Introduction
Clearing Emotional Clutter to Lower Stress and Live a Healthy Life Emotional wounds, insensitive statements adults you respected made when we were younger, and rejection are all emotional baggage that we carry with us as adults. We can also add traumatic experiences and hardships to this baggage.
Unfortunately, many women believe that we must hold on to this clutter although it does not serve or benefit us in any way.
Spring is on its way. Robins have started migrating north. Trees are pollinating. In some regions, the days are starting to get longer. When spring comes, we think about cleaning the yard, garage, and closets. We get rid of those items that no longer serve us or do not work.
What do you think about when you think about clutter?
Many of us think about older people who have lots of stuff in their homes. The items are a collection of life experiences with stories attached to them. The items may no longer serve a purpose, may be broken or unusable. For some reason, the items cannot be thrown away. I visited a home once as part of my job and the older person was a hoarder. There was so much stuff in the home. I could only walk in and stand at the front door.
Most people are not hoarders. They may have clutter around their homes. Clutter is the result of items collected in various places that looks messy or untidy. What do you have laying around your house or garage that might be clutter?
What is emotional clutter?
Emotional clutter are thoughts that are not based in fact. They are also feelings based in-grained beliefs. Emotional clutter is often found in things that grab and hold our attention. We dwell on them often. Dwelling on these thoughts may lead to increased stress and anxiety.
Piles of stuff stored in our brains that take up space. We do not consider the thoughts harmful, although they increase stress. Some may view them as necessary. Negative thoughts fuel grudges and hard feelings. They also create “what if” scenarios that lead to anxiety and sometimes panic attacks.
Where is emotional clutter stored?
We store emotional clutter in our brain. As previously shared, we often overlook the clutter until an event or situation triggers the thought. The thought then leads to an emotion or feeling.
Additionally, we hold emotional clutter in our hearts. Emotional clutter can cause insensitivity, making it difficult to experience compassion and demonstrate empathy. When a person lacks empathy, they have few meaningful connections. Lack of connects is emotionally painful.
Finally, the negative effect of emotional clutter is experienced in the body. It shows in the form of stress. Chronic stress makes us more prone to contracting acute illnesses like viruses, colds, or flu. Chronic overwhelming stress increases the risks of chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. It also contributes to the ill effects of rheumatoid arthritis and slows physical healing.
Clearing emotional clutter helps us to live healthy lives. In addition to being physically healthy, it helps us to be happy and satisfied. So, take some time to identify the clutter that prevents you from being healthy, happy, and whole. Ask yourself if it serves you in a positive way. Be honest with yourself. Then begin to take steps to clear the clutter one bit at a time.
Remember, de-cluttering takes time because it can be difficult to let go.
Letting go does not devalue the experience, thought or emotion you have held onto. Letting go allows you to move forward with your life in a meaningful and fulfilling way.
M.L. Bailey Consultants helps women live healthy lives through strategic stress management and solution focused self-care.
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