Clutter here, clutter there, clutter, clutter, everywhere. If you have clothes that don’t fit, items collecting dust, paper trails for days and anything else that takes up unnecessary space, it’s time you take the ‘de-clutter’ challenge to reveal a cleaner, brighter, easier-to-manage space and state of mind! It’s no surprise that clutter usually begins in the mental before it transitions into the physical form. Something as simple as being disorganized can make you feel overwhelmed and lead to the self-diminishing thoughts that push people into a 'failure' mindset. Rather than bombard yourself with a home environment that no longer serves a fit and healthy lifestyle, get ready to lose the burden and shed some weight, in the process.
Create a healthy environment
Clutter is more than just a collection of memories; its results are portrayed through procrastination, physical stress, overeating, weight gain and insomnia, to name a few. Creating an atmosphere that supports a healthy lifestyle, means removing anything that doesn’t cater to your goals. Once you begin to discover things you never wear, don’t need, won’t use and don’t even like, closet space, work desks, and countertops miraculously begin to reveal themselves. More importantly, however, you begin to lighten up mentally and according to Peter Walsh, the author of Cut the Clutter, Drop the Pounds, physically, as well. He says in his book, "De-clutter your mind, de-clutter your home, de-clutter your relationship to food. Then watch the ripple effect this has on every aspect of the way you live."
He then continues to say "First define the life you want to live. Acknowledge the issues that clutter that vision. Clean up your priorities. Create a world where those priorities can thrive. Learn how to honour and respect yourself. When you do, the ability to take control of your body will follow." Wise words.
Challenge yourself
This week, try our de-clutter challenge. We propose that you simply remove between one to three items from your home every day for 30 days. If you manage to complete the month, extend it! Whether it’s pens that don’t write, magazines to be recycled, or children’s toys to donate, do yourself a favour and set yourself free by letting go. An environment with too much visual stimuli can create a sensory overload leading to unproductivity. In order to get your mind focused on fitness and health oriented goals, you’ll need to take your head out of the clutter!
Once you start the de-cluttering process, be ready to find more and more things that no longer inspire you, bring you joy or serve a purpose. Something as simple as a disorderly wardrobe can discourage you from going to your fitness class if you can’t easily find anything to wear. Set yourself up for success by removing anything and everything that isn’t flattering, no longer fits or you haven’t worn in more than a year. In fact, have a ‘giveaway’ party and invite the ladies over to enjoy healthy treats while they pick from your pile.
Clear your schedule
Whether it’s too many scheduled activities, dwelling on yesterday, worrying about tomorrow or having an exceptionally long to-do list, a chaotic state of mind, sucks the energy out of you leaving you uninspired and unmotivated to take giant steps towards your goals. Mental clutter can weigh heavily on your shoulders till the wee hours of the morning. Tying up loose ends before bed, such as phone calls, emails or tasks, allows you to sleep well at night and stay focused on what you can control in the here and now.
In the words of Peter Walsh, "As soon as people have space to breathe, their spirits lift. They have new energy and hope." Reviving your personal space shouldn’t be limited to one week of spring cleaning every year. Take the challenge to declutter your environment every day for the next 30 days and appreciate the incredible freedom of not being attached to physical or mental burdens.