Decluttering can feel like an insurmountable task with no easy place to start. Many of us find it particularly hard to part with objects that were given to us or that hold sentimental value. But, learning to let go of things that no longer serve you may be the secret to starting a whole new chapter in your health and wellness journey. 

Whether you’re decluttering your home, office, car, or closet, here are seven ways getting rid of items that no longer bring joy or meaning to your life can free you up to experience a fuller, more intentional life

Why Decluttering Matters to a Health and Wellness Coach

As a health coach, you are your own walking advertisement. Coaches who appear burned out or “frazzled” in their demeanor can have a negative impact on their ability to gain clients. Additionally, this “negative energy” could be passed along to those you are intending to help.

That isn’t to say you will pass along bad habits to clients but rather, your clients may not be receiving the best version of you that you have to offer. 

Obviously, being a health and wellness coach, your goal is to uplift and build your clients wellness. By taking the time to positively affect your own life and surroundings, you can then promote positive wellness in your clients live’s.

A Coaches Plan for Decluttering and Improving Well-being

1. Clearing space helps clear your mind

Physically removing items in your space can help remove mental blockages. One study showed that cluttered spaces reduce your ability to focus and can impact your memory. A good first step to clearing space is to start with one room and pick 3-5 items that you like but don’t love. 

Then, ask yourself: 

  • Do I actively use this item?
  • Does this item bring joy into my life?
  • Would I miss this item if it were gone tomorrow? 

If the answer to any of these questions is no, that’s a clear indicator that this item can go. By removing unnecessary items from your space, you invite an opportunity to increase your mental focus and clarity, decrease distractions, and ultimately breathe easier. 

2. Find the items you love with ease

Imagine finding your favorite books, food, or clothes with ease every single day, instead of wading through a sea of stuff. Sounds amazing, right? It’s totally possible with a bit of decluttering. When items are organized in a way that’s logical and tidy, your favorite items will be easier to find and you’ll be able to enjoy them more. Having easy access to the items that bring you joy can also positively impact your mental health. Double win!

3. Feel calm, cool, and collected with a cleaner space

Tidy spaces help the brain and body feel more relaxed and emotionally balanced. One study found that people living in cluttered environments had higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) than people who lived in less cluttered environments. Decluttering your space can help you reduce stress and give you the opportunity to arrange things in a way that promotes openness, ease of movement, and peace. One way you can invite more balance and harmony into your life is by implementing concepts from Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice that helps you align your living space with who you are and what you want.  

4. You can prioritize what truly matters to you

Decluttering helps you see what’s important in your life—and what’s not.. Perhaps having treasured family photos on display in your home or having easy access to your favorite musical instruments bring you feelings of happiness and peace. But maybe  holding onto decades-old, ill-fitting clothing and knick knacks make you feel quite the opposite. When you clear the physical clutter that’s weighing you down, you can re-prioritize the objects, people, and situations that enrich your life instead.

5. Your home will feel like a sanctuary (instead of a storage unit)

When every item in your home has a purpose and a place, your living space will feel like a sanctuary: clean, serene, and relaxing. Your home will transform into a place you can rest, recharge, and retreat to in order to seek refuge from the chaos of the outside world. We all deserve a home that feels like a safe haven—and it becomes much easier to create one when we strip away all the “stuff”.

6. Cleaner spaces can boost social relationships 

When your home is clean and clutter-free, you’re more comfortable inviting friends and family over to visit. Inviting friends and family over for quality time can encourage stronger interpersonal relationships, which has been shown to improve markers of good mental health over time. So on those days when you’re feeling seriously unmotivated to clean, remind yourself of the positive outcomes of following through…like the loved ones you’ll get more time with!

7. Decluttering positively impacts other areas of life

When you declutter one area of your life, like your home, it can spill over to other areas like your career, relationships, and habits. It starts with getting rid of old items, then less than great habits, and that cascades into hobbies, relationships, and other priorities. Decluttering your home can lead to better eating habits, lower stress levels, improved sleep and better work-life balance. When one area feels spacious, airy, and meaningful, other areas of life can follow suit.

Inspiring Declutterers You Should Know these Hot Tips

As you can see, decluttering offers a ton of mental benefits beyond a tidy space. But, you may be wondering: where do I start? There are several schools of thought and countless techniques that can help you start decluttering today. The best place to start is to learn from the experts.

Here are a few we love:

However you get there, decluttering and simplifying the stuff in your life can be a powerful step toward building a healthier you. 

Thrive in All Areas of Your Life When You Join Health Coach Institute

If you’re a coach interested in continuing your journey to your best self, consider taking secondary courses with HCI or if you are new to coaching and you’re excited by the idea of helping others do the same, try our becoming a Health and Life Coach Program! Learn more about how our dual Health and Life Coach certificate program can help you design your healthiest, happiest life and give you the tools and training to help others make lasting positive change for themselves. 

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Health Coach Institute provides aspiring Health and Life Coaches with the tools, training, and support to make a great living transforming lives.