Spring Cleaning For Writers* 5 Tips to Optimal Success!

 

Spring has sprung. And with it comes two dreaded tasks we often love to hate: taxes and spring cleaning. Still, these common undertakings untackled can carry long-term penalties. Be forewarned. 

But, here's the good news.

In today's post, I've got you covered.  We'll examine some clever strategies to help you "work smarter, not harder."  Additionally, we'll explore how spring cleaning can improve your quality of life and mental health.

So, if you're on board let's get busy!

FIRST, SOME BACKSTORY...

For the record here, I've always been a bit of a neat freak. I'm a firm believer that "there's a place for everything and everything should be in its place." But, it wasn't until somewhat recently that I discovered that studies back up my way of thinking. That there's a method to my madness. Here's the proof in the pudding.

My research in preparing this piece, revealed at theahch.org website, that according to an article written by Ralph Ryback M.D., a study led by Associate Professor NiCole R. Keith, Ph.D., research scientist and professor at Indiana University, found that "People with clean houses are healthier than people with messy houses. 

Keith and her colleagues tracked the physical health of 998 African Americans between the ages of 49 and 65, a demographic known to be at an increased risk for heart disease. Participants who kept their homes clean were healthier and more active than those who didn’t. In fact, house cleanliness was even more of a predictor for physical health than neighborhood walkability."

And there's more. The Cleaninginstitute.org shares, "Nearly 9 in 10 Americans (87%) feel their best, both mentally and physically, when they have a clean home" based on survey data released by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI).

Armed with this information on spring cleaning benefits, below are some tips to incorporate to help you reap meaningful results.

1. TAKE INVENTORY

An easy way to make a dent in this project is to take an initial review of what is taking up space in your place. Simply ask. What's in excess? What's in duplicate?  Toss or donate duplicate items, stuff that's in disrepair, or things that are outdated. You'll thank me later. :-)

For example, I have waaaay too many books. When I take a gander at my stacks of books in my home office library, I've noticed (much to my surprise) that I still have textbooks from my college days. Though I graduated many years ago. To make things worse, much of the info contained in those books is either outdated or irrelevant. 

And when going through my closet? Well... my closet reveals that I am holding on to wardrobe items that are currently too small, as an incentive to lose a few pounds. In reality? Delusional thinking.

Consider too, What sentimental attachments do you need to break up with this year?

2. HAVE A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH

In the popular book, Marie Kondo's Kurashi at Home, the author/organizing guru suggests that organizing and cleaning should be done in specific categories. 

They are as follows:

• Clothes
• Books
• Papers
• Komono (miscellaneous items)
• Sentimental items 

She also recommends that we retain things that give us pure joy. I couldn't agree more.

3. START SMALL AND BUILD MOMENTUM

Take it from me. It's much better to start with purging your junk drawer than cleaning out the garage. The reason? If you take on too much too soon, you'll likely feel overwhelmed and get discouraged. This would be counter-productive.

4. CONSIDER THE R.O.I.

Everytime I engage in spring cleaning, I am rewarded beyond having a cleaner environment. Perhaps some of you can relate.

Sometimes I've found money in unexpected places; or I discovered an article in progress that I was able to finally finish and get paid for; or I lucked up on some treasured photographs that rekindled fond memories. Think of it as a treasure hunt.

5. FOR WRITERS, ORGANIZING OFTEN LEADS TO GREATER EFFICIENCY

Beyond typical, tangible household items, writers would do well to look at and eliminate the following:

• Online subscriptions to newsletters and blogs that we no longer read or follow (please don't let it be mine!)
• Clients' files that we no longer are in contact with or serve
• Multiple drafts of finished works
• Links on your website or blog that may be changed or relocated @ other sites
• Pens that no longer write

Get my drift here? Doing so saves time, relieves stress, and helps to meet  important deadlines.

IN CONCLUSION...

For more information on cleaning hacks and better mental health, visit Very Well Mind:

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-mental-health-and-cleaning-are-connected-5097496

I hope that you found today's tips @ Pen & Prosper useful. If so, let me know in the comments.

Or please feel free to add a helpful tip of your own.

As always, thanks for reading!