Clean Up & Clean Out!

By Brittany Jones

An individual’s environment can greatly impact their mood. Studies have shown 90% of American’s say disorganization at home or in the workplace has a negative impact on their lives. 65% says clutter impacts their state of mind, 53% say it reduces motivation, and 40% say it just makes them feel unhappy. One of the most therapeutic things you can do to relive stress is to declutter your home. Clutter can cause stagnant energy and have a negative impact on your wellbeing. Part of creating wellness within the mind, and spirit is being in an environment that cultivates peace and joy. “Finish what you Start, take care of what you have, and God will bless with more. Do not just wash your laundry. Fold it and put it away.” Terri Savelle Foy Steps to decluttering: - Start with the room you spend the most time - Set a timer for 20 minutes - Begin with what you can see - Create 4 Piles (Keep, donate, trash, sell,) - show gratitude to the things that you are letting go of. At some point those things served you in some way. - Use the 90 Day rule (If you have not used it in 90 days, and do not plan on using it in the next 90 days, let it go!) - Only keep the things that truly bring you joy - Items that bring up uncomfortable emotions, get rid of it! (Pictures of an ex-spouse, bf or gf) Holding on, means not letting go. Let Go! - Designate a spot for every item in you home. - Deep clean the space. Wash the walls, organize the drawers/closets/cabinets - Repeat this in each space. Categories Clothes/Shoes - When was the last time you wore it? - -Can you fit it? - -Does it bring you joy? - Decide what to keep, sell, donate, and dispose. - Thank the items that you are letting go. - Take care of the things that you decide to keep Miscellaneous Items - Trash old mail, sales ads, and shred dated sensitive documents - Throw away expired products and food - Designate a box or drawer for incoming mail, and bills - Get a hook and hang keys in a convenient spot - Organize books and let go of the ones you do not intend to read. Electronics/ Kids Toys - Sell or Recycle old electronics (phones, tablets, game systems) - Throw away broken toys and gadgets - Create a box for kids toys that are most frequently played with, and slowly start to let go of the ones that no longer hold their attention. Keepsakes/Holiday - Get picture frames, and hang your pictures or put them in a photo album - Create a joy box, this is where you keep Birthday cards, notes, locket, pictures etc. - Put all holiday decorations in a large bin and store - Get rid of anything that brings uncomfortable emotions, holding on to it, may be holding you back Letting go of things that no longer serve you, and keeping things tidy will save you time, and ultimately reduce stress.

By Brittany Jones

Holistic Lifestyle Advocate Program Graduate