Spring

  • How to blitz the spring declutter + free checklist

    A post about how you can embrace the spring season and the feeling of rebirth. Embrace the spring declutter with my ultimate free spring decluttering checklist.


    Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcast


    The Emotional Benefits of Spring Decluttering: Why Letting Go Can Help You Live a Happier Life

    Do you ever feel like you’re drowning in stuff? Spring is the perfect time to declutter your home and let go of unnecessary possessions. But did you know that decluttering can also have powerful emotional benefits? By letting go of physical clutter, you can also release emotional baggage, reduce stress and anxiety, and create a happier and more peaceful life. Imagine waking up each day to a clean, organized home that reflects your inner calm. In this article, we’ll explore the emotional benefits of spring decluttering and how it can help you live a happier life. You’ll learn how decluttering can reduce stress and anxiety, help you overcome emotional baggage, and improve relationships. We’ll also share the benefits of regular decluttering, tips for spring decluttering, and provide an ultimate spring cleaning decluttering list. So, get ready to embrace a simpler, happier life by letting go of what no longer serves you.

    Decluttering Reduces Stress and Anxiety

    In addition to reducing physical clutter, decluttering can also help you overcome emotional baggage that may be weighing you down. Letting go of possessions that hold negative memories or emotions can be a powerful way to release those feelings and move on. When you let go of items that no longer serve you, you create space for positive emotions and experiences. This can help you feel more in control of your life and more optimistic about the future. In the following section, we’ll explore how letting go of possessions can help you overcome emotional baggage and create a happier, more fulfilling life.,

    Letting Go of Possessions Can Help You Overcome Emotional Baggage

    Letting go of possessions can be a difficult process, especially if you have emotional attachments to them. However, holding onto these items can also hold you back emotionally. If you have negative memories associated with possessions, it can bring up those emotions every time you see them. By decluttering and letting go of these possessions, you release those negative emotions and create space for positive experiences.

    This process can be especially powerful for those who have experienced trauma or difficult life experiences. Letting go of physical possessions can be symbolic of letting go of emotional baggage that may be holding you back. It can be a way to take control of your life and move forward from past traumas.

    As you go through your possessions, take time to reflect on the emotions and memories associated with each item. If it brings up negative emotions or doesn’t serve a practical purpose, consider letting it go. You may find that as you release these items, you also release emotional burdens that have been weighing you down.

    Creating space by decluttering not only allows you to let go of emotional baggage but also allows you to focus on what really matters in life. In the next section, we’ll explore how this newfound space can help you live a happier, more fulfilling life.,

    Creating Space Allows You to Focus on What Really Matters

    Creating space through decluttering is not just about getting rid of physical items, but it also provides mental clarity and allows you to focus on what really matters in your life. When you let go of unnecessary possessions, you are essentially freeing up your mind and creating a peaceful environment that can help you think more clearly. This newfound space can give you the freedom to pursue your passions, spend more time with loved ones, and prioritize self-care, which can all contribute to a happier and more fulfilling life.

    Decluttering and creating space can also have a positive impact on your relationships. With less clutter and distractions, you can focus more on your loved ones and the time you spend together. You may find that your relationships grow stronger as you are able to be more present and engaged in your interactions. In addition, by decluttering together, you can bond over shared experiences and make decluttering a fun and meaningful activity.

    Overall, decluttering and creating space can have numerous emotional benefits that extend beyond just the physical act of getting rid of stuff. By letting go of unnecessary items and negative emotions, you can free yourself up to focus on what truly matters in life, improve your relationships, and live a happier, more fulfilling life.,

    Decluttering Can Improve Your Relationships

    With less clutter and distractions, you can focus more on interpersonal relationships and the time you spend together. Decluttering can allow you to be more present and engaged in your interactions. When you are able to focus on your loved ones, you may find that your relationships grow stronger. By decluttering together, you can bond over shared experiences and make decluttering a fun and meaningful activity.

    Regular decluttering can help you maintain these benefits and keep your relationships strong. Not only will you have more space and less clutter, but you will also be able to continue bonding with your loved ones over this shared experience.,

    The Benefits of Regular Decluttering

    In addition to the emotional benefits, there are also practical benefits to regular decluttering. When you regularly take the time to declutter, you prevent clutter from accumulating and becoming overwhelming. This means you’ll spend less time cleaning and organizing, and more time doing the things you love. Another benefit of regular decluttering is that it helps you stay organized and focused. By periodically reassessing your possessions and getting rid of what you no longer need, you create space for the things that matter most to you.

    To maintain these benefits, it’s important to make decluttering a regular habit. Set aside time every few months to go through your possessions and get rid of what you no longer need. By doing this regularly, you’ll prevent clutter from accumulating, and you’ll be able to maintain the peace and order you’ve created in your home.

    Next, we’ll explore some tips for making the most of your spring decluttering – so you can reap the benefits all year round.,

    Tips for Spring Decluttering

    To make the most out of your spring decluttering, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, set a goal for what you want to achieve with your decluttering. Whether it’s to create more space, reduce stress or simply get organized, having a clear goal in mind will help keep you motivated.

    Next, tackle one area at a time. Starting with smaller spaces like a closet or a drawer can help you build momentum and stay focused. It’s also important to have a system in place for what to keep, what to donate or sell, and what to throw away.

    Another helpful tip is to break decluttering into manageable chunks of time. Trying to tackle everything at once can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. Set aside blocks of time that work for you, whether it’s an hour a day, a full weekend, or something in between.

    Lastly, enlist the help of a friend or family member. Not only can they provide an extra set of hands, but they can also provide a fresh perspective and help keep you motivated.

    With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a clutter-free home and a happier life. And to make things even easier, be sure to download the ultimate spring cleaning decluttering list for a step-by-step guide to conquering your clutter.,

    Download the ultimate spring cleaning decluttering list

    With spring cleaning season in full swing, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why downloading the ultimate spring cleaning decluttering list can be a game-changer. This list provides a step-by-step guide to help you conquer your clutter and achieve a more organized home.

    The list is designed to break down the process into manageable tasks, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by the enormity of decluttering your entire home. It covers everything from decluttering your closet to organizing your kitchen cabinets, and it even includes tips on how to tackle sentimental items.

    By following this list, you’ll have a concrete plan of action that will help you stay motivated and focused. Plus, checking off each task as you go will give you a sense of accomplishment and progress.

    So, if you’re ready to take on the challenge of spring decluttering, make sure to download the ultimate spring cleaning decluttering list. It will be your go-to guide for achieving a clutter-free home and a happier life.

    Download your decluttering checklists




    Thank you for subscribing!


    In conclusion, spring decluttering is not just about cleaning up your physical space. It can also positively impact your emotional well-being, reducing stress and anxiety, helping you overcome emotional baggage, improving relationships, and creating more mental clarity to focus on what really matters. Regular decluttering can provide a sense of calm and order in your life. So, take advantage of this season and let go of what you no longer need. Use the tips provided to make the process easier and start enjoying the benefits of a clutter-free life. Remember, every small step counts towards a happier and more peaceful life. As Anne Lamott wisely said, “Clutter and mess show us that life is being lived…Tidiness makes me think of held breath, of suspended animation… Perfectionism is a mean, frozen form of idealism, while messes are the artist’s true friend. What people somehow forgot to mention when we were children was that we need to make messes in order to find out who we are and why we are here.

  • Simple simmer pot to fragrance your home

    This post is about how you can make a simple simmer pot to fragrance your home. If you aren’t keen on using synthetically produced ingredients in your home, this simmer pot is a great option.

    RemasterDirector_5122f8b34

    Moving away from a chemically based home has been something we’ve been working on for many years. As with most things that we do for ourselves and for our home we don’t ever take an all-or-nothing approach, instead preferring to take our time and figure out what works. Before we started using simmer pots we didn’t use anything to fragrance our home.

    Chemically based fragrance

    We’re surrounded by chemically based fragrances and before starting to make our own simmer pots, instead we didn’t use fragrance in our home. Fragrance has always been a big issue for me, from contributing to my migraines to aggravating an ongoing ear problem I have had since my teens. Even a quick spray of synthetic polish, or any kind of air freshener, and my ear would immediately hurt.

    When I started to look into it, because I was curious as to why, I found a whole heap of evidence to back up that air fresheners and many cleaning products contribute to human exposure to primary and secondary air pollutants.

    Air freshener exposures, even at low levels, have been associated with a range of adverse health effects, which include migraine headaches, asthma attacks, breathing difficulties, respiratory difficulties, mucosal symptoms, dermatitis, infant diarrhea and earache, neurological problems, and ventricular fibrillation.

    Recent population studies have investigated the prevalence and types of health effects associated with air fresheners. In a survey of the US population [39], in a nationally representative sample (n = 1,136, CL = 95%, CI = 3%), 20.4% of the population report health problems when exposed to air fresheners and deodorizers. Specific health effects include the following: 9.5% report respiratory problems, 7.6% mucosal symptoms, 7.2% migraine headaches, 5.7% skin problems, 4.7% asthma attacks, 3.2% neurological problems, 2.7% cognitive problems, 2.7% gastrointestinal problems, 2.6% cardiovascular problems, 2.4% musculoskeletal problems, 1.8% immune system problems, and 0.7% other health problems.

    Ten questions concerning air fresheners and indoor built environments, Building and Environment
    Volume 111, January 2017, Pages 279-284, by Anne Steinemann

    Given our generation’s obsession with cleaning our homes with all the Mrs. Hinch-inspired products under the sun, I have to say I felt incredibly grateful to physically not have been able to fall into this trap. My good old ear saved me from myself because let me tell you, I always loved a good scent.

    I also found this particularly concerning:

    Air fresheners are not required to disclose all ingredients [41], and typically do not. For example, in a comparison of declared and undeclared substances for six air freshener products [46], found high percentages of the number of undeclared substances (greater than 90%) and high percentages of the concentrations of undeclared substances (greater than 75%), relative to the total number and total concentration of declared and undeclared substances.

    Ten questions concerning air fresheners and indoor built environments, Building and Environment
    Volume 111, January 2017, Pages 279-284, by Anne Steinemann

    I also found this concerning, as a mother of two very small children:

    Children of the 90s (ALSPAC), which has followed the health and development of 14,000 children since before birth, is the first study to investigate the effects of VOCs on infants.

    The researchers found that frequent use of air fresheners and aerosols during pregnancy and early childhood was associated with higher levels of diarrhoea, earache and other symptoms in infants, as well as headaches and depression in mothers.

    Farrow A, Taylor H, Northstone K, Golding J, ALSPAC Study Team. Symptoms of Mothers and Infants Related to Total Volatile Organic Compounds in Household Products. Archives of Environmental Healthdoi: 10.3200/AEOH.58.10.633-641

    There is a lot of research out there about the damage these synthetic fragrances can do, and for someone with very much physical symptoms for most of her life, it has always made sense to avoid anything with synthetic fragrances like the plague.

    The best thing about simmer pots is how natural they are

    Health is wealth as far as I am concerned, and while I cannot control many aspects of my health (a work in progress for someone with health anxiety, but CBT has helped me make massive strides) there are many I can. I can’t control fragrances, dioxins and pollutants as I move through life outside of my home and therefore I don’t even think about that, but inside my home I am more careful about what we use.

    What do I need to make a simmer pot

    Here is the great thing, you can pretty much make up any kind of pot and experiment with what you love. Today I am sharing one of my favourites, but feel free to be creative and find what you love.

    All you need is:

    • Saucepan with lid
    • Hob/Stove top
    • Natural ingredients

    Making an autumnal apple simmer pot, that you can make any time of year

    Oven top simmer pot

    Oven top simmer pot

    Tools

    • 2 apples Cut into either slices or quartered
    • 1 lemon sliced
    • 1 litre water
    • 1 tbsp dried Cinnamon

    Instructions

    1. Add ingredients to pot, mix together and place on hob.
    2. Bring to a rolling boil, reduce the temperature and allow to simmer softly.

    If you’re wondering whether these kind of simmer pots fragrance your home as well as chemical frangranced items such as plug ins or air fresheners, the answer is yes. Every time I fragrance my home this way (usually when we have guests) I always get so many comments about how good it smells. It is not only a wonderful smell but is comforting and warming too.

    If you give this a try be sure to let me know, by either leaving me a comment here or tagging me over on Instagram.

    Until next time,