Making changes doesn’t always have to be about adding something new to your routine, it can also be about removing things from your life that are holding you back, both big and small. Decluttering your life (physically and mentally) is a bold gesture of self-care. It may seem a little overwhelming at first, which is why we have put together 6 simple things that you can stop doing for better wellbeing.
1. Feeding Your Junk Drawer. Whether we like to admit it or not, we all have that one corner or crevice in the house that is full of things we think we might one day need, but never actually do. These spaces are usually jammed packed with items including forgotten tech cords, expired coupons, inkless pens and faded receipts. Set yourself a deadline to get rid of your junk, and who knows – it might just bring out the inner Marie Condo in you, and inspire you to declutter every room in your house!
2. Complaining. Have you told yourself time and time again that you need to work on being more positive, but soon find negativity creeping back into your thoughts, or conversations with friends and family littered with complaints? Start by selecting one thing about each day that makes you happy and keep it front and centre as you go about your business, reminding yourself of it any time a negative thought starts to cross your mind. Then try focusing on more things that light up each day for you, and before you know it, you’ll be right on track with your positive intentions.
3. Holding On to Old Workout Clothes. Are you hanging on to hole-ridden, thinning and faded tights and runners? Perhaps it’s an unconscious choice because we can’t bear to get rid of anything that saw us through hours of hard work. Whatever the reason, it’s time to move on! From this day onwards make a pact with yourself to only hold on to exercise clothing that you wear on a regular basis. Donate items in good condition to your local thrift shop and drop off your worn items to places that recycle clothing for textile creation. Click here to find out where.
4. Saying Yes to Everything and Everyone. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make those around you happy, but it’s important that it doesn’t come at the expense of your own wellbeing. Being upfront with your peers isn’t about being selfish, it’s about prioritising your needs and wants when it matters most. Make your feelings clear when you are asked to go to an event that you can’t make, or asked for unrealistic favours. Master this and you’ll have more time for you and your goals!
5. Stockpiling Unidentifiable Freezer Items. Your fridge’s answer to the junk drawer. Many of us have the right intention; we make big batches of food for convenience and cost-effectiveness. Too often, we don’t get through it, so the simple solution is to pop it in a freezer for another day. Clear out all of the frostbitten items from your freezer and aim to make more realistic, less wasteful batches of food in the future.
6. Following Trends You Don’t Actually Like. We live in a world where trends come and go at an astronomical rate, making it difficult to define what we actually like. It can be confusing and disorientating, but try to consider whether something enriches your life before hopping on the bandwagon. Are you doing it because you genuinely think you will enjoy it, or simply because everyone is doing it? Being true yourself is so important for overall wellbeing and happiness. Show yourself some love by sticking with activities, places and people that bring joy and fulfilment to your life.
Use these ideas as a starting point.
You might have other habits or physical belongings that you want to let go of to create a greater sense of clarity.
Remember that making bold choices is as much about letting go of negativities as it is about holding on to the positives in your life. Small, simple gestures are all it takes to become a braver, more true version of yourself.
