Less clutter can improve mood

By SUSAN MARTIN

Kansas Senior Press Service

As the years increase, so it seems, does the clutter. And as the clutter increases, so does a sense of hopelessness.

That hopelessness grows, and with it a dread to do anything about it. Try this. Go to bed with a firm resolve to clear a certain amount --- say the dining room table.

Sit down the next morning and list what papers and boxes you are positive you want to keep. Organize them and carry them to a place where they can be considered "filed." Look at the rest. How long has each clipping, letter, article been there? Will you miss it if it is tossed? No? Then do it!

When the mail comes, don't give into habit and stack it with the already overloaded pile. Consider each item. Should it be filed for a certain date? Then begin a file box. Is it something that tempts you to buy or to contribute? Enough to write out a check? No? Then put it in the trash.

If there are letters to be written, set aside one a day and write it before you get into bed. Don't leave it on the table; stamp it and take it to the mailbox.

Is your day too much for you, even looking at the calendar to make sure what it holds? Make a list, putting the important things in order. If you have committed yourself, then get through it the best way possible.

Hereafter, don't let guilt or fears of disapproval push you into more than you want or can do. Perhaps you need to write what you want to accomplish or enjoy. Then write down the exact steps toward those goals. They may not include the coffee habit with the next door neighbor every morning. Suggest once a week?

When you have your list of projects completed, don't stop there. Set a starting time and a deadline for each. Get a backbone.

If one of your desired projects simply overwhelms you, divide it into steps that you can manage. In case you bog down and get discouraged with one, don't have a heart attack. Go to an easier one and enjoy accomplishing more. But don't forget the one you left.

If there are duties or obligations (another form of clutter) that are consuming time, shed them. Remember, no guilt pangs!

If you just cannot make a decision about something, give yourself a stated time. Mark it down. Take care of it on schedule.

Don't backslide a day. One morning you will awaken to no feeling of depression --- and to a room into which anyone would enjoy entering. You can even serve brunch on the dining table.

Copyright 2001
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