Declutter Your Space, Clear Your Mind: Simple Steps to Mental Clarity

Hi, Theresa here. I want to share a little thought about something that can make a real difference to your thoughts and your clarity of mind — clutter.

Not everyone has clutter, but some of us do. Having a clear area where you live and work makes a huge difference to our ability to see through things and make clearer decisions. "Decluttering" sounds like a big, daunting word, but having a clear space to relax in brings enormous benefits to our mental health and our decision-making. If you're having a challenge with "stuff," whether you want to keep it or not, I personally believe having stuff in its own home — rather than scattered everywhere — is a real benefit.

Let's think about how your environment is affecting you. If your house or office is busy but you can still see through the stuff, make clear decisions, and feel calm about it — good on you, you're amazing. But if you're struggling with the stuff around you, you're still awesome too; the next step is just to find something that works for you.

One thing I've found really helpful is breaking the environment into bits. In my office, I'd start with my desk, then the floor, then maybe the cupboards. You can think about what you can move forward or get rid of for just five minutes a day, or whatever works for you. It's the same at home. When my house was very busy with kids and animals, I divided it into areas and thought, "I can do that little bit every day — five minutes a day." I get it, I know decluttering is a continual thing.

But a clear area, a clear space, enables you to make clearer decisions and ultimately feel great. People who know me at ICA know I have a thing about my kitchen counters — if they're clear, everything feels clean, tidy, and flows so much better. Same with my desk: when it's clear and tidy, I can make clearer decisions.

I hope that's helped. If you need anything — a chat, a starting point — give us a shout. Your virtual cup of tea is always available. Speak to you soon.