Decluttering your life for peace of mind: an expert tells you how to do it

0

Throwing out the junk from your life is not just cleaning, but the process of creating space for what is really important.

Psychologist Mark Travers notes that clutter not only permeates our physical space, but also our relationships, schedules, digital devices, and even our minds. This can lead to feelings of stress and being stuck in a never-ending cycle of things to do.

Clearing your life of clutter is not just about tidying up your space, but a deep psychological process that helps you get rid of everything that no longer brings you joy and purpose. This practice, known as “letting go,” involves not only getting rid of old things, but also clearing out thoughts, relationships, and even habits that are holding you back and preventing you from moving forward.

Why it’s important to get rid of clutter

Our environment directly affects our emotional state. A cluttered space can cause feelings of fatigue, confusion, and even stress. Unnecessary things accumulate, creating chaos not only in the house, but also in the mind. By getting rid of unnecessary things, a person frees up space for the new – both physically and emotionally.

Where to start decluttering your life

The first step is to realize what exactly is holding you back in life. It is worth reviewing your things, habits, and contacts and asking yourself: does this make me happier? If not, it is a signal for change.

Start by sorting through your closet, shelves, and workspace. If an item has not been used for more than a year, there is a high probability that you do not need it.

Emotional cleansing can include distancing yourself from toxic people who only drain your energy.

Let go of negative attitudes and fears that prevent you from moving forward.

To change this, you don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight. Travers identifies four key areas where decluttering can have a positive impact on your mind, body, and soul:

Clearing Your Physical Space

Over-cluttering not only takes up space, it also drains your mental energy and reduces your quality of life. Studies show that clutter in your home or office can reduce your life satisfaction. Indecision and procrastination often get in the way of tidying up, but taking small steps can help you overcome these obstacles.

Recommendations:

• Start with a “clutter hotspot”: take 15 minutes to clean one drawer, shelf, or corner.

• Implement the “one in, one out” rule: for every new item, get rid of one old one.

Digital Cleanup

Excessive screen time (more than 2-3 hours per day) is associated with cognitive decline, increased anxiety, and lower self-esteem. Digital clutter also distracts us from meaningful activities, making us feel dissatisfied.

Recommendations:

• Deal with your inbox: Take 10-15 minutes each day to unsubscribe from unnecessary emails and delete old messages.

• Review your apps: Delete those you haven’t used in the last three months.

• Set time limits for social media and other apps.

Clean up your clutter

A cluttered schedule can drain mental energy and make you feel depressed. Studies show that people who describe their homes as cluttered have higher cortisol levels and are more likely to feel depressed. The same is true for our time.

Recommendations:

• Evaluate your commitments: Determine which tasks bring joy and benefit, and which do not.

• Learn to say “no”: Do not take on unnecessary responsibilities.

• Make time for rest and self-development.

Cleaning Up Your Relationships

Relationships can be both supportive and stressful. It’s important to assess which ones are helping you grow and which ones are draining you.

Recommendations:

• Identify toxic relationships: consider whether they’re worth continuing.

• Spend time with people who support and inspire you.

• Set healthy boundaries in your interactions with others.

Starting with small steps in each of these areas, you can gradually bring order to your life, make room for what’s important, and achieve inner peace.

How to Maintain Order in Your Life

After getting rid of the unnecessary, it’s important to prevent it from returning. Learn to value quality over quantity, and avoid accumulating excess. Regularly review your belongings, emotions, and relationships, leaving only what brings you joy and benefits.

Throwing out junk is not a one-time action, but a lifestyle that helps you live more consciously, easier, and more harmoniously.