‘Life is hard’, Scott Peck wrote in his book, The road less traveled. In my attempt to declutter my life I have come to realized that we sometimes make our lives even harder, by entertaining routines, habits, social commitments and even relationships that do not contribute to our well-being. If Covid19 taught me anything it is that life is too short to fill it with things that are not good for me. Just like our cupboards, our minds too need tidying up from time to time. Getting rid of all that non-essential mental baggage is crucial to staying focused, motivated, and productive. After reading about the subject, I have decided to try and implement a few new decluttering strategies in my life.
Here are 8 simple yet effective tips to help de-clutter our minds and lives.
1. Mindfully free up calendar space
If, like mine, your life feels unbearably full and your routine doesn’t seem to be working, perhaps it is time to conduct a calendar audit. By mindfully freeing up calendar space, you will not only reduce stress and chaos in your life, but also create more room for the things and people you love. This is a tough one, because it involves saying ‘no’ – something I am not good at. But I have come to realize that decluttering my calendar is the first, and perhaps the most important, step to decluttering my life and mind.
2. Take time to think about your values and goals
One of the best ways to declutter your life is to take time to think about what you value. According to those in the know, the first step is to figure out what are the things that matter the most to you, as well as your aspirations and long-term goals.
3. Avoid multitasking
Although I consider myself the queen of multitasking, I have lately become aware that the constant juggling between tasks actually increases my stress levels. Multi-tasking not only limits our attention span, but also creates additional mind-clutter by making it difficult for our brains to filter out irrelevant information. And here I was thinking that multitasking frees up time and will decrease my stress levels. With this in mind I have made it my mission to try single-task as much as possible. I have found making a list of the things I have to do and then trying to complete one task at a time quite challenging, but also very liberating. Yay!
4. Stop procrastinating
According to professional organizer Scott Roewer, ‘clutter is simply delayed decisions.’ When we constantly put off making decisions our brains become overwhelmed by all the clutter that’s created by those pending decisions. The answer – stop putting off making decisions and just do it!
5. Declutter your workspace
According to an article I read (don’t ask me which article or where) people with messy work spaces are less efficient and more frustrated than those with an organized workspace. Glancing at the space around my computer, while typing the previous sentence, all I can do is chuckle. My workspace is absolute chaos. To right there is a pile of papers (I like to refer to it as my piling system) and to my left books, some more papers and even an Easter egg. Just looking at it makes me feel a little overwhelmed. I was sharing my frustration about my workspace with a friend just the other day and she gave me some great advice – stop putting off decluttering your workspace until tomorrow, do it ASAP. Find a place for everything and try to organize it every day before going home. I am trying =)
6. Let go
Letting go of negative and unnecessary thoughts, fears and concerns helps reduce stress and free up mental space. Monitoring our thoughts regularly is important. When those negative thoughts slip in, welcome them, and then let them be on their way again.
7. Breathe
Deep breath, pause, exhale slowly. And repeat.
I am a firm believer of deep breathing. Deep breathing is a simple yet effective technique to clear your mind, induce tranquility, and can lift your mood in an instant. Deep breathing not only reduces stress, but also helps with concentration and strengthens our immune systems.
8. Take some time out
Last but not the least, take a break! Our brains need to rest and recharge to perform well. Stop feeling guilty and take some time out for yourself. Switch of your phone and laptop and do something that fills you with joy! This one is tough especially for us working girls and moms. Just remember you can’t give what you do not have.
While being on the decluttering journey I have come to realize that we must be kind to ourselves. Don’t try to implement all the strategies at once. Choose two, or three at the most, and take one day at a time. And remember to breathe.
Here’s to a lighter and decluttered mind and life. Take care.
xxx
