Senior Living

The Joy of Cutting Back on Clutter

CLUTTER. 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.

Are their aspects of your life that feel cluttered? Here are a few areas in which you can free up mental and physical space and start enjoying the benefits of a calmer, simpler, and more joy-focused life.

Your Home: A clutter-free home doesn't just mean it's easier to find the TV remote. The process of decluttering can actually exercise our brains. It can give us a sense of satisfaction, increase energy, lower anxiety and even reduce relationship tension. Start small - try conquering your canned goods. In a matter of minutes, you can toss out expired items, put a few items in a bag to donate to the local food shelf, and take stock and use what remains. Day by day, work your way through your home-one drawer, cabinet, closet at a time.

Your Calendar: If tending to all of your roles and responsibilities leaves you feeling spread too thin, take a quick inventory. What roles are most important to you? Which are most fulfilling? If it's no fun to plan your annual family reunion, pass the torch to someone else. If you dread going to that board meeting, submit your resignation. Commit your time and talents only to the roles and responsibilities that are truly rewarding. Forget multitasking. Monotasking is the true way to productivity. Most people think they can multitask effectively, but in reality, trying to do too many things at once can actually cause stress and dull your critical thinking skills. Also focus on bucket-filling friendships. Our 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.

Your Mind: Clearing our minds helps us purposefully focus our attention 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 online games can be a great way to relax and keep your mind sharp. But it can also become addictive and prevent you from enriching your life in other ways. So set a limit and when the timer goes off shut off your phone or computer. Slim down your social media. Social media can be a wonderful way to connect with long-distance friends and family. Just make sure that your social media choices are consistently lifting 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 negative emotions. Stick with what keeps you learning, emotionally safe, and happy. Nurture gratitude. Negative thoughts can be one of the most destructive forms of mental clutter. Fill your "brain space" by pursuing positivity and gratitude.

Finding ways to declutter your life can reap tremendous benefits and it can be easier than you think.

Why wait? Try focusing on one or two of the above clutter busters each week and before you know it you will feel lighter and life will be so much easier.