Thrive Thursday: Clear Your Space

Samantha
Apr 21, 2016
2 min read

Feeling messy in your mind? Holding onto things from the past that you don't need? Feeling trapped and unable to move freely through life? There's a fair chance that your surroundings are reflecting that.

Our environment reflects upon our mindset, and our mindset reflects upon our environment. So if you're feeling any of these things, the easiest tip is to clear your space.

You don't have to transform your entire house into a minimalist's dream - just a few little tweaks will do the job.

Clear out one corner that makes you feel icky. Whether it's the dumping ground in your bedroom, the dishes in the sink or the pile of bills on the table, clear just that spot to start off.
Dedicate a few minutes each day to declutter. It doesn't have to be a day-long job - even just recycling the junk mail, putting away the washing or wiping down the bench can feel instantly refreshing, and may give you the energy to do more.
Keep what you love or truly need, ditch the rest. If you love it, use it or display it as often as possible for mood-boosting benefits. If you think you need it, and have had it stashed away in a drawer for more than 12 months - it's probably time to get rid of it. Whether you bin it, donate it, or repurpose it, make sure it gets done.
Take the same approach with the kids' things. If your child loves an old ragged teddy bear, by all means keep it. But that spare box of toys in the back of the wardrobe that is 3 years old now would be much better off going to a charity that works with disadvantaged families than gathering dust and guilt in the corner.
Store the important things correctly. Have a folder for your essential paperwork and identification goodies - birth certificates, tax returns, receipts to claim and the like. Make sure everything is filed away as soon as you have finished using them so they are much easier to find the next time you need them!
Open the windows. If you decide to spend a few hours sorting through your things, get some fresh air flowing through the house. Not only will this make you feel more energized and alert with a dose of oxygen, but it will also leave your house smelling refreshed.