While many people focus on decluttering their physical spaces while spring cleaning, it’s equally important to declutter our minds for optimal health and well-being. In this week’s blog, let’s explore the science-backed benefits of spring cleaning for both your mind and physical space. Bonus, cleaning gets your body moving as well so it’s good for you both physically and mentally! As a personal trainer it’s a win/win situation in my book! Let’s learn the benefits and practical strategies to put these practices into place.
Decluttering Your Mind: Reducing Stress:
Scientific studies have shown that clutter can contribute to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. As 46-year-old woman in perimenopause I do not want to increase my stress or my cortisol levels. If you are anything like me, don’t either. Therefore, by decluttering your home, you clean up your space and eliminate the mental distractions. This has been shown to lower stress levels and improve overall mental health.
Pro Tip: Get started by decluttering last season’s clothes. Out with the old! A good rule of thumb for future purchases is the one in, one out rule. For example, for every new shirt you purchase, one old shirt has to go. That way the clutter manages itself once you pare down to the essentials.
Enhancing Focus and Productivity:
A clutter-free mind allows for better concentration and productivity. Research has demonstrated that an organized environment can lead to improved cognitive function, enabling individuals to focus more effectively on tasks at hand.
I don’t know about you but when I sit down at my desk to work, I want to actually get work done. If it’s a mess, I can’t focus. However, if at the end of each day I tidy up and prepare for the next day I can sit down first thing in the morning and get to work. This works much better for me.
Same holds true with other spaces in my home. I function so much better when clutter doesn’t exist on my counter tops where I prepare meals, on tables where we eat them, and in bedrooms where sleep must take place to give your body rest. If you constantly have to perform a task before the task you are actually trying to accomplish such as clear the table in order to set it up for dinner you may be living in too much clutter. Fear not, I have tips later in this blog!
Promoting Emotional Well-being:
Letting go of physical and mental clutter can also have a positive impact on emotional well-being. Studies suggest that decluttering can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, leading to a greater sense of happiness and satisfaction.
Decluttering Your Space: Improving Respiratory Health:
Dust and other allergens that accumulate in cluttered spaces can exacerbate respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies. By decluttering and regularly cleaning your living environment, you can reduce indoor air pollutants and breathe easier. If you reduce the use of chemicals while cleaning you can further enhance your health. Curious? Read one of my previous blogs about detoxifying your cleaning and personal care routines.
Practical Tips for Decluttering Your Mind:
In addition to decluttering your home, there are other practices to clear mental clutter and promote relaxation such as the practice of meditation, writing in a journal to express thoughts and feelings, and practicing deep breathing.
The sweet spot for me lies in a combination of decluttering my spaces and practices like meditation and deep breathing. When I am feeling overwhelmed here’s a rundown of what I like to do.
- Grab a notebook and pen and do a big brain dump of everything on my mind. I set a timer for 10-15 minutes so I don’t get caught up in it.
- Prioritize tasks on my list. Set another timer for 5-10 minutes.
- Set realistic goals on when I can get these things done to prevent overwhelm and maintain mental clarity.
Boosting Mood and Energy:
A clutter-free space can have a significant impact on mood and energy levels. Research suggests that an organized environment can promote feelings of calmness and positivity, leading to increased motivation and productivity. I find this to be especially true for myself. I am much happier, more vibrant, and my creativity soars when my spaces are neat and tidy. It just feels like a burden has been lifted and I am free of some responsibility. If you’re not there yet, it feels amazing and it’s definitely a goal worth conquering.
Need a little push? Join me in a 30-day decluttering challenge here. Starts anytime you are ready! Shoot me an email if you have questions about it. [email protected]
Practical Tips for Decluttering Your Space:
- Start small by tackling one area at a time to prevent overwhelm.
- Set a timer for 10-15 minutes a day until you are ready for more or just keep this timeframe until you are done. On weekends or time off you can set longer timers just be sure to take breaks so you don’t get overwhelmed.
- Create 3 piles of items. Keep, Sell, and Donate or recycle. Keep the important items you use often, and sell, donate, or recycle items you no longer want/need.
- Implement storage solutions to keep belongings organized and easily accessible.
- Keep like items together in one location.
- Ask for help from friends or family if you feel overwhelmed.
As you embark on your spring-cleaning journey, remember to prioritize both your mental and physical health. By decluttering your mind and space, you can reduce stress, enhance focus, and create a more harmonious environment for overall well-being. Incorporating these science-backed tips into your spring-cleaning routine will help you enjoy the transformative health benefits.
Don’t forget to join me on a 30 day declutter challenge here. You won’t regret it!
Wishing you much love, health, and happiness,
Christine
