Today is National Red Wear Day! So to do my part to help spread awareness about heart health, today we’re talking about the health hazards of disorganization.

One of the best reasons to get organized is that excessive clutter and disorganization can be hazardous to your heart. How? Disorganization contributes to stress, which in turn can affect your blood pressure, eating habits and the health of your heart.  For many people stress is a part of life, but this February 14th, be your own special Valentine and vow to get better organized, less stressed, and more heart-healthy!   

Conquer the Paper Monster

Many things in life are beyond our control, but being prepared can help make unpleasant experiences less stressful. For example, filing your income tax returns can be less of an ordeal if all the necessary documents are in one place when you need them. The IRS website provides guidance on what to keep and for how long. Creating an efficient, easy-to-maintain, filing system can drastically reduce stress associated with paper clutter.

Create a Hobby Space

The Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health recommend leisure activity to help relieve stress. Perhaps you really enjoy woodworking, scrapbooking or needlepoint, but you don’t have a clear, calm place to do it.  If organizing the whole house or even a whole room is overwhelming, clear out a little nook in the garage, family room, or bedroom, where you can do something you really enjoy.  

Let Go of STUFF

Do you feel like you need a bigger house for all your stuff? The more you have, the more you have to clean, store, organize, pack, unpack, etc. Take a fresh look at the things around you and ask yourself whether they are truly useful, loved or needed. If not, move them out to make room for things that are special to you.

One Step at a Time

Are you getting stressed out by this list? Don’t try to do it all at once. Start with the area that would have the biggest impact. Next month, work on a different area. Remember, some progress is always better than no progress!

And remember, accountability is the key to actually getting things done. So leave me a comment below with the one thing you plan to do this month to get better organized, reduce your stress, and protect your heart.

Today is National Red Wear Day! Wear red and help support the fight against heart disease, the number 1 health threat for women!  Join the Go Red For Women® movement now!

Simply yours,

Debbie