As a nation, how far we have come! Our founding fathers could not have imagined such things as Facebook, an electric car, or a man walking on the moon. We have progressed and prospered. We’ve been given the freedom to dream big. Our dreams have become our reality, and our reality is filled with stuff. Luxuries and conveniences fill our homes. God bless America!

How wonderful to have attained a level of financial freedom to surround ourselves with such things. Sometimes, we take for granted life’s amenities and frills. Sometimes, though, it all gets to be too much. What was once considered ‘must have’ is now the clutter that takes up space in our homes and in our minds.

Studies have shown that clutter can have a negative impact on our lives. The physical clutter becomes mental clutter and both can lead to stress. More and more, people are craving the simplicity of life, downsizing, and choosing to live with less. 

A shift in the way we think about doing something or creating a new, good-for-you habit can go a long way towards greater efficiency and reduced stress in our lives. For instance:

~ Write it down. Give your brain a break from trying to remember it all. A dedicated to-do list, journal or a task app will give your memory the freedom to savor other thoughts.

~ Take 10. Just ten minutes a day is all you will need to put the dishes away, clear off a counter or select an outfit for the following day. Completing these quick chores will bring order to the area, and give you the freedom to pursue other activities.

~ Put it back where it belongs. As the saying goes, a place for everything, and everything in its place. Simple, free advice for the whole family to follow.