How Staying Organized Can Protect Your Mental Health During Stressful Times
It’s tough in Minneapolis /St Paul right now. If you live here you know exactly why. We are in the middle of a humanitarian crisis and things feel more divisive than ever. I’ve had a constant thread of anxiety and sadness on my heart for at least a month. I’m always fighting the feeling of constant cortisol release. I know I’m not alone in this.
When life is stressful and heavy things are happening around me, it can feel trivial and silly to worry about home organizing. Like worrying about stuff is stupid. And honestly, it kind of is. But there is value to thinking about stress and how it’s impacted by your environment. Studies have shown that your external environment- your home- directly influences your stress and mood.
Since knowing this and actually doing something about it are two separate things, I wanted to offer some encouragement and useful tips to make things easier. As usual, as I write this post I am speaking to myself as much as I am to you!
I know how hard it can be to focus and complete anything in times like this, so the first rule is Lower The Bar. Your expectation cannot be perfection. What is the minimum amount you can do to complete a task? For example, grilled cheese or cereal for dinner instead of a meal involving a lot of ingredients and prep time. Store bought cookies for the bake sale. Cash instead of a gift for your kid’s friend’s birthday (it might be a bigger hit anyway!) Sky-high expectations keep you striving and striving with no relief.
As a professional organizer here in Minneapolis, I always encourage my clients to keep the season in mind with any systems, making it easy to maintain. Storing shoes in the closet in winter weather can be hard, with dirty shoes traipsing in and out of the house. Find a place for winter hats and gloves to go right by the door so they find their way home at the end of the day. The easier it is to put things away, the less of a burden it will be on one person to keep things clean and tidy. Easier systems make maintenance a breeze.
Remember to take care of your physical body. Even a short walk outside can really help shift perspective. A cup of tea, a good snack and extra rest always helps too. When we are busy serving others it can be easy to put yourself last, but that just ensures your cup is always empty.
I often have an impulse to declutter when I feel like life isn’t in my control. I’m not sure if that’s just me, but if you find yourself in the same boat, going through your home with an eye toward meaningful donations for people who could use it can be a balm to your heart as well. Right now, many organizations in the Minneapolis/ St Paul metro area are looking for donations. Food, pantry items, pet food and clothing are all specifically needed by families in our community now. If you’re so inclined, donating either resources or your time is a great way to offset the feelings of fear and despair.
In the meantime, know that we have more power than we think. Minneapolis is showing the nation what can be done when concerned citizens mobilize to help their neighbors, and I am so proud to own my business here. Take care of yourselves.
