Stay calm and positive with less clutter

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One thing we can do to make ourselves more comfortable and productive and sail through this pandemic smoothly is use the decluttering methodology

By Saahil Mehta


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Published: Tue 19 May 2020, 7:07 AM

Last updated: Tue 19 May 2020, 9:11 AM

Are you facing greater levels of stress and anxiety? Are you stretched for time and find it hard to complete your tasks? Do you wish you relationships with loved ones was stronger? The Covid-19 has certainly left our lives unbalanced. Unfortunately, there's not much we can do to control the coronavirus except to stay at home. That said, one thing we can do to make ourselves more comfortable and productive and sail through this pandemic smoothly, is use the decluttering methodology.
The art of decluttering has been buzzing around the world, but what does it mean? Let's break it down: Decluttering is an action or a process to decide whether items, people, etc. are valuable or not. Decluttering is part of a minimalist lifestyle that has long been popular in Japan. Here's how we can use decluttering to stay positive and calm during this pandemic: 
Declutter the material world
Use this time to declutter your home. Identify a room and select an area you wish to start. Your cupboard, for instance. Segregate everything into three piles:

  • Pile 1: Items that are frequently used and bring you joy. Put them back in an organised fashion.
  • Pile 2: Items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. Give them to someone less fortunate who can benefit and bring a smile to their face.
  • Pile 3: Items that you are not sure of. Keep them in a box for threeto six months and if the box remains unopened, give it away.
Declutter the body
If you want your body to work for you, you need to ensure you are treating it well so that it does not become a distraction. In essence, eat well, sleep well, and ensure you have lots of movement throughout the day. A great way to get started is to start reading the ingredients of the packaged food you purchase and find healthier alternatives if it contains any of the following: High-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, artificial colours, sodium nitrites and nitrates, monosodium glutamate (MSG), high levels of sugar.
 
Declutter people
Decluttering people is about bringing closer those who matters by removing the clutter between the two of you. Use this opportunity to better understand your loved ones, friends and colleagues to strengthen the relationships that have either been strained or could do with some improving.
 
Decluttering the mind
How do you start your morning? Are you picking up your phone even though your eyes are barely open? How are you being affected by all the negative communication? Start each day with positivity enabling you to have higher impact!
Steps to take before anything else:
  1. Movement: Any form of movement such as walking to get the blood flowing. 
  2. Breathing exercise: Deep breaths to oxygenate the body and come more alive.
  3. Meditation: Do this to become more centred. There are many forms of meditation and it is suggested you try various forms to see what works best for you.
  4. Gratitude journaling: Write down three things you am grateful for
Now that you have the tools to remove the clutter from your life, start today and enjoy the journey to achieving greatness.
 
Saahil Mehta is an executive coach
 


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