Decluttering Your Mind and Space: Autumn Cleaning for Mental Clarity
by Laura Clipson
• Published 19/10/2023
Many people associate the season of spring with cleaning and decluttering, but as the leaves start to change colour and fall to the ground, it reminds us of the beauty of letting go, making autumn the perfect season to clean up our physical spaces and also declutter our minds. Just as we clear out the old and make way for the new in our homes, we can do the same for our thoughts and emotions.
Clutter can create a sense of chaos in your physical environment. When you declutter, you remove visual distractions and create a more organised and serene space, which can lead to reduced stress and anxiety levels. A clutter-free environment can help to enhance focus and levels of productivity, as well as improving mood and boosting self-esteem.
- Autumn is the perfect time to go through your wardrobes. Get rid of anything you no longer wear, or just organise them; summer clothes can be put away, and autumn/winter clothes moved to the front for easier access.
- Tidy up your living area and organise your belongings. If you haven’t used something in a long time, get rid of it to clear space for the new.
- Take the time to declutter your home, making way for the decorations that will come later in the season.
- Do a deep clean of your house after decluttering; sweep under the sofas, clean the windows, skirting boards, door handles, light switches - anywhere that may be missed in your regular cleaning routine.
- Open your windows and let some of that crisp autumn air in to ventilate your home.
Physically cleaning and decluttering your home can be great for your mental health, but what about decluttering your mind? Here are a few ways you can try:
- Journaling can help you to reflect on your thoughts and emotions, essentially allowing you to organise your mind. Writing down your goals, feelings and aspirations can help you to set priorities and realise what is important to you.
- We spend so much time looking at screens, reading emails, and scrolling through social media, which can lead to a cluttered mind. A digital detox involves reducing screen time, unsubscribing from unnecessary emails, and trying to declutter your digital workspace.
- Spending time outdoors allows you to connect with nature; walks or hikes in the crisp autumn air, spending time at the park, or strolling through the falling leaves in a forest can be rejuvenating and help to clear your mind.
- Autumn is filled with wonderful scents that can help to create a calming atmosphere. Fill your space with the scents of cinnamon and apples, cloves and pine, to help enhance mental clarity and relaxation.
As you embrace the autumn season with its changing colours and crisp air, take the opportunity to declutter your mind and space. Just as the falling leaves make way for new growth, clearing our mental and physical clutter can pave the way for mental clarity, focus, and peace.
Thank you for reading.
Take a look at another of our blogs for more tips on boosting your mental wellbeing in Autumn:
Autumn Self-Care: 10 Ways to Boost Your Mental Well-Being
