Posts Tagged ‘Spring Cleaning’

Hello Health Buds!

Well, according to the calendar (and not necessarily the weatherman) it’s officially Spring, so I guess that means I have to begin thinking about Spring cleaning my house.  But before I get to the good stuff like washing windows, wiping down kitchen cabinets, having the carpets cleaned, and all the rest, I first have to declutter! Every time I turn around, the dining room table has more paper and junk mail scattered on it, even though I could swear I was keeping up with the daily deluge of bills and catalogues that find their way to my address.  The bedroom that was once occupied by one of the kids is now home to all the Christmas decorations because for some reason, I just couldn’t take the one extra step to get them into the attic where they belong.  And that junk drawer that I promised myself would stay organized the last time I cleaned it out….well you know how that’s gone. I’ve always known that once I declutter my home, I feel fresh and relieved, even if I don’t get to the “real” cleaning right away. Today, I found this article that confirms my suspicions that clutter can be a major stressor.  Thought you might find it useful.

The Health Benefits of Decluttering

By RealAge

When you’re so stressed you can’t think straight, take a quick look around. See lots of clutter? Consider it a sign.

In her book, The SuperStress Solution, physician and author Roberta Lee writes that a disorganized, untidy, clutter-filled home is not only a symptom of stress but also a source of stress. Clean up the litter and you’ll dial up the calm.

The Science of Stress and Clutter
According to Lee, research shows that we secrete the stress hormone cortisol when surrounded by disarray. Bad news for your body. But the good news is that you know exactly what to do about it. With a quick tidy-up, you could reclaim both your surroundings and your serenity. Don’t know where to start your spring clean-out? Try these tips:

• Take baby steps. It probably took a long time to accumulate all your clutter, so give yourself time to clear it out. Break up the task into manageable chunks, starting with one room, one corner, one junk drawer, or one cupboard at a time. (Find out how few minutes of clean-up time you need to boost your mood.)
• Set a schedule. Whether you do 20 minutes a day or reserve a whole weekend to declutter, set aside the time you need, and stick to your schedule. (Can’t seem to find the time? The real problem may be energy management, not time management.)
• Write it down. Lee recommends keeping a journal to help you set goals and record positive changes you’ve made to your environment. Ask yourself what’s cluttering your life, why you keep it, and what parts of your life and house seem out of control. Then, list concrete steps for changing it.
• Reach out. Articles and self-help books from people who’ve been where you are can help you get organized and make decisions on what to toss, what to donate, and what to keep.

Did You Know?
Nagging unfinished tasks can hurt your RealAge. Use the short worksheet in this article to find out whether your undone to-do list is causing a mountain of stress.

So let’s get to it…the quicker we start, the faster we’ll feel great!

To Your Good Health!