulty prioritizing and organizing your life? Are you struggling to break bad habits and create healthy habits that last? Consider getting some support to guide you in getting your life on track.
Find out how a professionally trained therapist can help. It could make all the difference in finally creating a healthier balance in your life. Visit this link to learn more: Habits and Addictions