By Jazz
•
January 15, 2025
Hello buddy! Welcome back to my slice of the world! I hope you are well and your day is swell! Did you know there's a real connection between the clutter in your life and how you feel? It's true! Think about those extreme hoarding shows – that's one end of the spectrum. But clutter can show up in all sorts of ways: a messy house, an overbooked schedule, even a chaotic inbox. For me, when I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it shows up in my laundry room. Baskets overflow, and my desk becomes a disaster zone. It's like my environment reflects the chaos inside my head. My phone is currently screaming at me with 20,802 unread emails! I know, I know... it's a digital disaster zone. And honestly, I'm not sure I'll ever tackle it. But it's a perfect example of how clutter can creep into our lives in unexpected ways – like our inboxes! When your surroundings are chaotic, it can be incredibly difficult to focus and relax. The constant visual and mental noise created by clutter can be overwhelming, making it hard to concentrate on tasks, unwind at the end of the day, and even find moments of peace. Let's dive into decluttering your life and mind! The first step is to get those thoughts out of your head. Try a "brain dump" – write down everything that's swirling around in your mind. I prefer pen and paper, but use whatever works for you – notes app, a journal, whatever! The key is to get those thoughts out and onto something tangible. The second step in decluttering your life and mind would be to categorize and prioritize the items on your brain dump list. Here's why this is important: Gaining Clarity: By categorizing your thoughts (e.g., tasks, worries, ideas), you can start to see patterns and understand the underlying themes that are contributing to your mental clutter. Prioritization: Not all thoughts are created equal. Prioritizing your list helps you focus on the most important or urgent items first, reducing overwhelm and increasing your sense of control. Here are some ways to categorize and prioritize your brain dump: Use the Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent/Important): This classic method helps you categorize tasks into four quadrants: Do First: Urgent and Important Schedule: Important, but not urgent Delegate: Urgent, but not important Eliminate: Neither urgent nor important Use the ABCDE Method: Assign a letter to each item on your list: A: Must do today B: Should do today C: Nice to do today D: Delegate E: Eliminate Use a color-coding system: Assign different colors to different categories (e.g., work, personal, health). By taking the time to categorize and prioritize your thoughts, you can move from a state of overwhelm to a state of focused action. Okay, let's tackle the house! I have this method I learned back in my property management days called the "right walk." You choose a room – let's say the living room. Then, you pick a starting point and clean everything to your right. Even if you spot something on the other side of the room, you stay on your right-hand path until you've cleaned the entire room. One way I've conquered the chaos is by creating a weekly cleaning schedule. It's a lifesaver! Just like you, I juggle a lot, so scheduling cleaning tasks keeps me organized and helps me stay on top of all the family clutter. You know, your house doesn't have to be a museum. It's okay to have a lived-in space! It's perfectly fine if you don't clean every single day. Life happens. Decluttering your life isn't just about tidying up your home; it's about creating a more peaceful and organized mind. By taking small steps, practicing self-compassion, and prioritizing your well-being, you can declutter your life and create a more harmonious and fulfilling existence. Remember, it's a journey, not a race. Celebrate your progress, and enjoy the process of creating a more peaceful and organized life. Love & light, Jazz