Endless work to-do lists, family obligations, social responsibilities, it can all seem like a lot. And it is. But it doesn’t have to be that way. What if we could manifest a different type of life? One that is more focused on our health and well-being rather than managing emotional gymnastics on a daily basis?
Do Less and Notice More
When I was struggling with physical clutter in one of the rooms in my home, I actually couldn’t see the clutter. It became part of my view for so long that if something was removed, then I’d notice the change.
Our daily life is similar. We’re so used to cramming as much as possible in our day that we no longer see what really matters or what’s important. We create habits that don’t serve us. It can start innocently enough. We throw a sweater in the corner, meaning to put it where it belongs but we’re too tired. Then the mail begins to stack up because we don’t have time or energy to deal with it at the moment. Then the scissors you needed for just a minute stay there because you’re off doing something else that needs your attention. And then, before you know it, you have clutter than needs to be addressed or it continues to build.
Visualize What You Want and Need
When I was writing my book, 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress: Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Anxiety and Boost Your Mental Health Using Your Five Senses, I interviewed a professional organizer because one of the tips in the book is to create an environment that serves your mental health and well-being.
In order to see your space with a fresh set of eyes, take a photo of your room. Then look at the photo, not your room. This simple action allows you the grace of really seeing the opportunity in your space rather than all the clutter. Take the time to visualize how you want the space to look. What do you want it to look like? What do you need it to look like? If it helps to sketch it out, get out a pen and paper and sketch it out.
This exercise isn’t limited to physical rooms. It can be how you want to feel in your body or in your mind. If you’re constantly being bombarded with negative news or distractions, remove the notifications from your phone.
Be Patient and Stay Consistent
Manifesting what you want isn’t simply putting it out in the universe and hoping it transpires. It does require action, whether it’s removing obstacles holding your back, being open to possibilities or taking the time to consider what you want and need and put things in place to help you get there.
If you want more calm in your life, for example, what can you do daily that brings more calm? Perhaps it’s not looking at your phone first thing in the morning. Or maybe it’s going for a 30-minute walk outside every day. If you want your body to feel healthier, could you look for a new recipe to try once a week? The idea isn’t to add more things on your overflowing to do list. It’s to engage in activities that help you get closer to the type of life you want to live. And in order for something to become a regular part of your life, it needs to become a habit or routine.
Some days or weeks will be better than others. Rather than be frustrated that you didn’t get to do something when you were hoping to, just start it up again when you can. Be willing to be flexible and realize life throws us curve balls all the time.
Positive habits and routines don’t happen overnight, but they can take hold when we’re patient and consistent. Once we start feeling the positive effects of our actions, soon we’ll find ourselves honoring and prioritizing that time because it’s important to us.
Author: Megy Karydes
Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer. Her new book, 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress: Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Anxiety and Boost Your Mental Health Using Your Five Senses, will be available January 2024. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter to receive more self care tips at
Website: https://www.megykarydes.com
