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Home, Sweet Home

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Home, Sweet Home

Home, sweet home is an expression of delight/contentment on returning home after an absence.

Research suggests that it originated from a song from the opera Clari, or the Maid of Milan which was first performed at Covent Garden, London in 1823.

The lyrics were written by American actor and playwright John Howard Payne (1791-1852).

Popularized during the late 19th century it became an anthem for soldiers during the American Civil War.

Since my home is an actual cottage, I especially love these few lines:.

Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,
Be it ever so humble there’s no place like home!
An exile from home splendor dazzles in vain;
Oh, give me my lowly thatch’d cottage again!
Home! Home! Sweet, sweet home!
There’s no place like home!

So how are you feeling about your home these days? Is your home something you refer to as home, sweet home after an absence or do you feel anxious and overwhelmed upon your return?

In a study that surveyed residents of the US and Canada on the relationship between clutter and personal well-being, the research hypothesizes that clutter might prevent people from reaping the benefits of having a home – a place commonly associated with comfort and security.
(“The Dark Side of Home” – Journal of Environmental Psychology)

One of the key findings was that:

Clutter had a negative impact on self-reported well-being and a “strong negative impact on feelings of security, safety and other positive emotional benefits derived from a sense of psychological home,” a term that refers to the concept of “home” as a “vital source of meaning, belonging, and identity.”

The one thing I know for sure is that clutter hurts. It hurts your well-being in all aspects and robs you of having a home, sweet home.

If you’re experiencing clutter and are ready to learn some powerful strategies to take back your home, you have three things you can do immediately for a better quality of life.

1. Contact me for a complimentary Discovery Call by clicking here.
2. Invest in my on-line course that will always be a valuable resource for you by clicking here.
3. Grab my latest book with extra bonus goodies for great wellness tips by clicking here.

You owe it to yourself to have a home that you can feel calm and relaxed in.

Don’t wait one minute longer.

Stop The Insanity

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Are you familiar with this quote from Einstein?

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”

Well, I recently learned that the accurate quote, according to Quote Investigator, is…

“Insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results.”

Now, I’m not here to steal Einstein’s thunder, (I actually have a “thing” for the MAN) but I found it pretty interesting that there is quite a distinction between the two quotes.

Did you happen to catch it?

Repeating the same mistakes is insanity.

NOT doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

Here’s why.

If you do something over and over again, such as exercising, and you are looking for a different result with your body appearance or emotional health, how is that insane?  It’s not.  It’s logical and practical that you will see a different result.

But if you keep repeating the same mistakes, such as not opening your mail, or not doing the laundry or overspending, and expecting a different result, that’s more in line with insane thinking.  Not only will you get the same results but it will get worse.

Are you following me here? 

It’s like my Mindfulness Program – there are 6 Mindful Tools that you repeat over and over until you start seeing the results of living a clutter-free life.  And it works!

Insanity would be not repeating the mindful tools and expecting them to work.  Big Mistake!

What mistakes are you making in your life that you keep repeating and looking for a different result?

If you’ve been trying to declutter your life, perhaps there are some “things” you could be doing differently to get you the REAL results you deserve.

Let’s talk about it and see what we can come up with so you can finally stop the insanity and get the results you deserve.  (I think Einstein would like that!)

Schedule your call with me here:  https://calendly.com/patriciadiesel/free30min

It’s All In The Mind

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It’s All In The Mind

You may have heard how positive thinking is important to your mental health and also one of  the keys to The Law of Attraction.

But did you know that Neuroscience Research shows you can actually reprogram your brain?

So for people who have been trying to declutter their lives without success due to overwhelm, fear and procrastination, this can be very helpful.

In my Mindful Tools for Organized Living I dedicate an entire module to mind shifting so you can learn:

  • How to break old habits and build new ones
  • How to get rid of negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones
  • How to quickly and easily change your thoughts to a winner’s mindset

With the right tools and conscious effort, you can start thinking like a conqueror of clutter, and crush that negative self-talk.For example, instead of saying to yourself,  ” I’ll never get out from under all of this mess.  Who am I kidding, I’ll always have clutter.”

You will learn how to cancel out negativity and replace it with positive words like,
” I may have been disorganized in the past, but that was then and this is now.  I love being clutter-free.”

You owe it to yourself to open your mind and learn new strategies to live a healthier, clutter-free life.

Begin today and watch your mind shift and your life transform!

The unbearable heaviness of clutter remains heavy on my heart

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The unbearable heaviness of clutter remains heavy on my heart.

I have witnessed countless women suffer from the unbearable heaviness of clutter.

Their suffering remains heavy on my heart…

Until the day arrives when they are set free from the clutter.

Unfortunately, many women procrastinate a very long time before they finally take action.  The latest research gives us a little insight into why…

“A recent study published in Current Psychology, found a substantial link between procrastination and clutter problems.  Procrastination is closely tied to clutter, because sorting through and tossing items is a task that many people find unpleasant and avoid. It takes time to file away important papers or sort through a dining room table buried under books.”

Stress is also a huge problem with clutter.  We know that stress is inflammatory and causes problems with the immune system.  Clutter and stress are a toxic combination.

Research shows that there is a “growing body of evidence that clutter can negatively impact mental well-being, particularly among women. Clutter can also induce a physiological response, including increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.”
I can give you countless reasons why I advocate for women to get organized…all of them lead to a healthier life.

Check out this article from The New York Times – you’ll see what I mean.

5 Small Ways to Get Organized When Your Depression Has Other Ideas

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5 Small Ways to Get Organized When Your Depression Has Other Ideas

Clear the clutter and your mind, even when motivation is scarce.

https://www.healthline.com/health/organized-even-on-toughest-mental-health-days#1

By:  Shelby Deering
An Interview with Patricia Diesel

Health and wellness touch each of us differently. This is one person’s story.

From early fall through the coldest months of the year, I’ve learned to expect (and manage) my seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As someone who also lives with an anxiety disorder and identifies as a highly sensitive person (HSP), I tend to look for the things I can control in my world.

Every August, without fail, I sit down to write my “winter prep list,” in which I check off areas of my home that need organizing and decluttering. Usually by November, my old coats have been donated, the floors have been scrubbed, and everything feels as if it’s in its proper place.

One of my first lines of defense in the battle against mental health challenges has always been to get organized. I’m preparing for those tough days when I won’t be able to lift a mop, let alone put a plate in the dishwasher.

It turns out my thinking is rooted in scientific studies that show organization is an effective tool to achieve a healthier life, both mentally and physically.

One study found that the physical act of tidying up one’s house can make a person more active and healthier overall.

Many professional organizers sing the praises of improving one’s mental health through organizing, including Patricia Diesel, an organizing expert, clutter coach, and the creator of a program called Mindful Tools for Organized Living.

As a certified chronic disorganization specialist and a hoarding specialist, Diesel has witnessed the power of organization in people’s lives.

“Addressing the emotional and mental components of clutter is critical to the underlying cause. I believe that clutter is an outward manifestation that mirrors the body and mind on overwhelm,” she explains.

5 small ways to organize for your mental health

If you’re in the throes of depression or healing from a panic attack, the thought of cleaning can certainly be overwhelming. But I also know clutter tends to make me descend even further into a negative mood. So, I’ve discovered my own ways to tackle organization without letting it tackle me.

Here are five ways to muddle through the clutter, even on your most challenging mental health days.

1. Throw perfection out the window

Even when I’ve been at my lowest, I’d often put pressure on myself to make things look “perfect.”

I’ve since learned perfection and mental health conditions tend to be in direct opposition of one another. The healthier route is to accept that my house may not look flawless during the winter months. If things are generally organized, I can accept the wayward dust bunny that may cross my path.

Diesel agrees with this approach as well.

“Organizing is not about perfection,” she says. “It’s about a quality of life standard. Everyone’s standards are different. As long as the organized environment is in alignment with those standards and it is not infringing upon a quality of life that is obstructing or detrimental to that person’s life, then usually a person will find acceptance and peace from that.”

Let go of your idea of “perfect,” and instead aim for a level of organization that doesn’t hurt your quality of life.

2. Break everything down into bite-sized pieces

Since overwhelm is a big deal to those who wrestle with mental health disorders, like anxiety, Diesel recommends breaking up an organization project into palatable pieces.

“I help people look at the overall project that needs to get done… then we break it down into different categories. Then we rate the priority of each category, and begin with the level that reduces the anxiety the most,” she explains.

“The goal is to have the person see the entire project, and then help them see how to accomplish it in a manageable way.”

Diesel recommends devoting 15 to 20 minutes per day to doing things that need to get done, like doing a load of laundry or sorting the mail.

Often, a little effort can reinvigorate the mind and build momentum toward increasing a feeling of motivation. But that’s not always the case if you’re living with a mental health issue. Be kind to yourself if you miss a day or are only able to commit to 10 minutes.

3. Let go of items that don’t serve you

Physical clutter often creates clutter in the mind, especially if that clutter has taken over your life and space. Diesel helps those with hoarding disorders, sharing tips that can benefit non-hoarders as well.

“It’s not so much about getting organized as it is about how to release and part with their things without shame or guilt. Once this is accomplished, the organizing is usually not an issue,” she says.

Diesel emphasizes the importance of considering what makes an item truly “valuable” as opposed to something you think might be valuable based on fear or other emotions.

4. Remove distractions

Being highly sensitive means I have a sensory disorder that can become overloaded very quickly. Loud noises, an abundance of clutter, and a to-do list in plain sight can instantly break my focus and pull me away from whatever project I’m working on.

When I’m getting organized, I make my surroundings as soothing as possible through peace and quiet. I set aside a block of time when I know I won’t be pulled away.

5. Visualize the end result

Out of all my mental health challenges, seasonal depression is the one that wrings me dry of any motivation to clean or get organized. Diesel says that’s because depression can create a mindset that feels defeated. In this case, it’s key to emphasize the final goal.

“I help people see the vision of the end result, and we use additional tools to help that vision come alive, whether it’s with a vision board or through journaling. The overall goal is to help them feel empowered,” she says.

And if all else fails, remember that you can always ask for help if you need it.

“People who suffer with disorganization is the body and mind on overwhelm, so having a support system and mindfulness tools to go to is extremely important for stability. Support is paramount,” Diesel says.

Shelby Deering is a lifestyle writer based in Madison, Wisconsin, with a master’s degree in journalism. She specializes in writing about wellness and for the past 13 years has contributed to national outlets including Prevention, Runner’s World, Well+Good, and more. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her meditating, searching for new organic beauty products, or exploring local trails with her husband and corgi, Ginger.

How to Smash the 3 Deadly P’s

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How to Smash the 3 Deadly P’s

 

Patricia Diesel Creator of the Mindfulness Program shows you how to overcome your clutter.

How to Smash the 3 Deadly P’s

If you’re struggling with excessive clutter, it’s practically a guarantee you’re experiencing one (or all) of the 3 Deadly P’s:

Perfectionism. Procrastination. Paralysis.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks I see for women who are trying desperately to get organized is they over-think “things.”

They have an idea in their head the way “things” are supposed to be that they get caught up in perfectionism and never take action.

Now, why is this deadly?

Because perfectionism actually leads to procrastination and then…

Yes, you go it.

Paralysis. (Overwhelm)

And there you have it…a very vicious cycle.

Sometimes things have to get “messy” before they get better. Decluttering is a perfect (excuse the pun) example of this. There’s going to be some turmoil.

Yet, what most don’t realize is that it doesn’t have to be pure chaos.

If you follow a system with step-by-step strategies, everything will fall into place neatly and orderly.

One of the strategies that I noticed resulted in making the MOST progress for my clients is imposing deadlines.

Now I can hear some backlash …

“I don’t do well with set time frames. It feels to restrictive.”

Yes, but here’s the thing.

Clutter loves the fact that you’re a free-bird with no routine, schedule or plan.

Case in point…

Without a time management system to follow you can expect the clutter to be hanging around. GUARANTEED.

That’s why I developed 7 Simple Steps to Cure Clutter inside of my Mindfulness Program. It’s a process that if followed as instructed will stop the 3 Deadly P’s in their tracks.

What makes it so successful?

Having effective time management skills is important in just about any area of your life. But for clutter control purposes…

You get to rely on a process where you exercise conscious control of your time spent on specific tasks without the worry, fear or overwhelm of over-thinking.

This is how you overcome clutter.

For now, I challenge you to set a workable deadline at a pace that stretches your comfort zone. This may include using tools that you are not familiar working with; a timer, calendar, planner.

NOT at a pace that’s going to burn you out or cause anxiety. You want to begin in a way that gives you a good experience so you can build your momentum.

Only you can determine what a reasonable yet challenging deadline is.

However, a deadline can be one of the Golden Rules of Organizing. For example, “I’ll spend 15/20 minutes per day tidying up.”

Deadlines can also be for an overall project. Such as “I’ll give myself 30 days to declutter all my closets.”

When you see how well this works for you, in no time you’ll feel more inspired and confident to tackle the bigger elephant in the room (Um, that would be the rest of the clutter) and smash the Deadly P’s for good!

Stress-Free Lifestyle Tools To Conquer Clutter In The Home and Office

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STRESS-FREE LIFESTYLE TOOLS

To Conquer Clutter In The Home and Office

Rarely is clutter recognized as a significant source of stress in our lives, yet “Eighty-four percent of recently stressed Americans say they worry that their home isn’t clean or organized enough, and within that group, 55 percent called it out as a source of recent stress.” (Huff Post)

When dirty dishes are piled, laundry overflows and your belongings are scattered about, your stress level rises. Trust me when I tell you, clutter & stress is real.

It is estimated that over a course of a lifetime, we will spend a total of 3,680 hours or 153 days searching for lost items; phones, keys , eyeglasses and paperwork are at the top of the list. (The Daily Mail)

When we are stressed out, it not only creates physical clutter, but it causes mental and body clutter as well. What you may not realize is that stress is inflammatory. Inflammation breaks the mind and body down and leaves us vulnerable to sickness and disease.

This is why being organized is so important to our health.

Clutter depletes your quality of life and raises the potential for serious health issues. It is one of the major sources of stress and can exacerbate medical conditions. When a person is under the influence of a significant amount of clutter, their well-being is compromised, leaving them feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed and even hopeless.

These unsettling feelings are not only attached to the person who is struggling with clutter but their loved ones as well.  It’s not hard to understand then why the home organization industry has grown by leaps and bounds and today has 32 chapters, with more than 4,000 members in 22 countries. (Fast Company)

The same goes for the workplace. The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) found in their study that disorganization can lead to financial losses equivalent to 10 per cent of a manager’s salary. NAPO also states that 80 per cent of the clutter in the office is a result from being disorganized and not due to a lack of space.

Some studies reveal the average person wastes up to 4.3 hours a week looking for papers, which adds stress and frustration to the workplace while reducing concentration and creative thinking – while cleaning professionals  say that getting rid of excess clutter would eliminate 40 per cent of the cleaning work needed.

Understand this. When your environment is cluttered, the chaos restricts your ability to focus. The clutter also limits your brain’s ability to process information. Clutter makes you distracted and unable to process information as well as you do in an uncluttered, organized, and serene environment. (Princeton University.)

This is why including “health care strategies” for clutter control in the workplace is critical.

Clutter, hoarding, stress, productivity, overwhelm,

Stress-Free Lifestyle Tools To Conquer Clutter In The Home And Office

Mindful Tools For Organized Living is the most elite and complete step-by-step program that will help remedy these situations long before they get out of control. Implementing best practices for a healthy body and mind is a key factor in overcoming clutter and disorganization and living a healthier life. Although part of the challenge is underdeveloped skill sets with organization, it is not the only culprit to having clutter. To penetrate the problem and resolve it entirely, it is necessary to engage lifestyle tools that embody wellness for the body, mind and environment.

To learn more about the Mindfulness Program and how it can help you in the home or office, please visit https://mindfulness.patriciadiesel.com/mindfulness and/or go to patriciadiesel.com and book your FREE Consultation.

What’s On Your Top Ten List?

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Year after year, getting ORGANIZED consistently ranks as one of the Top Ten New Year Resolutions.

FREE Offer to make your New Year a Healthy One by Patricia Diesel

Being organized provides so many benefits. Here’s what you can expect once you’re organized:

Peace of Mind
Increased Productivity
Reduced Stress
Improved Relationships
Better Health
Cost Savings

My goal for 2019 is to help women become aware of the benefits of being organized so they can live healthier lives. That’s why I redesigned my website.

Now you can book a FREE call with me, purchase my books and products and read informative news on my blog. (Oh, and I updated the About Me page with some juicy info.) You can check it all out here!

2019 can be the year you finally get organized. All you have to do is decide you want it to be!

Black Friday Mania

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Black Friday mania is here.

Everything is on sale, everything looks enticing, and everything is so tempting to buy, buy, buy.

But here’s the thing…

If you have an existing clutter problem, it’s a good idea to distinguish between what you will be purchasing versus what you will be investing in.

You see, a purchase can be a random, snap decision, based on impulse.  It’s something you see, want, buy and never really give too much thought about. Usually these purchases are stress related triggers and give you a negative return.

But, when you are truly making an investment in something, you are being mindful about your choice.  You’re considering why and how the investment will help you advance, overcome or improve some aspect of your life. The investment will give you a positive return.

Because I know the holidays are tempting times, I want to make sure that you have the right tools to keep you as organized as possible and as mindful as possible throughout the season.

My mindfulness program is designed to do just that.

And since it’s massively discounted, you will be saving on your investment that will give you a rapid return before 2019. Now that’s a bargain for Black Friday.

So if you want to live a stress-free, organized life, reduce your clutter for good, I’m going to suggest that you think about what’s most important to your overall well-being…

Gathering more stuff that will only clutter you up or making a sound investment that will improve the quality of your life?

Choose to be mindful.

Oh and by the way, the program has a money-back guarantee.  That’s how confident I am that you will be successful with your investment.  It’s a lifetime of savings.

PS:  If by chance you’re new to my community and have not purchased my book, Organically Yours –

get it here and enjoy the extra bonus items to live a healthier, stress-free life.

Here’s to wise choices.

ASK THE CLUTTER COACH – YOU’RE INVITED

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ASK THE CLUTTER COACH – YOU’RE INVITED

On November 19th I will be hosting another Ask The Clutter Coach call.

This call is all abut serving you. I really want to help you with all your clutter challenges. It doesn’t matter if you want tips to clean out your closet, empty out your junk drawer, solutions for your paper and mail or how to declutter your entire home – this call is about moving forward.

This call is also about not repeating the same habits and behaviors so you can live clutter-free.

Why not let 2019 be dramatically different (and better) than 2018.

Join me on Monday, November 19th @ 7:00 pm EST. No need to reserve – just mark your calendar and this link – https://hello.freeconference.com/conf/call/9545600 (you’ll need this link to join us.) YOU MUST BE IN A CHROME BROWSER.  The link will provide Domestic and International phone number for you to call in if you wish.

Oh, one last thing. If you really want this call to impact your upcoming year, bring one change that you would like to see for yourself but for some reason has not happened. It could be a better routine/schedule, healthier diet, positive outlook…

Remember, this is all about moving forward and recognizing our patterns is a good place to start.

I’ll see you on the call.

PS: Mark your calendar now!