Organizing to Create Well-Being
Sometimes the best thing to do for stress relief is to actually organize all your piles of stuff, and to prioritize what needs to get done.
My “to do” list was feeling overwhelming today (this is Carey) and so I took a few hours to clear up my desktop, my computer files, and my office - and felt much better!
Organizing things was concrete enough so that I felt like I was accomplishing something, and it also made my office so much nicer to be in. Once I did start working, I was much more productive and relaxed.
When we walk into a space and it feels jumbled and confusing, that’s not conducive to well-being.
I also made a list of projects, numbered them, and then sequenced them based on what has to happen first. Again, this helped me feel like I could get more done, as my priorities were clearer - rather than just having a massive list of things that needed doing.
For each project, I created a file, and the files are now in the same sequence in terms of what needs to happen first. Then it was much easier to pick up that first file and start there.
Once I’m done with that project, the file can go to the bottom of the pile, or in the file cabinet, or get recycled (depending on whether I need those records). Some people use white boards for this as well.
Do you have a space (or spaces) in your home that create stress for you because of its (their) condition?
Have you tried to organize but just feel completely overwhelmed?
Would you be super excited to finally get your space(s) into order?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, try the action steps below. They might just help you to not only get started, but also to finish some of those nagging disorganized projects.
Action Steps:
Take on one space (desk, kitchen, basement) OR one sub-space (closet) that is creating some stress due to its lack of organization
This step has two paths, depending on your personality type:
If you like to immerse yourself and just get a project done (Carey), plan to spend an entire day to make it happen. Listen to an audiobook while working to make it more interesting or ask for help if that’s an option.
If you like to “peck away at projects” (Wendy), commit to spending 5 - 10 minutes every day getting something done in the room you’re working on. It doesn’t matter what it is as long as you’re moving forward and doing it every day.
Try to remember why you’re working on the space during those times that you’re not feeling the motivation to keep going. It’s sometimes unpleasant in the middle of a task, but we always feel better when we finish.
Once you are done- enjoy the sense of accomplishment and the order!