Declutter Physical and Mental

I read recently that clutter can have a very damaging impact upon our mental health and I would be the first to admit that in my home, the rooms that are free of clutter are the rooms that I prefer to be in.

And yet I always seem to have at least 2-3 spaces around my home that can most accurately be described as a “clutter feast!”  I am very aware, that when the clutter in these spaces gets out of hand, I find it more and more difficult to even make a start at clearing things out.  There always seems to be another priority on my time, energy and effort.

And yet when I get started and more importantly when I make significant progress, I feel a whole lot better.  Over the years, I have learned to clear in 15 minute bursts and to start at the left hand side and work clockwise.

Now physical clutter is one thing, but I would like to focus on mental clutter.

Earlier this week I had a couple of days when I found myself totally distracted and struggling to focus and concentrate.  I described it to a good friend as my head having gone into a tail spin.

Was there a specific trigger? No!

In effect my brain had become cluttered with many irrelevancies, issues, tasks, pointless facts, social media commentaries etc., etc.

And so I took some time out to stop the noise which I have to admit was far easier to say than to do.  What did I do?

1 – I switched off my phone and ignored all social media feeds for 24 hours

2 – I took a blank sheet of paper and listed all the things that were filling up my thoughts

3 – I edited the list removing all the items that were outside my control

4 – I prioritized the remaining much smaller list of tasks and ideas

5 – I identified one action for each of the remaining tasks and plans and completed those.

And so by choosing to focus only on what really mattered, I managed to declutter my thinking.  I also became very aware of just how much unimportant stuff was cluttering up my mental space.

And so my challenge to you this week is to take a little time to sit down and write out what is filling up your thoughts. Then consider, is it time to declutter your thinking?

Warm Wishes

Mary