by Devan Stuart Lesley<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it\u2019s not simply about organizing your closet or emptying that junk drawer. It can apply to many other aspects of daily life including your digital intake, social connections, emotional state and financial concerns. It all starts with asking yourself, \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe think of decluttering as a process of letting go. But that\u2019s very mid-story,\u201d says Heather Alice Shea, Founder and CEO of Jacksonville Beach-based Atmana Academy, a life coach training school. \u201cNobody\u2019s asking, \u2018How the hell did it get here? Why is it in my life?\u2019 We have to become increasingly aware of what we allow into our lives. That\u2019s the true beginning of decluttering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are five ways to declutter beyond your home: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An easy first step is to clean up your computer desktop by organizing files and deleting unnecessary ones. Sort through emails and unsubscribe from newsletters or promotions you no longer find useful. Also clear out old messages and files from your phone to free up space. Close any accounts that you no longer use including old email addresses and unused memberships. And update passwords to protect your online security. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regularly addressing your social media habits and connections has become crucial to your overall mental and emotional wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeople have a love-hate relationship with screen time,\u201d Shea says, noting that many people use social media for work and for its positive aspects, such as staying in contact with friends. But the negative can seep in, too, including the tendency to compare our lives with the images others post that may not reflect reality. Not to mention, \u201crabbit hole\u201d nature of social media can prove an unproductive time suck. Shea recommends limiting the number of times you log into social media daily and set a timer for each session. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfollow business or interest accounts that no longer align with your interests or values. And remember that cyberbullies come in all ages. Don\u2019t be afraid to delete them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The same sentiment goes for offline relationships that no longer serve you. Distance yourself from people who make you feel drained and prioritize spending time with those who bring positivity and support into your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Review your budget and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back or save more effectively. Financial Educator Kristeen Khountham, with an office on Jacksonville\u2019s Northside, recommends looking first at our eating out expenses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeople tend to spend a lot more money on eating out than they realize,\u201d Khountham says, noting that when she advises clients to print out their bank accounts and highlight all food items, they almost invariably mark grocery store transactions but not restaurant visits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She also recommends taking a hard look at your debt, particularly credit cards and loans, as well as your investments. Take note of interest rates, terms and conditions on each account and make moves to improve where you can. For instance, if you have a history of on-time payments, credit card companies often will lower your rate with a simple, polite phone call. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also crucial is organizing financial documents. Khountham recommends keeping hard copies of documents collected in one spot; a spreadsheet with account information, logins and contacts explaining all that\u2019s included; and digital copies saved in at least two places in case the physical files are destroyed and\/or a computer or hard drive crashes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visualizing the life you truly want is the first step here. Once you\u2019ve done that, minimize or eliminate anything in your life that doesn\u2019t contribute toward that goal lifestyle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But don\u2019t stop with a single spring clean! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI assess this stuff in my own life every 30 days,\u201d Shea says. \u201cOnce a month, I burn my calendar to the ground and ask myself, \u2018Do I still need to be spending time on this? Is this person still serving me and my goals? Do I need to change anything based on its impact on my day-to-day life?\u2019 I recommend everyone do the same every 30 to 60 days.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The benefit? \u201cThis type of decluttering allows us the time and energy for what truly matters. It\u2019s the single greatest thing you can do to increase your overall wellbeing and happiness in life.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Visit Heather Alice Shea, Atmana Academy<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n