Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash
Decluttering is a frequent topic of conversation at the beginning of the year. We want to clear out the old, the broken and the worn-out in our homes. A decluttered environment can definitely have an impact on mood and reduce your stress and anxiety levels, especially during the winter season when you’re more likely to be stuck inside. When you declutter for your mental health, it can be truly impactful and provide immediate relief. The process and the results can lift the spirits of those who are having difficulties with their mental health.
Clearing Personal Space
Cleaning a personal space of any kind can also clear space in your mind. Many of us have stuff that fills up our lives and our space. We spend time thinking about moving stuff around or avoiding it—and even purchasing extra room and storage to put the extra stuff.
What if the majority of the stuff was donated, organized or put to good use in some way? That would free up your thoughts and make space for positive new ones.
When we feel stressed, unable to focus and dissatisfied, many of us look to buying more stuff. Then we see the physical things pile up and it takes a toll. We don’t need all these things and we don’t need all these thoughts that don’t serve us. Let’s learn to let go of excessive things and embrace more of what’s inside of us.
Buying Too Much Stuff
To declutter for your mental health means putting some thought into what really matters and releasing all the rest. You may have had an idealized version of yourself and purchased exercise equipment that is collecting dust in the corner. Maybe you don’t need any equipment at all. Maybe going outside for a walk or run feels great and is all you need for your exercise routine.
Buying clothes you never wear and that just take up space in your closet is another example. Imagine being able to see all of your clothes clearly separated and picking out exactly what you want to wear that day. There is a clarity and a purpose that comes into play. It’s not wishful thinking—for example, buying three sizes too small in hopes of fitting into a smaller size one day. Clarity is about taking the actions to make space, both physical and mental.
Decluttering and Depression
For people who are experiencing symptoms of depression, everyday cleaning tasks may seem daunting. These feelings can even cause a lack of organization and focus which results in even more clutter. If you can create a welcoming environment for yourself, it enables the possibility of thriving in it and overcoming anxious feelings.
In recent years, television series about organizing and decluttering homes have significantly increased in popularity. The people featured on these series often show their happiness and relief when the job is done.
Decision-making is key when you declutter for your mental health. Taking charge of your personal space and making it work for you feels decisive and empowering. And those small steps often bring a sense of accomplishment. Creating order and structure reduces anxiety and feeling things are out of control.
Letting Go of the Past
Ask yourself: What belongs in my life right now? What do I want to focus on? You don’t have to hold on to everything forever. Living in an orderly home has so many benefits. It also motivates a clean-out in other areas as well.
There are so many ways to tackle decluttering for mental health and to approach all the areas of our lives: physical space, digital space, mental space. All of our spaces can use a good decluttering every once in a while to make sure you have what you really want and need.
Community Series – Mental Health Book Club: What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey
