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Getting Rid of Stress
Declutter and Do GoodOutdated clothing, stacks of old magazines, broken objects you intend to fix any day now—how did you get so much stuff?
Could Someone Use It?You’ve probably taken used clothing to the Goodwill, but there’s also value in used: • eyeglasses • computers • dance shoes • running shoes • cell phones • sporting goods • furniture • bicycles • books • blankets If, like many Americans, you’re feeling overwhelmed by your material goods, it’s time to declutter. It will do you good, and your excess may be just what someone else needs (see sidebar).
Why we hoard“Material things give us a sense of security and connection to the past,” says clinical social worker Barbara Johnson of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “It’s hard to let go of things that were difficult to get or ‘may come in handy some day.’ “But too many things add up to clutter, and that’s not good:It’s time-consuming. You’ve got to dust all those knickknacks and sort through stacks of paper to find the utility bill. It’s depressing. You feel paralyzed when everywhere you look, things need filing or fixing. It keeps you stuck in the past. Older people often cling to the stuff of their memories rather than exploring new challenges that could be expanding and enriching. Where to begin“Prevention is the best defense against clutter,” says Denise Continenza, family living educator for Penn State Cooperative Extension—Lehigh County. “Buy only what you really need, and have an organized place for what you keep.”When paring down, start small, she says. “Set a timer for 15 minutes and tackle just one drawer or shelf. If you don’t use it, love it and need it, get rid of it!” Do this every day and the visible improvement will spur you on. Johnson recommends involving the family in decluttering. “Make the time special by sharing stories as you sort through memorabilia.” The ultimate benefit? You can focus on what’s really important to you—as the sages have known for millennia. In the ancient Chinese art of feng shui, clearing clutter is the essential first step in revitalizing your life.
Want to Know More? Call 610-402-CARE or click here for additional clutter-clearing tips. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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