As summer comes to an end and we transition to autumn, small changes to your routine and outlook can have a big impact. Fall decluttering tips often include spaces in your home to refresh and items to throw away, but what about the mental clutter we all carry?
In the same way that you evaluate your possessions and decide what to keep and what to discard, you can also take stock of the ways you spend your time and energy. Understanding what makes you happy, what moves you toward your goals and what’s actually necessary can help you let go of anything that’s mentally bogging you down. For our fall refresh checklist, we’re sharing tips and suggestions on mental decluttering.
Simplify your routine
Time is a precious commodity, but at some point the activities and obligations all add up. For some people, the busyness of life is a joy, and they find energy and inspiration in having a full schedule. Others among us struggle without enough downtime to recharge and feel overwhelmed with too many obligations.
Reflect on your commitments and determine if they make you happy or bring you stress. If some of the ways you spend your time are just routines or habits and not actually necessary, feel free to let them go. Or take a temporary break from an activity to see how you feel with the extra time and one less obligation on your calendar.
Digital detox ideas
While our electronic clutter is typically well hidden, clearing your digital decks can reduce distractions, help you stay organized and provide a sense of relief. Taking just 15 minutes to delete old files and photos, unused apps or emails clogging your inbox can ease some mental drain. Organizing files, emails and photos can make them easy to find, share and enjoy.
In addition, evaluating and setting limits on screen time can encourage you to connect with friends, family and colleagues in real time. Keeping certain spaces, such as your bedroom or the dinner table, technology-free zones can help establish healthy boundaries.
Mental clutter cleanup
Our busy lives need attention, and it can feel like there’s almost always something we need to do. While some of us are skilled at juggling multiple tasks, ideas and thoughts, the rest of us find it difficult and exhausting. If you struggle to stay focused on a single task or if your list of half-finished projects grows longer by the day, it might be time to take a step back and declutter mentally.
Managing family life, job tasks, household chores and other obligations takes a lot of brain power. Taking the time to make a to-do list and rank each item by its level of importance can help ease some of your mental strain. In many cases, just jotting down your tasks can free up extra brain power. Journaling can also help lighten your load emotionally. There’s just something about putting pen to paper and letting your thoughts, concerns, joys and challenges flow onto the page that can bring a sense of peace.
Just like looking at your possessions and deciding if they spark joy, learning to protect and reclaim your time can offer a sense of freedom and give you the mental space you need to reset and energize. Limiting the time you spend multitasking also allows you to appreciate what’s happening around you, be present and live in the moment. Try choosing just one of these small changes this week and, when you’re ready, move on to another. Over time you might find that the little things add up to help you meet your goals.
Still looking for ways to declutter your mental space? Check out the mental health section of the OhioHealth blog.
