A lot of people assume that in order to get a handle on chronic anxiety you always have to do stuff to yourself. That is, you should think positively, eat better, excercise some, and all the rest of it.
And, of course, that’s all true, but there is more to being anxiety free than just what happens inside of you. For instance, what about what’s around you?
Do you ever consider how your environment is affecting you? If not, then you should. It could mark the turning point in your long battle with anxiety.
Let me offer you a tip to help you address something outside of yourself, it’s simply this:
Get organized.
I’m not just talking about your desk at work, either. I mean your home, your car, even your closets. You should consider organizing any space that you use a lot.
You know, I’ve heard people say that if you’re “too clean” then that means you have a “dirty” or cluttered mind. I say that line of thinking is a crock. In fact, it’s pure wildebeest droppings.
Organization is an easy way to organize your thoughts and feelings because when you’re in a clean, organized environment you have less stuff on your mind, literally.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat at my desk and thought, “what is all this crap?” And it’s that kind of thought that provokes irritation and stress. The thing is that even if you’re not always conscious of clutter bogging down your mind, it still does.
Also, do you remember the last time that you cleaned something well? How’d that make you feel? Probably made you feel like you accomplished something, got it out of the way, and it let you breath a little easier, right?
Now, I’m not encouraging OCD behavior about your organizing efforts. I’m just saying that putting things in order will relieve a bit of tension because it can clear the mind ever so slightly.
One lesson that I’ve learned over time is that when it comes to managing anxiety creativity and damn near sneakiness payoffs. And getting organized is a subtle way of calming the mind without having to exorcise your inner demons.
I was going to list a few ways to get organized, then I realized that me explaining how I like things organized would be stupid. You know how to clean up, organize, and put things in an order that helps you. So, go do it because I promise that it’ll help.
Fully agree, Paul. For example, I read some good advice a while back that said to set yourself up for your morning. So, when you wake up, things are organized for you to make it relaxing. (Clothes set out, slippers, whatever.) I even go as far as sometimes setting out my breakfast silverware, coffee cup, etc. Anything to sleep longer and relax more in the morning is a good thing!
I always say it’s a “percentages battle.” 5% here and 5% there definitely adds up.
Be well, everyone! Thanks for the reading, Paul.
TOTALLY agree. For the first time in over a year, our house has been clean – for a whole month now. And while my anxiety isn’t CURED, it’s the best it’s been…in probably over a year! It makes a huge difference. And they seem to feed off of each other – when I’m too anxious / stressed, I feel too overwhelmed to clean, but when my house isn’t clean, I feel too overwhelmed with life.
If anyone is interested – here is my routine that I’ve been having success with. Because cleaning the whole house but not maintaining it is a recipe for even more anxiety! So here’s what works for me (even with 2 kids under age 5 home all day!):
First thing in the morning, I make our bed. Then clean the house for 5 minutes – wherever needs picking up or cleaning, then I stop. I use a timer.
After every meal, I do the dishes and make sure kitchen/dining room are completely clean. Then I clean the house for 5 more minutes.
I clean 5 minutes before the kids’ bedtime, and 5 minutes before ours.
That’s the basic plan, and honestly, it makes a HUGE difference – it’s enough to maintain a respectable house.
Now, if you want your house to sparkle, somewhere in there add 15 minutes of decluttering / deep cleaning, every day.
I try to do my 15 minutes, but it doesn’t always happen…as long as I can maintain a clean kitchen and 5 minute sessions, our house is always in a state where I could welcome visitors and not be embarrassed.
And in a state where my anxiety is MUCH MORE stable.
Good luck!!!
Good one, Emily.
I was also just thinking how much keeping good records reduces stress. Just got the flu shot today and as I was filing my paperwork in my medical file at home, I realized that it could be more orderly… in general. So, I think that will be a project for me. 🙂 I agree with Paul… you don’t want to go obsessive about it, but I think even people without anxiety could de-stress their lives in major ways by doing what we’re talking about.
Bryan: Great point. It’s about doing things one step at a time. Because those small chunks add up to a lot of good stuff at the end of the day.
Emily: I loved what you said about doing things as you go. At first there will be some hardcore cleaning, but after that if you’re mindful and pick up after yourself then it just becomes simple maintenance. It does make a world of difference.
Great insights.
I’ve never really thought about decluttering as an anxiety strategy but you are spot on. Whenever things in my life are a bit crazy I can always count on the fact I will feel better if I get organised and clear things out. I live in Australia and as we’re just about to head into summer, I’ve just cleared out my wardrobe and swapped over to my summer gear. My family laughs at how organised I am but it makes me feel good.
I found out that my anxiety is from a learning disability short term memory loss. I need to get better organized. Anyone have some suggestions for making lists actually getting stuff done when you are depress and dont want to or your frozen