ABC of Mental Health

Hello! Welcome to another edition of the ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to better mental health — one newsletter at a time. This week’s theme is decluttering — your house and mind. We bring it to your inbox this Thursday to make your Thursday a little therapeutic!  

One Relevant recommendation

Tidying up with Marie Kondo (Netflix Series, 2019)

Marie Kondo, a renowned organizing consultant, brings her KonMari method to people's homes, helping them clear the physical and emotional clutter in their lives. Her gentle, encouraging presence and the "spark joy" philosophy make the process not only effective but also emotionally healing. Kondo doesn't just tidy up homes; she lifts the spirits of those she guides.

The impact of tidying up on mental health is immense. It's a therapeutic process that fosters a sense of control, order, and inner peace. As spaces become more organized, so do minds. The KonMari method reminds us that a tidy home leads to a serene mind, offering a path to improved mental well-being through simplicity and intentionality. Marie Kondo's series is an uplifting reminder that a decluttered living space can help declutter the mind, bringing peace, joy, and harmony to one's life.

Two Quotes on Grief and Death

Peter Walsh, a professional organizer, and author asserts that clutter is not just a minor inconvenience, but rather an obstacle to our health and well-being: 

“Clutter is not just the stuff on your floor – it’s anything that stands between you and the life you want to be living.”

Winnie the Pooh, a fictional character from a children's book series, reminds us of something vital: 

Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”

Three TherapyShorts by TST

Questions to ask yourself as you start your journey to declutter – 

Use and Necessity: Have I used this in the past 6 months to one year? Is this something I will realistically use in the future? Could someone else benefit more from this item? Do I have multiple items that serve the same purpose? Is it possible for me to keep one and let go of the duplicates?

Meaning and value: Is the value that is being added by this object sentimental in nature? If it isn’t adding value to me in the here and now, then do I really have the space for it in my life (both literally and metaphorically)? Can I figure out a way to keep the positive memories associated with it without holding onto the physical object?

Future and potential: Is this item relevant to the current phase of life? Am I holding onto this item out of obligation or guilt? How does this item align with my current goals and aspirations? Is there a creative way to integrate/upcycle this item into my space or lifestyle?

Love and light,

The Social Therapist

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