• B ME Bites
  • Posts
  • B ME Bites 37: Self-Care for Busy People Part 6 - 7 Quick Tips to Declutter in Minutes for a Calmer Mind and Better Health

B ME Bites 37: Self-Care for Busy People Part 6 - 7 Quick Tips to Declutter in Minutes for a Calmer Mind and Better Health

Simple decluttering techniques to reduce stress and improve wellbeing

Some of the links in this newsletter might be affiliate links. I only share stuff I've personally tried and/or believe are truly valuable resources. Clicking on them won't cost you a cent extra (promise!), but it might earn me a tiny commission to keep the coffee flowing and the lights on in B ME Bites HQ. So, if you find something that interests you, feel free to click away! đŸ˜„â˜•ïž

This week’s B ME Bites Trivia Question:

Which of the following health benefits is most commonly associated with a tidy, clutter-free environment?

a) Improved digestion

b) Reduced stress levels

c) Enhanced lung capacity

d) Increased muscle strength

Answer at the bottom of this week’s newsletter

Welcome to edition #37 of B ME Bites! In Part 6 of the Self-Care for Busy People Series, discover 7 quick decluttering tips to reduce stress, improve focus, and support better health.

Click on the graphic to check out Marie Kondo’s “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying” on Amazon

Self-Care for Busy People Part 6: 7 Quick Tips to Declutter in Minutes for a Calmer Mind and Better Health

Simple decluttering techniques to reduce stress and improve wellbeing

Clutter isn’t just a visual distraction—it can impact both mental and physical health. Research shows that a cluttered environment can increase stress, anxiety, and even lead to poor sleep. Fortunately, decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on small, manageable steps, it’s possible to create a space that promotes calm and clarity in just a few minutes each day. Here’s how to start.

Clear One Small Space at a Time

Pick one small area, like a desk drawer or a single shelf, and declutter it for five minutes. By focusing on small sections, it’s easier to stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed. Each cleared space offers a quick mental boost and a sense of accomplishment.

Use the “One-In, One-Out” Rule

For every new item that enters your space, remove one. This practice helps maintain order and prevents clutter from building up. It’s a simple, ongoing habit that supports long-term organisation and reduces decision fatigue.

Digitally Declutter to Reduce Mental Load

Clutter isn’t just physical. Take five minutes to clear digital clutter by organising your desktop, deleting unnecessary files, or cleaning out your email inbox. Reducing digital overload helps create a calmer, more focused mind.

Declutter with the “Five-Minute Toss”

Set a timer for five minutes and find items to discard or donate. Focus on items you haven’t used in the last year or things that no longer bring joy. This short exercise lightens your space quickly and promotes mental clarity.

Practice Gratitude for What You Keep

As you declutter, take a moment to appreciate the items you choose to keep. Gratitude can transform decluttering from a chore into a mindful practice, helping reduce stress and create positive emotional connections with your space.

Prioritise Sleep Spaces for Better Health

Clutter in sleeping areas can impact the ability to relax and get quality sleep. Spend a few minutes tidying up your bedroom each night to create a calm environment that promotes rest and rejuvenation.

Make Decluttering a Daily Habit

Consistency is key. Dedicate just a few minutes each day to decluttering, turning it into a sustainable habit. Small, consistent actions can lead to a more organised, peaceful environment over time, enhancing both mental and physical health.

Decluttering isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating a healthier, calmer mind. By taking small steps daily, it’s possible to reduce stress, improve focus, and enjoy the benefits of a more organised space.

Which space will you declutter today?

Reader Spotlight

Thank you to kanderson who left the following review after reading “Fat to Fabulous: Diet Free Weight Loss for Real Women”:

Truly Inspiring

What an inspiring story! You are so right when you talk about the importance of "why" a person wants to lose weight. A strong "why" can get us through really hard times! Thank you Shari Ware for sharing such a deeply personal account.

kanderson

Weekly Challenge

Your mission for this week, if you choose to accept it, is to do the following:

Dedicate just 5 minutes on at least 3 days over the next week to decluttering a small space, such as a drawer or desktop. Notice how clearing even a small area brings a sense of calm and clarity.

If you need some help, feel free to hit reply - let’s help you get started if you’re stuck!

B ME Bites is deliberately sent on a Friday morning (Aussie time) so that where ever you are in the world, you have the weekend to give yourself the gift of implementing a small change towards a better you. What will that small change be? Is there a change that you have been trying to make and haven’t yet succeeded? Give it another go, applying the above - you can do it!

Resource Roundup

Here’s a super short video with some great suggestions to get started decluttering:

Discover how celebrities like Zoe Ball and Katie Piper stay organised with expert decluttering advice from Nicola Lewis in this HELLO! Magazine article:

Explore timeless decluttering strategies, including expert tips inspired by Marie Kondo, to create a more organised and serene space:

Below is a resource list that has been created with you in mind. Whenever something new that could be helpful is discovered or created, it’s added to the list, so check it out from time to time. If you’re strapped for time, once you open the page below, click on Resource List in the top menu, then click on the “Health Tools” link for a list of items that could be helpful on your path to a better you.

Click on the graphic to access the resources

The answer to this week’s trivia question is:

Answer: b) Reduced stress levels

Research shows that clutter can increase cortisol (stress hormone) levels, contributing to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. Studies, such as those from Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, highlight that a clean, organised space promotes calmness and can enhance overall mental wellbeing, making decluttering a powerful tool for better health.

Thanks for reading and the hope is that you found something helpful inside this issue. If you did, remember to share it with others whom could also find it helpful, using this link: https://bmebites.beehiiv.com

How did you like the content in this newsletter?

Hit reply and answer either 1,2 or 3, and, if the answer is 2 or 3, give the deets on what would make it a 1 for you!:

  1. Loved it!

  2. It was OK

  3. Meh!

If you have an inspiring story, or a helpful tip or strategy to share, or if there is something specific you would like covered, please fill out the form below so that it can be shared with the community. Please note that this is a subscriber survey, so you may have to subscribe first (hint, hint

 😉) : https://bmebites.beehiiv.com/forms/8d0dfdd1-4290-4e40-bff9-1f61b812c661

Until next week, keep taking one S.T.E.P.S step at a time! (If you missed the issue explaining The S.T.E.P.S Formula, you can check that out here)

Warm regards,

Shari Ware Chief Encouragement Officer at B ME Bites

PS - Here’s a little Friday funny for you!

PPS - B ME Bites is created using the platform Beehiiv. Beehiiv was built by the creators of Morning Brew, so it’s a newsletter platform built by successful newsletter creators and as such, is so easy to use! If you are looking to create your own newsletter and are looking for a great platform, you can check Beehiiv out here. They have a great free plan as well as paid plans when you’re ready to scale.

Reply

or to participate.