From Chaos to Clarity: How Organization Improved My Mental Health
We’re so excited to introduce you to Yesenia, one of our inspiring mentors. In this blog, Yesenia shares her journey of how organization helped her achieve balance and overcome stress. She also emphasizes the importance of focusing on progress, not perfection.
"I'll start in five minutes," I said to myself, but as soon as the words left my mouth, I knew I was lying.
After a long day of school, the last thing I wanted to do was organize my room. I mean, think about it - there are far more important things a teenager needs to focus on. Unfortunately, this often meant that my room remained messy and cluttered.
This also meant that every time I walked into my room, an immediate sense of anxiety and stress would wash over me. It was like entering a warzone where everything was out of place and scattered all over. I had piles of clothes on the floor, empty water bottles on my desk, and crumbled pages of homework everywhere. The chaos made it difficult to navigate through the room without mentally and physically feeling like I was dodging landmines.
I had always been somewhat unorganized, but I didn't realize how much it was affecting me until I found myself too anxious to even go home. It was affecting my ability to focus on tasks and I often found myself procrastinating because I couldn't think straight. I didn't know where to start and the thought of organizing it all up made me feel even more stressed and overwhelmed.
I realized that the mess inside my room was a physical manifestation of my mental state and having a disorganized space only made things worse, leading to more mess and further exacerbating the cycle.
I knew I needed to take action, not only for the sake of having a tidy room but for my mental health as well.
Organization Isn’t About Perfection
Many people mistakenly believe that organization is about achieving a state of perfection, but this is simply not the case. In reality, organization is about creating a system that works for you, that helps you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. This means that your version of organization may look different from someone else's, and that's perfectly fine. In fact, I like to think of myself as an organized mess sometimes. Real life happens.
The goal isn't to have a perfectly pristine home or workspace, but rather to find a level of organization that helps you feel calmer, more focused, and better able to manage the demands of your life. So don't worry about achieving perfection - focus on finding a system that works for you and makes you feel good.
Here are some strategies that have worked for me:
Break down large tasks: It’s important that you start small. Divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, and set realistic deadlines for each one.
Create a to-do list: Use a planner to keep track of important dates, deadlines, and appointments to stay on top of your schedule. Write down all the tasks you need to complete, prioritize them, and check them off as you go. Checking them off and color coding is my favorite part of this process.
Declutter your technology: Sort through your videos, photos, documents, passwords, emails, and delete any unused or unnecessary apps. Utilize digital tools like calendars, notes, and reminders to help stay organized and on track.
Declutter and reflect regularly: Get rid of things you no longer need or use to prevent clutter from building up. Ask yourself - Can I let this go? How can I make this space more efficient for me? Does the item bring me joy or is it the memories associated with it?
Have a designated place for everything, even a designated place for chaos: Assign a spot for everything you own, and put it back in its place after use. However, because we are all human and have busy lives, I recommend having a spot where all chaos is welcomed. The key is to make it work for you and not against you.
Clear Space, Clear Mind
Having an organized space has significantly improved my mental health. Before I established a system of organization, I often felt overwhelmed and stressed in my messy surroundings. It was difficult for me to focus on tasks, and I found myself easily distracted by the clutter around me.
However, after implementing an organization system, I noticed a significant shift in my mental state. I feel calmer, more productive, and less anxious. I’m able to better focus on tasks and feel a greater sense of control over my environment. Maintaining an organized space has become an important tool in managing my mental health and overall well-being. It takes time and effort, but the benefits are so worth it.
Here are some things I’ve noticed:
Reduced stress and anxiety: By staying on top of my responsibilities, I feel less overwhelmed and more in control of my life. It's easier to prioritize self-care and wellness now.
Improved productivity: My mind can better focus on tasks and responsibilities so I am able to accomplish more in less time.
Better time management: I am able to use my time more effectively and efficiently, which allows me to balance my responsibilities and enjoy my hobbies.
Boosted self-esteem: By taking control of my physical space and getting organized, I often feel a sense of accomplishment.
Improved sleep quality: A cluttered space made it difficult to relax and sleep. By organizing my space, I created a more peaceful and restful environment.
Proud Progress
As someone who has struggled with organization for a long time, I never thought I would reach a point where I could proudly call myself an "organized mess." But after implementing some strategies and finding what works for me, I have come to appreciate the benefits of having an organized space. It allows me to feel comfortable and relaxed while also giving me the ability to quickly find what I need. I'm proud of my progress and feel confident in my ability to maintain a functional space while also embracing my natural tendency towards a little bit of messiness.
If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing, I’d say this: Don’t say you’ll start organizing in five minutes but rather, just focus on organizing for five minutes. You’d be surprised at how reframing your thoughts and an ounce of consistency can change your life.
