Homeowners encouraged to utilize frustration over mess for enhanced cleaning- 'intense feeling fuels cleaning drive'
Frustrated by clutter? Turn that annoyance into a superpower! Instead of lashing out at yourself, your home, or your stuff, cyber-buddy, direct your anger towards the inconvenience that's causing you distress. Here's how to embrace this decluttering tip, as well as why you might be feeling so peeved in the first place.
Getting Annoyed is Natural: Embrace It!
Feeling consistently irritated by your clutter? Count on it. If you've tried various decluttering methods and still feel more annoyed than before, it's only natural. Psychologist Dr. Jenny Shields explains that the presence of clutter affects our moods, guilt-tripping and nagging us like never-ending whispers of 'You should've handled this by now.'
Cheryl Groskopf, a dual-licensed professional clinical counselor and marriage and family therapist, agrees, adding that clutter isn't just a visual problem. It's emotional! When your space is messy, your brain sees unfinished tasks, triggering stress and making you feel frustrated.
Channeling Your Annoyance: Turn Frustration into Action
So, how do you turn your negative feelings into positive action? Identify your emotion: Is it anger, annoyance, or overwhelm? Once you recognize it, think about what this feeling makes you want to do. Does the overwhelm make you want to give up? Does the anger make you want to shout? Does the annoyance make you pick petty fights with your loved ones about their belongings?
From there, allocate each emotion with a new thing to do. Set yourself up for a successful decluttering session!
When Clutter Closes In: Relief is a Reach
Feeling boxed in by the mess? Focus on the clutter that's in front of you to create immediate relief – a visual exhale for your brain! Clearing a small space helps interrupt the overwhelm, resetting your sense of control.
When You Want to Scream: Unleash Your Inner Fury
Feeling like you want to scream? Embrace it! Use that energy for a short, intense decluttering burst called a 'rage tidy.' Set a timer for ten minutes and go all out. This chaotic motion will help you channel your chaos and amazement at what your hands can achieve when your brain isn't overthinking.
When You Feel Like Crying: Cry It Out – Literally
If you feel like crying into your laundry pile, give yourself a moment to feel your emotions, then turn your attention to that space. channel that raw energy into a physical task, such as picking up, tossing out, or scrubbing down. This simple action tells your nervous system, 'We're not trapped,' taking the first step towards becoming unstuck.
When You Feel Really Low: Conquer Clutter in Small Steps
Feeling incredibly low and unable to conquer the clutter? Focus on a quick-win instead, such as clearing the coffee table or making the bed. This small victory contributes to progress, lifting your spirits and reducing visual clutter in a key space.
Essential Decluttering Tools for Frustrated Fratboys
Eliminating clutter isn't always easy, especially when you're feeling irritable. Here are some decluttering essentials that'll make the process a little less frustrating:
1. Spacious Baskets for Dumping Stuff
These cheerful baskets are perfect for rehoming your stuff in one place before you figure out what to do with it.
2. Pomodoro Timer
Use this to keep track of your rage-cleaning, so you'll always know how long is left.
3. Large Storage Bins
Stash anything you're decluttering out of sight. You can leave those decisions for later.
4. Dry-Erase Whiteboard
Write down any tasks you're not up for completing later. Hide it out of sight when not in use to avoid further frustrations.
5. Compact Speaker with Decent Sound Quality
Play your favorite tunes while you declutter to keep your mood lifted.
6. Journal or Notebook
Record your emotions or thoughts during your rage-tidy. It's a great way to decompress after feeling frustrated for a while.
Expert Decluttering Strategies for Angry Individuals
Dr. Jenny Shields, licensed psychologist, and burnout specialist; Cheryl Groskopf, dual-licensed professional clinical counselor and marriage and family therapist; and Tina Priestly, professional organizer, offer valuable advice for tackling clutter when you're feeling peeved:
- Break your decluttering tasks into bite-sized chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed
- Practice and reward yourself with small treats for completing decluttering tasks
- Share your decluttering goals with friends and family to stay motivated
- Address retroactive guilt and past failures by acknowledging them and moving on
- Focus on small, noticeable areas that bother you the most to gain quick victories and boost motivation
- Adopt a 'grace over guilt' approach, believing that decluttering is a process and expecting setbacks along the way.
Bonus: Lesser-Known Benefits of Organizing Your Pad
Decluttering doesn't just make your living space tidier – it allows you to take control, boost your productivity, and even improve your mental health. Embrace the power of organization and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Science has shown that decluttering can improve mental health, boosting overall well-being. For instance, a tidy home-and-garden can promote a sense of relaxation and order, contributing to health-and-wellness. Additionally, engaging in fitness-and-exercise routines, such as decluttering, can positively impact lifestyle, not just physically but also mentally. By exercising your organizational skills through decluttering, you are also practicing a form of mental fitness. So, turn clutter into an opportunity to improve your health, fitness, and overall lifestyle.
