Suffering from Decluttering Fatigue? Experts Unveil 5 Symptoms and Recovery Strategies for Stress-Free Organizing Once More
Feeling like you've hit a wall during your decluttering journey? It's important to recognize the signs of decluttering burnout before you find yourself feeling even more drained. Here's a lowdown on understanding the five signs and how to bounce back.
First things first, take a step back and evaluate your emotional state. By taking time away from decluttering, you can return to the task with a refreshed mind and a calmer perspective. To gain a better understanding of decluttering burnout and the methods to deal with it, we chatted with psychologists and professional organizers.
What is decluttering burnout?
Decluttering burnout isn't just feeling overwhelmed when attempting to tidy up your home – it's a state where your brain feels completely fried from attempting various decluttering methods. As Shari B. Kaplan, founder and clinical director of Cannectd Wellness, explains, 'Decluttering burnout is the emotional and physiological crash that happens when the act of organizing or simplifying your space has gone from empowering to exhausting. It's not just that you're tired; your nervous system is tapped out.'
The five signs of decluttering burnout
One of the reasons identifying decluttering burnout can be tricky is because it presents differently for people. Tina Priestly, founder and CEO of Ready, Set, Refresh, highlights the following five key emotions to look out for:
- Frustration over simple things: While decluttering, you may feel frustrated over minor aspects, such as asking yourself, 'Why do I have multiple spatulas?'
- Second-guessing every decision: Decision fatigue can take hold when you find yourself questioning whether to keep, toss, or put items in the 'maybe' pile repeatedly.
- A sterile feeling when entering a freshly cleared room: Instead of finding peace, the room may feel bare and uninviting.
- Guilt over decisions: No matter what you decide to declutter, whether it's sentimental items or your kitchen drawers, you may feel a constant sense of guilt.
- Avoidance of the process: Instead of embracing the decluttering challenge, you might find yourself avoiding it altogether, only to feel guilty for not being productive.
What to do when burnt out from decluttering
Although it may be tempting to push through the burnout, it's essential to take a softer approach and prioritize self-care. Linda Samuels, founder of Oh, So Organized!, suggests an intuitive method: 'When you experience decluttering burnout, it takes an emotional toll. You don't have to give up entirely, but it's important to first recover and replenish your reserves.'
Here are some strategies to help you recover:
- Take a break: Step away for a short while and focus on something pleasant, such as taking a walk, enjoying a snack, or meditating.
- Take a longer break, such as days or even weeks: Dedicate this time to rejuvenating activities like crafting, exercise, journaling, or baking.
- Seek professional help: Enlist the help of a professional organizer, who can provide support, accountability, guidance, and assistance with focus and pacing, thus reducing the stress and burden of decluttering.
Decluttering burnout can happen to anyone, but understanding the signs and implementing recovery strategies can help you regain your momentum and take on your organizing tasks with renewed enthusiasm. Stay tuned to learn more tips and tricks to make decluttering a breeze!
FAQs
What happens if I keep decluttering while burnt out?
Pushing through decluttering burnout can exacerbate your stress and cause the burnout to continue spiraling. According to Dr. Courtney Crisp, owner and supervisor of Crisp Psychology Group, 'Taking a break allows you to take a step back, rest, and re-evaluate. But "pushing through" on the other hand, will most likely worsen the ongoing stress, keeping that stress ongoing and in a state of continuous build-up.'
What can I do instead of decluttering when burnt out?
When feeling burnt out, it's crucial to take a break. Focus on self-care activities that nourish your mind and body, such as meditation, crafting, exercise, journaling, or baking. Engaging in these activities can help you recharge and approach your decluttering tasks with a clearer mindset.
How can I prevent decluttering burnout?
Preventing decluttering burnout starts with adopting sustainable productivity practices. Set clear boundaries for yourself, engage in self-care activities regularly, start small and gradually work your way through each area, and establish weekly reset rituals to maintain clarity and focus. By integrating these practices into your organizing journey, you can minimize the risk of burnout.
Incorporate elements of science and lifestyle to your self-care strategy during decluttering burnout. Take breaks for health-and-wellness activities such as meditation or exercise, and engage in hobbies like crafting or gardening from the home-and-garden domain. This holistic approach can help reduce feelings of burnout and rejuvenate your mind, enabling you to approach decluttering tasks with renewed energy and a fresh perspective in the realm of fitness-and-exercise and lifestyle management.
