Hey, rockstars!
Let’s get straight to it. If you’re feeling like a hamster on a wheel, exhausted and overwhelmed, it’s time to talk about something we often ignore: clutter. Not just the physical stuff piled up on your desk or stuffed in your closet, but also the mental junk clogging up your brain.
High-flyers like you often find yourselves drowning in both kinds of clutter. And guess what? It’s contributing to chronic fatigue (ME) symptoms.
Let’s dive into why decluttering your life—inside and out—is crucial, and how you can start doing it today.
The Decluttering Dilemma: Why It Matters
Decluttering isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about creating space for clarity, productivity, and peace. When your physical environment and mind are free of unnecessary junk, you can focus better, make decisions more easily and enjoy life more fully.
Scientific Insight: Research published in the ‘Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin‘ found that cluttered environments increase stress levels and decrease productivity. Your brain is wired to notice disorder and did you know, constant visual chaos can lead to chronic stress—a player in chronic fatigue.
Real-Life Clutter Scenarios
Let’s get real. Here’s how clutter might be showing up in your life and contributing to your chronic fatigue (ME):
- At Work: The Desk Disaster
- Familiar: Your desk is a black hole of papers, books, and random knick-knacks. Trying to find anything feels like a treasure hunt and not the fun kind.
- Current Wishlist: You want a clean, organised workspace where everything is at your fingertips, allowing you to work efficiently and stress-free.
2. At Home: The Cluttered Haven
- Recognise This: Your home is overrun with stuff—old clothes, unread books and who knows what else. Instead of it being a place to relax, it’s another layered source of stress.
- Dream Life: You dream of a serene, clutter-free home where you can truly unwind and recharge.
3. In Your Mind: The Mental Mess
- Can You Relate: Your thoughts are racing 24/7 with one or more to-do lists, worries, and unfinished tasks. It’s like trying to work in a noisy café all the time.
- Wishful: You crave mental clarity, calm and peace, where your thoughts are organised and you can breathe freely and focus on what truly matters.
4. In Your Schedule: The Overbooked Calendar
- Over-Committed: Your calendar is jam-packed with meetings, appointments and commitments. Here’s a quick question, are you always rushing from one thing to the next and feel stretched thin?
- Balance: You want a balanced schedule that allows you to focus on your priorities, with enough time for rest, self-care and a generous home-life.
Decluttering: The Path to Freedom
Holistic Health: The beautiful art of Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese practice, teaches us that a harmonious environment can enhance our well-being, by arranging our spaces to promote the flow of positive energy, or “chi,” “qi” we can reduce stress and boost our vitality.
Natural Research: Studies show that decluttering can lower cortisol levels (that pesky stress hormone) and improve mental health and overall wellbeing. It’s all about the natural flow: when your space is clear, your mind can be too.
How to Get Started: Simple Steps to Declutter Your Life
- Clear Your Space:
- Desk Detox: Start with your workspace. Remove everything, clean the surface and only put back what you need. Use organisers to keep things tidy.
- Home Harmony: Tackle one room at a time. Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need. The secret sauce is to create a space that feels calm and inviting and that energises you.
2. Declutter Your Mind:
- Mindfulness Moments: Spend a few minutes each day in mindfulness meditation. Focus on your breath and let go of the thoughts that clutter your mind.
- Journal Jams: Write down your thoughts and feelings. This helps clear mental clutter and gain perspective on what’s truly important.
3. Streamline Your Schedule:
- Task Triage: Identify your top priorities and focus on those. Learn to say no to commitments that don’t align with your goals.
- Breaks on Purpose: Schedule breaks between meetings and tasks. Use this time to relax, reflect, and recharge.
4. Maintain the Momentum:
- Daily Habits: Develop habits that support a clutter-free life. Spend a few minutes each day tidying up your space and clearing your mind.
- Regular Reviews: Periodically review your space, mind, and schedule. Make adjustments as needed to maintain clarity and focus.
Quick Win: The Five-Minute Declutter
Set a timer for 7 minutes and pick a small area to declutter —your desk, a drawer, or your email inbox. In just seven minutes, you can create a noticeable difference. This quick win can motivate you to tackle bigger projects.
Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Decluttering
Decluttering your inner and outer world is a powerful step towards reclaiming your energy and focus.
By creating harmonious environments and practicing mindfulness, you can reduce stress, increase productivity and find more joy in everyday life. Remember, this journey is about progress, not perfection. Each small step you take brings you closer to a life of calm, inner peace and freedom.
For those ready to dive deeper, I invite you to join me on a personalised journey to overcome burnout holistically, declutter your life and achieve your goals. Together, we can develop a tailored, holistic plan to support your well-being and success in life.
Stay inspired, stay empowered, and remember — each step you take towards decluttering is a step towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Sarah, Comments +