Oh yes, I know that feeling. When you return home after a long day at work day and don’t want to do anything but lay down on your bed. What about that huge pile of clothes that’s in the way though? “Oh but I’m so tired, I’ll clean it up tomorrow.” Does this sound familiar?
We’ve all been there – putting off tidying until a later date. However, have you ever considered the connection between a messy room and a messy mind? Physical spaces can affect our physiological patterns. By altering my attitude towards a messy room and being proactive in tidying, I’ve noticed a huge transformation in my mental state.
A Challenge from a Yogi to You: A Clean Space Promotes a Clean Mind
Clearing out my physical space has resulted in a dramatic shift in mental clarity. Being raised in a Latin family, cleaning my room was as important as eating my daily rice and beans. As a kid, tidying my room was not negotiable! I may have neglected to realize the importance of this chore until recently. As I’ve grown up I’ve come to appreciate the impact clean space has on allowing me to focus more clearly on my personal projects and procrastinate less.
I challenged my best friend (whose room does not feature on the clean spectrum) to clean and organize the physical space she lives in for a week. The second part of the assignment was for her to do her homework in her room at her desk which is usually covered in clutter. I was excited to see how it would turn out, to see if I wasn’t the only one who felt the benefits. She successfully kept her room organized and clean that week. She reported that not only was it nice and calming to come home after a long day to a clean home, but she was also better equipped to concentrate on her homework once she was able to sit at her desk again. I noticed that she was more motivated to focus on her personal tasks. This confirmed that a clear space promotes a clear mind.
Why You Should Clean Out Your Space
Pampering yourself. Maintaining clean physical space is a way to show yourself self-love. It gives you a sense of feeling clean, and allows you to concentrate on you time when your thoughts are organized. It also feels great to live in a place where the floor is clean and you’re not falling over that lost pair of shoes. From a hygienic perspective, the cleaner the space, the less likely you are to suffer with bugs or bacteria, thus promoting a healthier you. Your older self will thank you.
No distractions. You may already know that one of the number one reasons for procrastination is having distractions. When you remove these distractions, notice how much more you achieve, and take advantage of that extra time for resting.
Motivation. When you are surrounded with physical mess you’ll be less motivated and more prone to procrastination. The reason for this is because there’s so much going on around you, that all your thoughts will be overloaded with the pressure to tidy up, or distracted by the disorder. The amount of cleaning may be overwhelming, resulting in you deciding not to organise anything at all. Instead, by keeping your space clean at all times, you’ll be free to focus on your personal projects and motivated to direct the energy of your clean mind towards productive tasks that don’t involve a vacuum, duster, or storage boxes!
Ready to take on the challenge? I’ve suggested three approaches for a cleaner you.
Option #1 (Rise and Shine) First thing in the morning when you wake up, take two deep inhales and exhales, and think of one thing you’re grateful for. I’m a strong believer that gratitude is the best attitude. After doing this, make your bed, organize your room and clean up. This is my favourite approach because I don’t have to worry all day about going back home to a mess.
Option #2 (Afternoon Rest) Most of us get home from work or school in the afternoon. When we get home after a long day, it’s tempting to settle down for an afternoon nap, or lay down on the sofa and switch on the television. Option 2 challenges you to be productive instead – to clean out your room, wash your dishes, do your laundry, and make your bed. Once these tasks are complete you’re free to relax whichever way you choose.
Option #3 (Beauty Rest) Everyone needs their beauty sleep if you ask me! Whether you’ve had a long day or not, what’s better than jumping into a clean bed? Or going to sleep in a clean and organized room knowing tomorrow you won’t have to search through piles of clothes on the floor for that work shirt? If you didn’t have time to clean out your space in the morning or in the afternoon, the night time is for you! It’s never too late. Before changing into your PJ’s or heading to bed, put aside some time to clean your space. You will thank yourself later, I promise you this.
About The Author
Born in Colombia, raised in Florida with a mind full of curiosity on spirituality and how to make the world a better place. Nicole has been practicing yoga since she was 16 years old, ever since she’s wanted to expand her yoga practice which has turned into her ultimate passion. She went to Costa Rica where her practice got more deep and now being a certified yoga instructor, still in Costa Rica, as a writer/blogger and finishing her studies on holistic health. Growing up in a household and group of friends full of support and love is what has allowed her to achieve her dreams and to continue to be where she currently is. Expressing her passions with yoga, writing, health and nature through social media wanting to spread her passion through out the world, one picture and one message at a time. (IG: @nicoletovz)(FB: Nicole Tovar)
