SENIOR LIVING BY TAMMY C. VAUGHN, AGING SERVICES INC.
The Joy of Cutting Back on Clutter
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LUTTER. It comes in many forms and often seems to have a negative impact on our lives and our contentment. When we let things take up too much space in our homes, calendars, or minds it can take a toll on our overall health and wellness.
relationships often fall into one of two categories. "Bucket fillers" are connections we have that make us feel loved, appreciated, encouraged, and fulfilled. "Bucket spillers" are those that can make us feel unloved, depleted, anxious or undervalued. Weed out relationships that don't enrich your life.
Are their aspects of your life that feel cluttered? Here are a few areas Your Mind: Clearing our minds helps us purposefully focus our attenin which you can free up mental and physical space and start enjoying the benefits of a calmer, simpler, and more joy-focused life. tion on the present. You were only going to play one more game of solitaire on your smartphone, but two hours later, you are still at it. Playing Your Home: A clutter-free home doesn't just mean it's easier to find online games can be a great way to relax and keep your mind sharp. the TV remote. The process of decluttering can actually exercise our But it can also become addictive and prevent you from enriching your brains. It can give us a sense of satisfaction, increase energy, lower life in other ways. So set a limit and when the timer goes off shut off anxiety and even reduce relationship tension. Start small - try con- your phone or computer. Slim down your social media. Social media quering your canned goods. In a matter of minutes, you can toss out can be a wonderful way to connect with long-distance friends and famiexpired items, put a few items in a bag to donate to the local food shelf, ly. Just make sure that your social media choices are consistently lifting and take stock and use what remains. Day by day, work your way your spirits. Make sure you are not judging your life by someone else's life on social media. By all means, delete any sites or fees that stir up through your home-one drawer, cabinet, closet at a time. negative emotions. Stick with what keeps you learning, emotionally Your Calendar: If tending to all of your roles and responsibilities safe, and happy. Nurture gratitude. Negative thoughts can be one of leaves you feeling spread too thin, take a quick inventory. What roles the most destructive forms of mental clutter. Fill your "brain space" by are most important to you? Which are most fulfilling? If it's no fun to pursuing positivity and gratitude. plan your annual family reunion, pass the torch to someone else. If you Finding ways to declutter your life can reap tremendous benefits and dread going to that board meeting, submit your resignation. Commit your time and talents only to the roles and responsibilities that are truly it can be easier than you think. rewarding. Forget multitasking. Monotasking is the true way to proWhy wait? Try focusing on one or two of the above clutter busters ductivity. Most people think they can multitask effectively, but in reality, trying to do too many things at once can actually cause stress and dull each week and before you know it you will feel lighter and life will be your critical thinking skills. Also focus on bucket-filling friendships. Our so much easier. 22 | MOORE MONTHLY | APRIL 2022
