Mindful Reads: Mental Health
Even if it feels dark and cold and dreary on these long winter nights, brighter (longer) days are coming.
โTWLOHA Mental Health Toolkit โ
โ2025 Your Year of Happyโ
Research supports a link between clutter and mental health, indicating that a cluttered environment can negatively affect mental well-being.
A study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that women who described their homes as "cluttered" or "unfinished" reported higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Chronic stress can exacerbate mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Research published in The Journal of Neuroscience suggests that physical clutter competes for attention and reduces focus, making it harder to process information. This can increase feelings of frustration and overwhelm.
A cluttered space can evoke feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment, which may lower self-esteem.
People with ADHD often struggle with clutter due to difficulties in executive functioning. In turn, clutter can heighten ADHD-related stress and contribute to feelings of inadequacy.
I'm with Laura from Get Organized HQ Who said this
" I think that this will be the year we clear the clutter, get organized, and take control of our homes ๐ก and lives ๐๏ธ - less stress ๐ซ and more peace ๐ง๐ปโโ๏ธ in 2025!"
โ25 Things to declutter in 2025โ
Keeping your home tidy without too much effort is all about smart habits and a bit of consistency. Here are some simple daily life hacks that can make a big difference:
- Set a Timer: Spend just 10-15 minutes each day on a quick clean-up. Youโll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in a short time.
- Make Your Bed: It instantly makes your bedroom look more put-together and sets a tidy tone for the day.
- Wipe Down Surfaces: After using them, quickly wipe down kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, and tables. It prevents grime from building up.
- Deal with Mail Immediately: Sort through your mail as soon as it arrives. Toss junk mail and file important documents right away.
- Clean as You Cook: While youโre waiting for food to cook, take the time to wash dishes, wipe down countertops, and put away ingredients.
- Daily Laundry: If possible, do a small load of laundry every day to avoid overwhelming piles at the end of the week.
- Tidy Before Bed: Spend a few minutes each night tidying up your living areas. Fluff pillows, fold blankets, and put away any stray items.
- Use Baskets: Place baskets in high-traffic areas to collect items like toys, magazines, or remote controls. Empty them regularly.
- Declutter Regularly: Get into the habit of regularly decluttering. Donate or throw away items you no longer need or use.
- Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy: Stash cleaning supplies in the areas where you use them most. It makes quick clean-ups easier.
Adopting just a few of these habits can help you maintain a tidy home with minimal effort. Which of these tips resonates with you the most? Drop me a reply and let me know.
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Humor
Research and anecdotal evidence show that laughter and a sense of humor can significantly improve emotional well-being and even have physical health benefits.
โCleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing.โ ~Phyllis Diller
Incorporating Humor in Daily Life
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Watch or Read Something Funny
- Comedy shows, stand-up specials, or funny books can provide a quick pick-me-up.
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Surround Yourself with Playful People
- Spend time with people who enjoy laughing and donโt take life too seriously.
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Laugh at Yourself
- Embrace imperfection and laugh about your own mistakes or quirks.
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Use Humor as a Coping Mechanism
- Reframing challenges with humor can make them feel less daunting.
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Book Nook
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Today is a special day! I have an entry appearing in The Community Book Project: Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude โ and today is the official โLaunch Day!โ
The book is free on Kindle for just today and Iโd consider it a personal favor if youโd download it here:
โhttps://amzn.to/4gGOg0vโ
You donโt need a Kindle to read the book โ you can do it right from your computer. And, again, the book is free to download.
My entry is on Aug 4th. I wrote about unseen miracles and gratitude.
There are 364 other entries โ one for every day of 2024!
You can download the book here โ it just takes a moment:
โhttps://amzn.to/4gGOg0vโ
Thank you!
