If you've ever looked around your home and immediately felt your stress levels increase, then I don't need to tell you that clutter and disorganization cause real physiological changes. Cortisol increases, our ability to focus and concentrate decreases (which can further exacerbate the problem! 😩), and we experience more physical pain.
"According to a Cornell University study from 2016, stress triggered by clutter may also trigger coping and avoidance strategies, like eating junk food, oversleeping or binge-watching Netflix." Yikes.
Ready for some good news? Decluttering can have an immediate, positive impact! Now is a great time to look around and find simple ways to create space in your home.
Want to start a yoga practice? Create a dedicated space for it, then leave your yoga mat and other props out so it's easy to land on your mat. Making the space enticing can really help, and getting on you mat is at least half the battle. Also, one client sleeps in her yoga clothes so there's one less roadblock to her morning yoga session. Whatever works!
The same is true for a meditation practice (which is one of the two things I highly recommend to all my clients. The other? A gratitude practice.) Create a sacred space for meditation, and fill it with meaningful objects like framed photos of your ancestors, crystals, a candle or sage, and perhaps a journal with your favorite pen so you can write down any insights that may arise.
This isn't just about clearing out clutter - it's about creating space for the things that truly matter to us.
Think about your goals or habits, and then create an environment that supports you. One study I read years ago showed that having fresh fruit or other healthy snacks out on the counter led to eating more healthfully. These little hacks can have a big impact!
What's one habit you'd like to form in this new year? What area of your home can support this?
What I'm Learning:
This week in the ADAPT Functional Health Coach training program, we're learning how to effectively run group health coaching programs. Group work is my favorite thing ever, and I'm already full of ideas for both virtual and in-person programs that I plan to launch later this year. Stay tuned!
What I'm Reading:
It's Science: Clutter Can Actually Give You Anxiety Our brains love order, so it's no surprise that chaos (in our schedules and in our homes) greatly affects us mentally and physically.