During this time of pandemic, many people have been asked to be in their spaces, homes, environments waaaay more than usual. And for far longer than they want! But one of the positive by-products this quarantining seems have spawned is that people are organizing and cleaning up areas in their homes in ways perhaps never before attempted. So, what’s up with this phenomenon?
Aside from making use of time on our hands, does all this organizing actually serve a greater purpose?
“Yes” is the short answer, that is unless you are obsessively cleaning your tile with a toothbrush at 3:00 in the morning. Nobody is suggesting that approach! However, cleaning and organizing can actually be beneficial in all kinds ways you might not have thought of.
A wide variety of “pandemic” projects has a considerable upside. I’ve come up with a list of reasons that illustrate this point. Not surprisingly, they all highlight health benefits that add to the enhancements of what I call “Cleaning, Movement, and FengShui!” Here they are:
1.) Cleaning has been known to relieve stress.
2.) The act of organizing your things, and the effort that goes into it, will actually help you think more clearly and can, in turn, reduce anxiety.
3.) It encourages physical activity. Cleaning windows is a prime example (visualize the effort that goes into that project, and I make my point!). Tackling any home improvement can release endorphins in your brain that can improve your health and happiness.
4.) Clearing out “stuff” can create more room in your home, which means more space for you to move around.
5.) You will be able to find things faster, which will tend to increase productivity of all kinds.
6.) Many people are visual in nature; the space created from organizing and reorganizing can be soothing, often resulting in creativity in work or play.
7.) De-cluttering can be a form of self-care, especially when it allows you to relax deeply while working, or then afterwards just settling into your surroundings.
8.) Passing along clothes you don’t use, or clearing out a junk drawer, or emptying files or emails, all can result in a sense of mastery of your life. You don’t need me to tell you that’s a feeling we could all benefit from in these difficult times.
9.) Lastly and obviously, you will be more efficient if you know where things are!
Denise’s
2 Cents:
If the thought of projects is appealing, but feels overwhelming, begin the process by committing to just five minutes a day.
Pick a really small chore such as cleaning out one drawer or one section of a closet.
If you are clearing out “things,” employ the three-piles method: “must go,” might go,” and “cannot go.” (Best advice I’ve ever given!)
Hold up the item. If you don’t “love it,” or you have not used it in the last three months, be strong and let it go.
All of which is to say, go forth and organize!
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