Clearing Mental Clutter

In times of rapid change and uncertainty, routines are a comfortable place to land.

Regardless of what’s happening in our lives, nature continues to follow its seasonal cycles and constant, gradual change.

In the winter, nature is hard at work. We can’t see it, but seedlings are growing under the soil and trees are patiently waiting for their moment to be back in action. Growth and change can be deceiving, like when you’re building a new habit or honing a new skill. We don’t see progress immediately, and we assume the effort isn’t working. But change is happening under the surface—persistence and hope are imperatives.

But here’s the catch: you can’t bring in the new without creating space for it. If you want to buy a new couch for your family room, you have to get rid of the old one first. Change and growth are as much about letting go as it is about adding on.

Creating Space

Like all things in life, efforts to clear mental and physical space are best when they’re small and consistent. Staying out of overwhelm keeps change coming.

You might experience clutter in two ways. The first is mental clutter—a hazy brain or foggy head that makes you feel disconnected when you’re with loved ones or unable to focus when you need to.

Secondly, you probably have some physical clutter in your life. This can be papers stacked on your desk, an inbox brimming with unread messages or closets that you no longer open for fear that you’ll never be able to get the door closed again.

You’re in a season of change. Time to capitalize on the opportunity to clear some clutter!

Mental Clutter

Mental clutter is a disempowering loop of beliefs about yourself, others, and the world.

Your brain might feel cluttered when you forget the following:

I am enough.

There is enough.

I am a choice.

I am never alone.

The first step is awareness, drawing attention to your experience without the need to change anything. Strengthen your mind with gentle observation and reframing.

Speak in kind words to yourself. Notice your inner dialogue. Can you imagine yourself saying those words to a dear friend?

Focus on the good rather than preventing the bad. Dr. Rick Hanson, who wrote Hardwiring Happiness, calls this approach “orientation.” Notice the moments that feel good, rather than living in the anxiety of what may happen next.

Spend time in the good. Use your senses to truly take in the sights, sounds, and feelings of your environment. Strengthening your daily outlook will equip you with a better perspective in tough times.

Gain perspective on the future. Will this matter in 10 minutes? Will it matter in 10 hours, 10 days, 10 years? This helps give you clarity on how you want to feel now, versus living in a mind of concern and clutter.

Let go of control. Is this something you can control? If so, take a small action to move forward. If not, honor your feelings. Remember other times in life when you have felt uncertain but made it through and thrived.

Set Up a Plan to Clear Physical Clutter

While spring cleaning is a lot of work, it leads to great feelings of lightness and a fresh start. Organization fuels more efficient systems that allow us to focus on the things that matter most: family, friends, creativity, adventure, and relaxation.

Six Steps to Clear Your Clutter

1. Choose one area. Be realistic about what’s possible in the time that you have. Break down your task into small chunks that feel manageable.
2. Designate a time and make a plan. Put it in writing, add it to your calendar, and most importantly, share your plan with anyone who will be affected.
3. Get to it. Make the process as enjoyable as possible. Podcast? Snacks? Set yourself up for success.
4. Create a system. Plan areas for trash, donation, or return-to-owner.
5. Choose a destination for your clutter. Establish where these items will go and how they will get there. Be sure to support your local organizations and their mission to support those who are less fortunate!
6. Appreciate your efforts. Don’t skip this step! It’s imperative in reinforcing the motivation that will help you take on the next effort.

Just Take the First Step

If you find yourself struggling to begin, tackle the thing that will make your life immediately easier. You don’t have to be a superhero—you just have to get started.

1. Start with what’s visible. Take note of things that don’t have a home. Objects constantly left out give us a sense that the work is never done.
2. Find a mate. Take a look at pairs of objects that have lost their counterparts like containers without lids and unpaired socks, and gloves.
3. Stop the influx of stuff. Cancel subscriptions that are building up and not getting used.
4. Set your sights on one drawer. Not the whole dresser. If you only have 20 minutes, release perfection and focus on progress.
5. Invest in systems to organize. Take note of how you arrived here in the first place. That kitchen drawer might need an organizer to avoid a repeat scenario.