CLEAN YOUR SPACE

Many individuals have a tendency to hold onto possessions and emotions. We often associate objects with specific events and people, and when our emotional energy is stagnant, it can be challenging to let go of these possessions, particularly when they were given by someone no longer in our lives. In such cases, we may hold onto these objects as a memory, even if they serve no practical purpose.

It is important to remember that clutter and stored emotions often go hand in hand. Clearing out old and unnecessary possessions is crucial not only for physical space but also for emotional and psychological well-being. Objects and buildings hold energy, and surrounding yourself with possessions that bring positive energy can significantly uplift your experience and overall mood.

Cleaning and decluttering aren’t just practical tasks, they’re acts of self-care. Studies have shown that living in a cluttered environment can negatively affect mental health, contributing to increased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), as well as feelings of depression and anxiety. According to research from UCLA's Center on Everyday Lives and Families, people who described their homes as cluttered experienced more fatigue and had higher cortisol levels throughout the day. Additionally, a study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that women who described their homes as "messy" or "cluttered" were more likely to feel depressed and tired than those who described their homes as "restorative" or "tidy."

On the flip side, the act of cleaning itself can promote a sense of control, accomplishment, and clarity. Many people report feeling significantly lighter and more at peace after tidying their surroundings, because by cleaning up our external environment, we are also often untangling inner knots.

On the other hand, living with belongings you love ensures that your experience is always uplifting. Every object seen by your eyes or touched by your body sends back its own energy of love and acceptance. Compare that to things you look at or touch that give you the creeps and bad feelings. When that happens, scenes of things you don't like replay in your mind, or bad feelings are unconsciously triggered. With this understanding and comparison, you will be able to appreciate the value of cleaning up and having a space filled with beloved objects that are good for you. Then, you can get rid of everything that causes bad associations, harms you in some way, or is simply broken or unnecessary for that environment. Get rid of the excess. If you want to live with more joy and tranquility, surely some things cannot keep up with your movement, so get rid of them without guilt.

Photo by Oleksii Hlembotskyi on Unsplash