Decluttering can boost mental health

It’s time for spring cleaning, and what better reason to tidy up than for your own mental health? I’m running short on time and ideas at the moment, so this is the perfect excuse to share a lovely blog article written by Megan Taylor, formerly the FCS extension educator in Union County. You can find this article and so many more amazing posts on the Live Healthy Live Well blog. Subscribe today at u.osu.edu/livehealthyosu/ to have them sent right to your inbox.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the “stuff” in your life? It could be physical or internal things; clutter can be found in all aspects of our lives. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming trying to organize things in our homes or mentally. Before diving into tips for decluttering, let’s look at the mental health benefits of decluttering your home and life.

Utah State University explains that decluttering can lead to mental health benefits. Find more information about the listed benefits at extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/the-mental-benefits-of-decluttering.

Mental health benefits of decluttering include boosting your mood and helping improve your physical health, sharpening your focus, energizing you into productivity mode, and relieving anxiety.

It may seem difficult to find a starting point when trying to declutter your space. It is important to start small. Michigan State University Extension recommends the following tips:

—Begin small. If you try to redo everything at once, you will be overwhelmed and probably give up. Choose one place or area to begin in your home — one drawer, one room or one pile of mail.

—Make a home for everything. When you begin, designate a place for each item that is adding to the clutter. Share information on where things belong with family members.

—Purge regularly. “When in doubt, throw it out” — this could include outdated food, medicines, broken toys and outgrown or unused clothes. Recycle when you can and donate items others may find useful.

—Give your mind a thorough dusting and cleaning. When you purposefully choose to let go of things that are out of your control, you make room for improved relationships and less stress.

According to Utah State University Extension, some other tips you may find beneficial include asking for help. Turning to your family and friends can make the task seem less daunting. Try beginning with a positive mindset. The following tips can be helpful in managing your clutter:

—Ask a friend or family member to help you. If you find it difficult to start on your own, you can always invite others to either help you or just be there to keep you company. It can be difficult to ask, but most people are more than willing to help, especially if you have a major project — the more help you have, the more you will feel this project is accomplishable.

—Always begin cleaning with a positive mind. There is no right way to declutter because we all have unique needs. Put your mind into a state that will allow you to freely wander as you straighten up and organize. Practice a positive mind with deep breathing and positive thoughts toward yourself, what you’re about to do and then what you accomplish.

Even if you don’t know where to start, begin by starting small in your decluttering journey. Over time you will learn what works for you and how to best organize for your life, well-being and mental health.

For more information about upcoming programs in family and consumer sciences, join the Coshocton, Holmes, Wayne Family and Consumer Sciences Newsletter at holmes.osu.edu/program-areas/family-and-consumer-sciences/fcs-e-newsletter-food-family-finance.

Kate Shumaker is an OSU Extension family and consumer sciences educator and may be reached at 330-674-3015. Like and follow on Facebook @OSUEXTHolmes or visit holmes.osu.edu.