Create Space
- Oliver Daly

- Apr 17, 2023
- 3 min read
How often do you feel like your life is a mess and there is no space? Feel Trapped? Hemmed In? Swamped?
Firstly don't beat yourself up, everyone feels this way. But you don't have to. There are simple, practical tangible things you can do to address this feeling.
Firstly lets look at how our physical space has a direct impact on our mental state.
When we are surrounded by clutter and chaos, our paperwork is unsorted, the to do list is growing and you feel overwhelmed. Any chance of feeling calm, centered and in control are out of the question.

Any methods we use to "relax" in this space are merely distraction methods. Wine, TV, a night out etc. are all lovely things to do, however their effect is short lived, and makes little difference to that clouded, heavy mental state that you live under.
Conversely, when we clear out physical space and create an environment that is tidy, efficient and organised, we experience a profound sense of both mental and physical calm.
Of all of the practices that I utilise and teach, the transformation of a space through clearing out and reorganising is possibly the most powerful on how it immediately effects the mental state.
If we can start to change the way we think, alter what we deem to be needed or necessary, not governed by all of the clutter that society tells us we need, but by the things we actually need to live the life we want to love, then we will create an open, clear space of possibility and freedom, both physically and mentally. I'm not saying that everyone needs to live a minimalist lifestyle, although this is my dream, but adopting some of the practices will leave space in both the home, and the mind.
Here are some of the proven benefits of clearing out physical space and how it creates a psychological space:
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
A cluttered and disorganized space can create feelings of stress and anxiety. Clutter can make us feel overwhelmed and can cause us to procrastinate, leading to even more stress. By clearing out our physical space, we can reduce these negative feelings and create a more calming environment.
Improves Focus and Productivity
A cluttered space can be distracting and make it difficult to focus on tasks at hand. When we clear out our physical space, we create an environment that is conducive to productivity and can help us stay focused and on-task.
Creates a Sense of Accomplishment
Clearing out physical space can be a big undertaking, but once it's done, it can create a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. It can give us a boost of motivation and momentum to tackle other areas of our life that need attention.
Promotes Creativity
A clear and organized space can promote creativity and inspire new ideas. It can create a blank slate for our minds to work with and help us think more clearly.
Encourages Healthy Habits
A clean and organized space can also encourage healthy habits. It can make it easier to prepare healthy meals, exercise regularly, and maintain a self-care routine.

Like with all of these practices, it doesn't have to be a daunting task, start small and gradually build up over time. You'll find that the benefits of a clean and organized space will have a ripple effect on your overall wellbeing.
Todays Tip:
To maximise the benefits of this process, start to change the way you think in the area of "need" vs "want". The more you can clear out and keep cleared out, in every sense, the happier, lighter and freer you will feel.
People often say I'm ruthless with my clearing out. But in reality I have a simple mindset, for something to remain in my house, it has to either be needed, or bring enough joy. If it is a source of stress it goes. Is it part of the problem, or part of the cure?




Comments