Letting go of things may not sound like the most exciting form of self-care, but it’s one of the most important activities we can do to take care of our wellbeing in the long term. At WAW we design experiences to identify what is ready to let go, what needs space to express, and how to navigate joyfully the process.
Clearing clutter out of your space has a big positive impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. Making decluttering part of your self-care routine will ultimately change your life for the better.
While I realize not everyone enjoys the process of decluttering for some reason, however, the more you do it, the easier it gets. Through the process, you’ll also notice and appreciate the benefits that come with having a decluttered space.
Self-care comes in various forms. Sometimes what you need is a day of pampering. Other times, it is simply some time to rest.
Self-care is never really complete if you’re not looking after your mental wellbeing as well. Decluttering your environment is an incredible way to do just that!
If you’re thinking about starting a decluttering session every once in a while but you’re not 100% convinced it’s worth it yet, here’s how letting go of stuff will benefit your life!
Clutter may sound like just a bunch of stuff sitting around and collecting dust, but it’s actually so much more than that. Clutter is anything you don’t use or love. It can be the stuff in your home, but there is also emotional clutter and mental clutter.
Schedules can also get cluttered if we don’t take the time to re-evaluate our commitments. Clutter takes on various forms, but in all cases it holds you back from the peace you can enjoy in your home and life.
Our homes are so much more than just a roof over our heads – it’s a place where we spend most of our time. It is where we dream, relax, get ready for the day ahead, and come back home at the end of the day to rest.
Clutter creates stress and overwhelm, which can make it a place you want to avoid rather than feeling like your sanctuary, a place to rest, reset, self-care. When you declutter your home on a regular basis, you’ll be able to actually enjoy and feel at peace in the space you live in.
A disorganized environment impacts our ability to focus. When our homes are cluttered, our minds can quickly become a chaotic jumble, making it more challenging to concentrate and complete even the simplest of tasks. This is especially important to consider if you work from home!
Some people think of decluttering as becoming a minimalist, and while it’s fine if that is your goal, it doesn't have to be. You can simply focus on whatever level of stuff you’re comfortable with in your home.
Decluttering doesn’t mean getting rid of everything. Instead, it means letting go of things you don’t actually need, love or use so that the things you treasure most get to take center stage.
Instead of keeping that pile of books you know you’ll never read, you could use that space to display meaningful sentimental items that you love.
Create a system that works for you and your home. Your focus should be on making a simple storage solution that you can maintain easily. Work on forming a habit of putting things back into the place they belong right away.
Your home will be easier to maintain once you’ve decluttered and given everything a home. You can relax and enjoy your space more and feel good about what you’ve accomplished.
Decluttering, finally, is an act of love: to ourselves, others that surround us, the space we inhabit.
Excerpts from Simplicity Habits