Written by Leslie Gaudet, Awareness Coach
Helps female entrepreneurs make self-care a priority so they and their teams can thrive. With nearly 4 decades of corporate experience, Leslie understands the toll that burnout can take on ambitious women and their companies.
As the last frost melts away, we welcome the season of renewal – spring. It is a time when the earth reawakens from its slumber, and so can we, by shaking off the physical and digital clutter that weighs us down. This March, let's infuse our self-care routine with the rejuvenating practice of decluttering, transforming our spaces into havens of peace and productivity.
The burden of clutter
The spaces we inhabit are mirrors of our inner worlds. Clutter, with its chaos and confusion, can cast long shadows over our mental landscape. Scientific studies reveal that clutter can significantly increase stress and anxiety levels. It doesn't just occupy our homes; it occupies our minds. When I helped a client declutter her home, the change was palpable, as we cleared each room, her spirits lifted, her stress faded, and her space transformed into a welcoming environment she was proud to show off.
Physical space decluttering
Decluttering the physical space around us can have immediate, positive effects on our well-being. Research has shown that a tidy and organized environment can lead to a sharper focus, better sleep quality, and a deeper sense of satisfaction. To begin:
Start with the basics: Tackle one drawer, one shelf, or one corner at a time. Simplicity is key.
Use feng shui principles: Position your furniture and belongings to encourage a free flow of energy, aligning your space with your intentions.
Prioritize safety: Keep pathways clear and remove hazards to ensure your decluttered space is also a safe space.
Digital decluttering for mental clarity
Our digital lives are often as cluttered as our physical ones, and perhaps even more so because they are 'out of sight, out of mind.' This invisible clutter accumulates silently, until one day, it confronts us with full force, a digital avalanche we cannot ignore.
It is easy to underestimate the cognitive load of thousands of unread emails, disorganized files, and countless digital photos. Here is how to tackle it:
Recognize the clutter: Regularly audit your digital spaces to identify and clear out the noise.
Organize and prioritize: Create folders, use tags, and develop a system that makes retrieval intuitive and straightforward.
Immediate email management: Inspired by my husband's meticulous habits, address emails as they come. This preemptive approach prevents an inbox from spiraling into chaos.
Decluttering as a daily practice
Embracing decluttering as a daily practice is about recognizing that order is not a destination, but a journey. It is about developing habits that prevent clutter from taking root in the first place. Here is how you can incorporate these habits into your routine:
Tidy in real-time: Just as you would not let dishes pile up in the sink, address physical and digital clutter in the moment.
Routine check-ins: Set aside time each day for a quick decluttering sweep, whether that is sorting mail, clearing a workspace, or deleting unnecessary files.
Learn from the best: My husband’s wisdom rings true, managing emails as they arrive is key. It is a simple but effective habit that keeps digital clutter at bay.
It is important to remember that decluttering is more than just a cleaning task; it is a liberating journey that can refresh your environment and your mind.
By embracing the clutter-free life, you pave the way for a calmer, more serene existence where there is room to breathe, grow, and create.
This spring, I challenge you to embark on your decluttering journey. Whether it is a closet that has seen better days or a digital device due for a clean-up, take the first step today.
Share your triumphs and challenges, your story could be the spark that inspires others to find their path to a clutter-free, carefree life.
Leslie Gaudet, Awareness Coach
Leslie Gaudet is a Self-Care Coach who helps female entrepreneurs make self-care a priority so they and their teams can thrive. With nearly 4 decades of corporate experience, Leslie understands the toll that burnout can take on ambitious women and their companies.
Now Leslie guides female business owners to transform their lives by incorporating self-care practices into their lives and workplaces. When entrepreneurs prioritize self-care, they become better leaders who can motivate their teams, foster supportive work cultures, and drive business growth.
Leslie provides women entrepreneurs with tools to practice self-care daily so they have the energy, focus, and confidence to sustain motivation, avoid burnout, and fully engage in their priorities. Her approach helps female founders care for themselves from the inside out so they can avoid draining their emotional and physical reserves.
Leslie is passionate about empowering women to live life on their own terms through self-care. She believes self-care is the lifeblood of success in business and beyond.
With Leslie's support, female entrepreneurs learn to model self-care for their teams. The outcome is a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce. By taking care of themselves first, women business owners can spread the benefits of self-care throughout their companies and experience more work-life balance, stronger relationships, and business success.
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