Kindle Notes & Highlights
The key to organizing your clutter is recognizing that you play a role in creating it. Often, families never make it through a decluttering process because they are too busy blaming each other for the problem. By admitting that every person plays a role in contributing to clutter, you can move forward to finding a solution.
If you lose five minutes every morning searching for something that is not in the right place, then you are giving up over 30 hours per year.
You can also experience clutter-related stress simply because you are constantly aware of the stuff around you. Perhaps you would prefer a more organized home, but you cannot find the time to declutter your space. In these cases, we often enter a dangerous mental cycle. We avoid thinking about the problem for as long as possible. Then, something occurs that brings the problem to the forefront. We might have company coming, or the search for a needed item makes us late for work. We resolve to fix the issue, but cannot find time. Many people start to develop feelings of guilt regarding the
...more
A plan also allows you to approach clutter in a systemic fashion that reduces feelings of anxiety. By tackling small sections of your home, you reduce burnout and create workable tasks that can be completed over time.
Getting out into the world and enjoying its beautiful sights and sounds is also a great way to clear your mind and separate yourself from the clutter of your life. Go on a short walk in the park, take an afternoon hike or bike ride, or get away for a weekend cabin stay in the woods. Musician Jeremy Camp writes in his book, I Still Believe, that he often sought solace and prayer time in the woods when he was confused or depressed with life. Getting away provides perspective and allows you to see what should and should not be in your life.
if a friend cannot understand that you are tired or need some nonsocial time to relax and rejuvenate, then he or she may not be a friend you want to keep close.
many people spend far too much time in front of a screen of some sort and this can have an impact on their entire life.
In addition to reducing your productivity, social media use might add to your mental clutter. I found that when I read updates from numerous friends every few hours, my mind became occupied with things other than the task at hand.
Dealing with clutter should reduce the stress in your life, not add to it.
