Nicola Lewis - Mind Over Clutter

I’m also passionate about sustainability and the environment and I want my children to grow up in a better world where we preserve our natural resources, reduce the impact of global warming and enjoy cleaner air and water. Climate change is the biggest issue of our time, and while you might think that individually you can’t make a difference, even tiny changes in your lifestyle can help.

Most of us have too much stuff; less really is more.

Living in a kinder, more thoughtful way is a good place to start and I try to do this in my own life. As a family, we’ve taken practical steps in our home to be more eco-friendly and to live our lives more sustainably. I buy smart and use environmentally friendly cleaning products that don’t contain harsh chemicals, or I make my own with natural ingredients, such as essential oils, lemons, bicarbonate of soda and vinegar (see Chapter 3). I also recycle as much as possible, wage war on plastic and upcycle lots of common household items to give them a new, useful life (see Chapter 4).

My Mission

Since starting my business, I’ve discovered my mission and my joy. I’d like to do some good in the world and for my career to have a sense of purpose, and I feel fortunate that I’ve met and helped so many lovely people whose lives have been transformed for the better by organising and decluttering their homes.

My blog and Instagram feed are full of helpful tips on how you can declutter, tidy, organise, recycle, upcycle, eco-clean and donate, and for a long time I’ve wanted to write it all down in a ‘go-to’ way that will help, inform and encourage people. And here it is. Packed with useful information and tips to motivate you and help you think more positively, this book will inspire you to get rid of all the clutter in your life and make it much simpler and happier.

You really can achieve anything you put your mind to. If I can do it, so can you.

10 ways to . . .

be happy and feel good

It’s easy to feel good about yourself and your life if you start counting your blessings, follow your dream and get organised. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

1.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE

There is a lot of truth in the sentiment that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. If you’re unhappy and can’t find a new job, try to shift your focus and look for the positives in your current one. At the very least, do one thing you enjoy every day.

2.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAM

Dream big. Since starting TGCO in 2017 I have had the best time! I have met loads of incredible people, made some wonderful friends and have visited homes across the UK. I really believe that if you work hard and surround yourself with your dreams, they will one day come true (so start making that vision board – see here).

3.

STAY FOCUSED AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

You are already fresh and fabulous and can achieve whatever you put your mind to. Try to stay away from negativity and never forget your goals.

4.

LIVE FOR EACH DAY

Life is short, so embrace every minute. Don’t be held back by what has happened in the past. Be fearless and look for new opportunities and experiences.

5.

GET UP EARLY

Those quiet moments in the morning are a great time to reflect on your life and what you want your day to look like. It also means you won’t have to rush, and that will immediately make you less stressed.

6.

GO FOR A WALK

Getting fresh air is a brilliant way to clear your mind and it is also a great opportunity to think and plan.

7.

HELP OTHERS

Be compassionate and empathetic. Helping others grow is the best way to help yourself grow. Volunteering is one way to do this; or start with your friends and family and those around you.

8.

SMILE

Every day is full of endless possibilities. You are in control of your attitude, so start your days with a smile and stay optimistic.

9.

PLAN A TRIP

It’s good to have something to look forward to.

10.

PRACTISE GRATITUDE

Be thankful for everything you have already. Celebrate the present and take a more active role in your life.

– Anonymous Client

Decluttering gives you more time for yourself and your family and leads to a healthier and more balanced you. And although a clean environment won’t necessarily solve all your problems, it can have an enormous impact on your emotional wellbeing and outlook and make all the difference to your life.

What is ‘Clutter’?

Clutter means different things to different people, but it’s basically all about filling a space with an untidy and chaotic collection of things. It might happen for a positive reason, such as when you’re moving house or you’re decorating or renovating, or it may build up almost imperceptibly over time. If you find that you have to move things around in your home to accomplish a simple chore, or you feel that you’re drowning in ‘stuff’ and overwhelmed by all the space it takes up, then the likelihood is that you have a clutter problem.

Clutter and Mental Health

Your surroundings can have a dramatic effect on your mood, negatively impacting on your mental health – especially if you’re stressed, under pressure or just struggling with the daily grind. Having unnecessary clutter lying around can act like a visual noise, each item potentially triggering an alarm bell in your head. The truth is that most of us have so much stuff either lying around in full view or shoved inside cupboards that it’s sometimes impossible to find what we are looking for when we want it. With so much to do – laundry to wash, meals to prepare and paperwork to organise – it’s no wonder that sometimes we feel overwhelmed when we’re faced with the endless ‘to-do’ lists of life.

Studies in the United States 1have looked at the causes of clutter and how it impacts people’s emotional wellbeing. The researchers found that cluttered homes can be stressful to live in. Yet many people avoid reorganising their things and throwing out even unused or unwanted belongings, especially if it’s time-consuming or unpleasant. Consequently, they sometimes end up living in a chaotic state, surrounded by mess, which can trigger a physiological response, usually in the form of stress and raised cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone and when it increases it can lead to a variety of health problems, such as anxiety, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, memory lapses, concentration problems and even depression. When they declutter, however, even with small steps over a period of time, people can start to feel less anxious and better about themselves.

I know this is true from my own experience, from working with clients and from the feedback I get online in response to my blog and Instagram feed.

Elizabeth, a busy department manager who was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when she was 26 and had been off work for six months, struggled to stay on top of even basic everyday tasks like showering, cleaning the kitchen or vacuuming the carpets. She wrote to me: