No doubt you’ve noticed how great it feels after you have a good ‘clear out’?
It’s amazing isn’t!
I’ve long been attempting to simplify my life by buying fewer clothes and “bits” that just end up sitting around needing polishing.
Even so, with time my wardrobe inevitably becomes more cluttered, eventually to the point I can no longer slide the hangers across to put bits away – grrrr! Instant irritation. At this point I find the more clothes I have, the less I know what to wear because I can’t see half of it in the crammed storage spaces or I literally have too much choice.
So, on return from holiday this year, as I sorted my case and washing etc…I went through everything, brutally. The aim? To give me space in my wardrobe and drawers and in return…greater “headroom”.
My criteria? Have I worn or used it in the last 2 years? Does it bring me joy?
If the answer was “no” to either, then it was bin bag time. No attachments, no regrets.
Three bags full and feeling much lighter, it was a short trip to the charity shop. Winner, Winner!
When we live in a cluttered or chaotic environment it stands to reason that it can be more challenging to stick to a routine or try to create new, healthier habits. That’s because these external distractions and annoyances can interfere with our thought processes and increase cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that has the ability to destabilise blood sugar and energy levels, disturb hormone balance and affect your mood, resulting in food cravings, low energy, weight gain, anxiety or even depression. The last thing you need when you are experiencing peri-menopausal symptoms.
Do you have an area in your house that is creating tension for you right now? If so, is there anything you can do about it to make you feel better?
If you feel overwhelmed by the amount you need to do, set a timer on your phone according to how long you are prepared to spend on it and get moving! To make the task more enjoyable, I put on headphones and listen to an audiobook. As I get more involved in the mission, I find that I become more present, entering something of a ‘flow state’. You may like to listen to music.
And remember, vigorous housework counts towards your energy expenditure. In fact, some studies show it is positively associated with improved physical and cognitive functions.
