How to Declutter Your Life
Decluttering your life is more than just a trend; it’s a transformative journey toward simplicity and contentment. Whether you’re dealing with a cluttered home, a chaotic schedule, or an overloaded mind, taking steps to streamline your life can lead to more peace and productivity.
In this week’s Wellness Wednesday, we explore how we can declutter various aspects of our lives and find joy in the process of simplifying.
Step 1: Declutter Your Physical Space
Dr. Robert London, a mental health professional and author, emphasizes that “Clutter leads to anxiety, embarrassment, and family stresses… When you relieve the problem and learn to throw things away, you feel better.” If you’ve ever felt anxious about guests coming over, you can relate. Anxiety can spike when opening a messy closet or looking into a cluttered garage. Studies show that unnecessary stress and anxiety can lead to unforeseen health issues. Life is already stressful, so our homes should be calm and peaceful sanctuaries where we can recharge.
Start Small
The thought of decluttering your entire house can be daunting, so start small. Pick a single drawer, a corner of your desk, or a specific shelf to begin with. Set a timer for 15 minutes and focus solely on that area. This approach makes the task manageable and gives you a sense of accomplishment to build upon.
The Four-Box Method
When tackling a cluttered area, use the four-box method. Label four boxes as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Trash,” and “Relocate.” As you go through your items, place each one into the appropriate box. This method helps you make quick decisions and organize your belongings efficiently.
Be Ruthless
When deciding what to keep, be ruthless. Ask yourself if the item is useful, necessary, or brings you joy. If it doesn’t, it’s time to let it go. Remember, the goal is to create a space that supports your well-being, not to hold onto things out of guilt or obligation.
Organize What’s Left
After sorting, organize the items you’ve decided to keep. Use storage solutions like bins, baskets, and dividers to keep things neat and accessible. Make sure everything has a designated place to avoid future clutter.
Step 2: Declutter Your Digital Life
Just as organizing your home brings peace of mind, tidying up your digital life grants you better control over your workflow and helps alleviate stress and anxiety. Digital decluttering can also enhance your attention span. For example, removing unused apps reduces excessive notifications, allowing you to concentrate on important tasks. This practice can also save you time. A 2019 study by Adobe reveals that US workers spend more than 5 hours a day checking emails. Simply cutting down the number of emails in your inbox can save a significant amount of time!
Inbox Zero
An overflowing inbox can be a significant source of stress. Aim for “Inbox Zero” by unsubscribing from unnecessary newsletters, creating folders for different types of emails, and setting aside specific times to check your email. Use tools like filters and labels to keep your inbox organized and manageable.
Streamline Your Files
Digital files can accumulate just as quickly as physical items. Set aside time to go through your documents, photos, and downloads. Delete duplicates and files you no longer need. Create a logical folder structure that makes it easy to find what you need.
Limit Social Media
Social media can be a major time sink and source of clutter for your mind. Verywell Health recommends adults limit leisure screen time – including social media – to less than 2 hours per day. Limit the number of platforms you use and the amount of time you spend on them. Unfollow accounts that don’t add value to your life, and consider taking regular social media breaks to clear your mind.
Step 3: Declutter Your Schedule
According to Becoming Minimalist’s guide to decluttering your schedule, Step 1 is to “acknowledge the fact that you can’t do everything”. We can only do so much. We have unlimited options, but limited resources and we need to make important decisions to eliminate some things. When we’re feeling especially productive and superhuman, we struggle to admit this reality. But, we can’t do it all.
Prioritize Your Time
Take a close look at your schedule and identify your priorities. What activities are essential, and which ones can be reduced or eliminated? Focus on what truly matters to you and allocate your time accordingly.
Learn to Say No
Saying no can be difficult, but it’s essential for maintaining a balanced schedule. Don’t overcommit yourself. Be honest about your limits and only take on tasks and responsibilities that align with your priorities.
Create Routines
Routines can help streamline your day and reduce decision fatigue. Establish morning and evening routines that include time for self-care, planning, and relaxation. Having a predictable structure to your day can make it easier to manage your time and reduce stress.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment. Incorporate mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or mindful walking into your daily routine. These practices can help clear mental clutter and reduce stress. Apps like Headspace and Calm provide easy-to-use tools that can help implement mindfulness exercises into your routine.
Journaling
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a powerful way to declutter your mind. Spend a few minutes each day journaling about your experiences, worries, and goals. This practice can help you process emotions, gain clarity, and find solutions to problems.
Limit Multitasking
Multitasking can lead to mental clutter and decreased productivity. Focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention. This approach can help you complete tasks more efficiently and with better quality.
