6 Ways to Declutter Your Whole Self

  

 

  

Beyond just cleaning out the fridge or reorganizing the garage, it’s important to take time every once in a while to examine the amount of other clutter in our lives.

A tightly packed schedule, disorganized workspace and stressed out mind can all take their toll on our mental health and wellbeing.

If you find yourself frequently feeling overwhelmed, consider the various ways you can declutter your whole self — whether literally, by donating gently used clothing and items to local non-profits at Value Village, or symbolically, by clearing your head of racing thoughts.

 

Clear Your Schedule

Image by: Cathryn Lavery

Do you find yourself having to actually schedule down time? Taking time for yourself is necessary, but if those moments of “me-time” are becoming fewer and fewer, it may be time to re-evaluate your schedule as a whole. Consider your current commitments and decide which bring you the most enjoyment. If an item on your calendar has become a chore, nix it. By not being afraid to say “no,” you’ll have more time to say “yes” to the things you truly want to spend time on.

 

Start Journaling

Stressful thoughts can pile up quickly and have a negative impact on our health. Journaling at the end of a long day is one of the best ways to calm our minds before bed and let go of negative thoughts. If writing a journal isn’t for you, make a list of what you need to accomplish the next day before going to sleep. This will quiet any racing thoughts so you can sleep soundly. You can also use a journal or lists to keep track of goals and aspirations, which will keep you focused on the bigger picture rather than the stresses of day-to-day tasks.

 

Clean Out Your Closet

Image by: Emily May

There’s a reason why President Obama wears the same colour suits every day. The more choices you have to make in a day, the more tired you’ll be. This is called decision fatigue, and one of the places where we confront it most is the closet. Get rid of clothes you rarely wear and only keep the staples. You’ll feel more confident wearing your favourite pieces every day, and even better if you donate your once-loved items to local non-profits at Value Village.

 

Prep your week’s meals in advance

When you’re busy, your diet often pays the price. It’s easier to grab a slice of pizza than to prepare lunch every evening. Anticipate these challenges by making a large meal on Sunday afternoon that will last the week. Go through your Tupperware drawer and find lids for every bottom so that you can quickly pack up and take your food to work. Furthermore, make it easy for yourself to choose healthy snacks by cleaning out the unhealthy stuff from your fridge and cabinets.

 

Tidy Your Workspace

Image by: Châu Thông Phan

This doesn’t just refer to your physical workspace, but your computer, too. Dedicate a half hour every morning to clearing your inbox. Delete unused programs and files and organize the rest into folders. Turn off desktop notifications and unwanted sounds to ensure a calm interface while working. By removing unnecessary items and distractions, you’ll be better able to concentrate on what you need to get done that day.

 

Get Rid of Unnecessary Items

It’s ok to be sentimental about the things in your home, but when the things you used to love become a mountain of knick-knacks and storage boxes, it’s time to make a change. This doesn’t have to happen all at once — as you tackle the various rooms in your house, decide whether an object is something you truly need or can live without. If you choose to hold onto it, make sure it has a place to live in your home so that it doesn’t contribute to future clutter. Local non-profits at Value Village benefit from your donations, and every little bit helps. With help from conscious declutterers like yourself, the company keeps 650 million pounds of stuff out of landfills each year.

A decluttered space means a decluttered mind. Find ways to simplify the stressors in your life and reap the benefits of a happier, healthier life.