We’re all familiar with physical clutter—the junk drawer, unworn clothes, and piles of "someday" papers. But mental clutter, like endless worries, to-do lists, and social media overload, can be just as overwhelming—and even more exhausting.
Okay, folks—spring is practically here in Colorado! (Sure, we might get a surprise snow flurry or two, but we’re choosing optimism!) And you know what that means: spring cleaning. But let’s be honest—while tackling that overflowing closet is important, I’m way more interested in clearing out the mental clutter that’s been piling up all winter.
We all recognize physical clutter. It’s the junk drawer you avoid, the clothes you haven’t worn in years, the stack of papers you swear you’ll deal with "someday." But mental clutter? That’s the constant swirl of worries, the never-ending to-do lists, and the social media doomscrolling that leaves you feeling drained. Honestly, it’s just as suffocating—if not more!
So, how do we tackle both? Here’s my take:
✅ The "Maybe" Pile is a Lie
We all have one—the pile of “maybe I’ll need this someday.” Spoiler alert: you probably won’t. If you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s time to donate, recycle, or toss it. Seriously, Marie Kondo that stuff.
✅ One Room at a Time
Don’t try to declutter your entire house in a day. That’s a one-way ticket to burnout. Pick one room—or even one drawer—and focus on that. Progress is still progress, no matter how small!
✅ Make it Fun!
Turn on some upbeat music or a podcast. Invite a friend or family member to help. It’s way less daunting (and more entertaining) when you’re not tackling it alone.
🧠 Digital Detox
Seriously—put the phone down. Set boundaries for social media and email. Better yet, go for a walk without your phone (gasp!). You’d be surprised how much clearer your head feels when you give yourself a break from screens.
🧠 Brain Dump Journaling
Get those swirling thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Write down your worries, goals, and to-dos—just let it all flow. It doesn’t have to be pretty or organized; the goal is to clear space in your mind.
🧠 Mindful Moments
Take a few minutes each day to reset. Whether it’s meditation, deep breathing, or simply sitting quietly and noticing your surroundings, these moments of mindfulness help calm the chaos.
🧠 The Power of “No”
Protect your energy! You can’t do everything, and that’s okay. Prioritize what truly matters, and give yourself permission to say no to things that don’t serve you.
🧠 Get Outside
Fresh air and sunshine are natural mood boosters. Go for a walk, hike a nearby trail, or simply sit in the park and let the sun work its magic. Nature is a reset button—use it!
Because a decluttered space and a decluttered mind create a decluttered life. When you’re not buried under piles of stuff or drowning in nonstop mental chatter, you create space for the good stuff — joy, creativity, and real connection. A clean, organized space helps you feel calmer and more in control, while a clear mind gives you the freedom to focus on what actually matters (instead of that running to-do list in the back of your head). Less clutter means less stress — and more room for the life you want to live.
Speaking of making it fun—I have the fondest memories of spring cleaning with my grandma. She’d fling open every window and door, letting the fresh spring air flood the house, and crank up The Temptations. Suddenly, cleaning wasn’t a chore—it was a dance party, a workout, and a bonding experience rolled into one.
So maybe this year, try throwing on your favorite tunes while you clean. Who knows? You might just create a new, joy-filled tradition of your own.
✨ Let’s not just clean our closets this spring—let’s clean our minds, too. We deserve it! ✨
March 14, 2025