| Did you know that 80% of our medical bills are | | | | action. |
| linked to stress-related issues? On average, we | | | | TIP: Try boxing up half the items in your linen |
| spend 55 minutes a day searching for things we | | | | closet, china cabinet or garage. Work with the |
| know we have but can't find. Clutter jangles our | | | | remaining items until you have them under control. |
| nerves and wastes valuable psychological and | | | | Gradually bring the stored items out for sorting, |
| physical energy. Emotional and physical well being | | | | one box at a time. |
| starts with peace of mind. To reduce stress and | | | | 3. Set up systems of support that fit your |
| enjoy a state of comfort and ease, it's essential | | | | personality and enhance your productivity. It's not |
| to live surrounded by things we love, free of | | | | about getting organized, it's about being organized |
| chaos and clutter. Here are some ideas to help | | | | so all your possessions have a specific location |
| you start on the road to better health and | | | | and you can find them easily. Be patient with |
| balance in your life | | | | yourself and the process. |
| 1. Define your style. Put harmony into your home | | | | TIP: To keep from being overwhelmed, pick a |
| by identifying your personal taste. Select things | | | | small area-a drawer, a corner, a shelf-set the |
| you enjoy looking at and display them in a way | | | | timer for 15 minutes. |
| that is pleasing to you. Express yourself with | | | | By chunking down clutter a little at a time, you'll |
| color, texture and objects. Allow yourself to | | | | feel more energized as you gain control of your |
| discover and experiment until you find the focus | | | | space. |
| you are looking for and then build from there. | | | | 4. Design a life of balance, making sure you're at |
| There are no "right" answers for this process. | | | | the center. Keep exercise, fun, relaxation and |
| What you chose is a matter of preference or | | | | learning in mind. These build harmony and |
| desire. Indulge yourself in the process. | | | | confidence and will affect everything else you do. |
| TIP: Some libraries have a free recycle magazine | | | | You will feel more vigor, be more efficient, |
| sections that you can use to get home decorating | | | | engage in rest and play with new meaning and |
| ideas from. You can also visit your local bookstore | | | | purpose. |
| to browse their selection and find articles of | | | | TIP: Schedule time for a walk, a picnic with your |
| interest. Get a spiral notebook to cut and paste | | | | family, a massage, a yoga class the way you |
| pictures that help you imagine and create the | | | | would a business meeting or company seminar. |
| style you're interest in. | | | | Put it on your calendar and make it inviolate. |
| TIP: Involve your family, partner or roommate in | | | | 5. Reap the Rewards. Recognize your successes, |
| this activity. It can be a relationship builder when | | | | large and small. Each step you take toward your |
| you actively share favorite ideas for co-creating a | | | | goal of a life by design is reason to celebrate. |
| space together. | | | | TIP: Reward yourself. Decide in advance what |
| TIP: You can keep the memory and connection | | | | your prize will be when you finish cleaning out the |
| with loved ones while letting go of inherited or | | | | garage, the pantry, the glove compartment in |
| sentimental objects that you no longer want or | | | | your car. The bigger the job, the bigger the |
| match your style. Some clients take pictures of | | | | reward. You'll be amazed at how fun this can be. |
| these items, placing them in a photo album before | | | | Spring is the season for new growth. Make it a |
| selling or giving them to other family members. | | | | time for reducing clutter so you can increase your |
| 2. Systematically remove clutter from every | | | | health and peace of mind. Create harmony in your |
| room. Comfort and clutter are like oil and water. | | | | life by enhancing your surroundings and setting up |
| Removing clutter reduces stress. This is a process | | | | systems that allow you more freedom for fun, |
| that takes time, commitment and consistent | | | | relaxation, time with family and friends. |