Written by: Ellen Kocher, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As we head into the second week of spring, the words “Spring Forward” are on my mind. We hear these words referring to springtime daylight saving time in the northern hemisphere. We set our clocks forward, allowing us longer, lighter days often accompanied by a craving for more lightness in our lives. Our clothing, our calendars, our homes, and even our digital devices seem to be calling for decluttering. Whether we’re decluttering our homes to live simpler, our refrigerators to eat healthier, or toxic relationships that are not serving us right now, decluttering is like a breath of fresh air. Let’s get curious about the feelings around clutter and what we can do about them.
But first, spring into a decluttering mindset!
Changing how you think about decluttering and shifting your mindset can make it much easier and more satisfying to declutter your life and keep it that way — for good.
To spring into a decluttering mindset:
1. Visualize what you want your result to be and why.
How do you want to feel thanks to decluttering? What is your intention? It’s not so much about the touted benefits, but the personal and motivating reasons that drive you. Thinking about the consequences of not decluttering might help you focus on what genuinely matters to you. Decluttering takes time effort, energy, and commitment, so you’ll be much more motivated to do it when you are really clear on your “why.”
2. Plan for distractions.
It is easy and normal to get distracted and unfocused while decluttering. Memories, nostalgia, and other things pop up to hijack your attention. Planning for these distractions (even in your calendar!) and relating them to your original intentions can help prepare you to let go of the things that don’t fit with those intentions and help you get back on track.
3. Expect emotions.
Many of us end up with clutter because we care. We’ve attached meaning to things, habits, and relationships and the thought of saying goodbye is difficult. Letting go of things — whether it be material things, people in your life, favorite foods, or digital habits — can bring up feelings of regret, guilt, or material loss. When (not if) this happens, try to re-focus on your intentions and why you’ve made the decision to declutter. Acknowledge your emotions and don’t let your negative emotions keep you from the positive outcome you visualized in 1 above.
“Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions” ‒ Barbara Hemphill”
Now that you have the mindset, let’s explore the benefits! Decluttering…
Creates a sense of confidence and self-efficacy as it requires quick and efficient decision-making and problem-solving skills. This can even happen when you declutter your finances, allowing you to feel more in control of your money and better overall.
Can improve lifestyle and well-being. It's easier to prepare healthy meals in an orderly kitchen with a refrigerator stocked with healthy options. Most people sleep better in a cool, neat room with a tidy bed. Decluttering your home can even prevent pests and reduce dust, mold, and mildew, which may trigger asthma and allergies.
Can improve focus. Researchers at Princeton University analyzed the brains of people while they were exposed to visual scenes of clutter— in the real world, on photos, or on computer screens — and concluded that clutter limits the brain’s ability to process information and restricts the ability to focus.
Can reduce relationship and family tension. Whether it’s a messy space where nobody can live freely or find anything or too much screen time stealing your attention, decluttering can reduce stress and anxiety for everyone while creating a more peaceful space.
Can reduce stress. The act of decluttering itself can be a soothing way to work out life stressors by helping to restore a sense of control. Plus, our brains like it when we finish what we’ve started. So, when a task is accomplished, our brains feel good, which reduces tension.
Can help fend off depression. One study showed that people who describe their homes as “cluttered” or full of unfinished projects were more likely to suffer from depression and fatigue than those who describe their homes as “restful” and “restorative.”
Now, how will you spring forward?
Decluttering is a spring marathon, not a sprint. The only thing that matters is the result of your journey — whenever you get there — not how fast you arrive. Set micro intentions that you know you cannot fail and grant yourself grace and flexibility with a clear mindset about reaching them. If you need a little nudge along the way, these questions might guide you during the process.
Letting go of anything can be difficult, but learning to live a less-cluttered life can be freeing and fulfilling by allowing you to appreciate and treasure your objects — and relationships —that carry true meaning.
Happy Spring!
“Clutter is not the stuff on the floor, it’s anything that stands between you and the life you want to be living” — Peter Walsh
Ellen Kocher, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Ellen Kocher is an Economist and Certified Workplace Wellness Consultant who holds a master’s degree in Health & Wellness Coaching. Following 10 years as an Executive in Finance, Ellen made some major lifestyles change and has dedicated the past 20+ years to walking her talk through workplace wellbeing, promoting a holistic approach to eating, physical activity, health, resilience, and self-care. Ellen has coached hundreds of individuals and groups in dozens of organizations to make sustainable lifestyle changes empowering them to go from knowing what to do to actually doing it! Most recently Ellen’s work focuses on the 50+ demographic.
