Declutter…. and Free Yourself

Are you feeling weighed down lately by the amount you have to do, the responsibilities that never seem to diminish and a feeling of hopelessness? If you are, then you are not alone as increasing numbers of people complain about fatigue and stress.

Alternative healers, Vastu and Feng Shui practitioners have long advised people to declutter or clean up their living and working spaces as one form of stress relief.
By decluttering, you free up your mind of space and allow fresh, relaxing energies to come in. You breathe better and you feel a few kilos lighter.

It’s a fact, the more we hold on, the more we suffer. It could be attitudes, relationships or even clothes of the wrong size. Our possessions are symbolic of our mind space – is it crammed with ideas, attitudes and beliefs that are no longer needed.

Are we weighed down by too much to do in too little time or are we daunted by some of our duties? Whatever is the cause of mental stress, decluttering works when we divide and delete by at least 50%. This could involve being a little ruthless in our acts.
The best thing about decluttering is that it can be done anytime and in any quantity.

Here are a few time tested tips I’ve learned from experts over the years.

1. Claim what is truly important to you and discard what is not. Throw away any old and useless stuff. Re-cycle or donate. The act of giving is leads to peace..

2. Spend an afternoon in front of your wardrobe and wear every item you own, then give away clothes that no longer fit or match your image.

3. Clean out your paper and computer files, your address book, old correspondence, etc. How much of that clutter is really relevant any more? Do the same with your medicine cabinet and cosmetic drawers

4. Delete one item from from your diet you know you should avoid. When you get used to life without it, eliminate one more item.

5. Avoid and distance yourself from relationships that drain you.

6. Monitor your thoughts and edit the negative.

Decluttering is nothing but simplifying. The less we surround ourselves with old stuff, feelings and ideas, the freer we feel. Freedom leads to peace. And at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.