COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
By Tracy Colbert, March 19, 2012
Spring cleaning may help you live longer and better. And you know you don't need 20 sets of chop sticks nor that 2007 tide table.
An important key to better health may lie in your junk drawer. No, its not a rejected photo, hardened eraser, credit card receipt, or other detritus you might find in there. The simple act of clearing out your junk drawer brings you a step closer to your higher purpose in life, according to Barry A. Dennis, author of The Tchotchke Challenge: Clear the Clutter from Your Home, Heart, and Mindand Discover the True Treasure of Your Soul (Hay House 2012).
One study done at Rush University connected having a purpose in life with a lower incidence of Alzheimers among older adults, but cleaning up has other health benefits, too. The tchotchke in Denniss book title is the pronunciation of the Yiddish word, tchotchke, meaning a knickknack or trinket, often disposable or of little value. He expands the definition of tchotchke to include material things, unhealthy substances we consume, meaningless information and distractions, and even unsupportive people, all of which impede us from living the healthiest life we can.
Neatniks, you dont need to read any further. But those of us with jumbled closets, stuffed garages, and spilling-over shelves can reduce our stress level, Dennis says, by doing a little spring cleaning. Spring arrives on March 20, so this week is a good time to follow some advice from Dennis book.
Less Stuff = More Satisfaction
Dennis suggests finding the true meaning of glad bags by assembling three of them: donate, recycle, and toss, and then choosing an area in your house or office to clear out. If starting the task seems overwhelming, begin with a junk drawer, he says. Even small steps toward decluttering help bring a sense of calm, clarity, and connection to your life.
Some people find it hard to let go of things, even if they are long unused. Remind yourself that you are not your stuff, Dennis notes. For older adults who may find it difficult to pare down their belongings, clutter often poses a health and safety problem. Piles on the floor or near stairs raise the risk of falling, and accumulated dust can worse allergies, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Professional organizer Janna To of OC Home Organizer in Lake Forest has worked with older clients who downsized from a large home into smaller space. It can be taxing to try to sort through a lifetime of possessions, yet its also stressfuland potentially dangerouswhen the house is so crammed that there is nowhere to sit, she says. I ask people whether everything they have is serving them, she says. I help them think about heirlooms they can hand down to a family member and things they can sell on eBay or give away. Many times people are unaware of what their clutter contains and dont miss things after theyre given away, donated, or thrown out, To adds.
Buy Less, Enjoy More
Simplifying your life also involves curbing your impulse to acquire more stuff, according to Dennis. Pause before you make your next purchase, and ask yourself if what you are about to consume will make your life better, happier, or more fulfilled. More often than not, the answer will be a resounding no.
Deep Cleaning
Along with rifling through that junk drawer, Dennis recommends tidying up your diet and your mind, too, as part of your spring cleaning. You can do that by sorting through your cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer, and tossing any foods that dont make you feel healthy, he says.
Give your mind some clear space as well, he advises, by managing your technology consumption. If youre tethered to your smartphone and seize it every time it buzzes or chirps, consider allocating some time each day to turn it off and get away from it. Uncluttering your mind even briefly each day can reduce stress, sharpen your memory, and brighten your mood. It will also free up time for healthier activities, like exercise or getting together with friends live, rather than via the screen.
Clean Junk Drawer, Now What?
Maybe you feel like you can handle the junk drawer, but the prospect of decluttering a larger mess seems overwhelming. Make a list, says Lisa Suchesk, professional organizer and productivity coach, and owner of Timeline Organizing Consultants in Long Beach. Suchesk offers professional help with organizing to home-based businesses and small businesses, and provides some residential consulting. I advise my clients to take a pad of paper and write down all their concerns about why theyre stressed out, and why they cant get started, she says. Completing that task builds momentum and can help you create a plan of action. Suchesk adds, Even small steps lead to a tremendous sense of relief.
http://belmontshore.patch.com/articles/junk-drawers-and-your-health-2b87ae84-spring-cleaning-does-a-heart-and-health-good-may-help-live-longer-happier-clutter-clearing-better-health
With Springtime upon us, and spring cleaning, I though some of you might find this helpful.
Easy Breathing to you all,
Love
Holly
Spring cleaning may help you live longer and better. And you know you don't need 20 sets of chop sticks nor that 2007 tide table.
An important key to better health may lie in your junk drawer. No, its not a rejected photo, hardened eraser, credit card receipt, or other detritus you might find in there. The simple act of clearing out your junk drawer brings you a step closer to your higher purpose in life, according to Barry A. Dennis, author of The Tchotchke Challenge: Clear the Clutter from Your Home, Heart, and Mindand Discover the True Treasure of Your Soul (Hay House 2012).
One study done at Rush University connected having a purpose in life with a lower incidence of Alzheimers among older adults, but cleaning up has other health benefits, too. The tchotchke in Denniss book title is the pronunciation of the Yiddish word, tchotchke, meaning a knickknack or trinket, often disposable or of little value. He expands the definition of tchotchke to include material things, unhealthy substances we consume, meaningless information and distractions, and even unsupportive people, all of which impede us from living the healthiest life we can.
Neatniks, you dont need to read any further. But those of us with jumbled closets, stuffed garages, and spilling-over shelves can reduce our stress level, Dennis says, by doing a little spring cleaning. Spring arrives on March 20, so this week is a good time to follow some advice from Dennis book.
Less Stuff = More Satisfaction
Dennis suggests finding the true meaning of glad bags by assembling three of them: donate, recycle, and toss, and then choosing an area in your house or office to clear out. If starting the task seems overwhelming, begin with a junk drawer, he says. Even small steps toward decluttering help bring a sense of calm, clarity, and connection to your life.
Some people find it hard to let go of things, even if they are long unused. Remind yourself that you are not your stuff, Dennis notes. For older adults who may find it difficult to pare down their belongings, clutter often poses a health and safety problem. Piles on the floor or near stairs raise the risk of falling, and accumulated dust can worse allergies, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Professional organizer Janna To of OC Home Organizer in Lake Forest has worked with older clients who downsized from a large home into smaller space. It can be taxing to try to sort through a lifetime of possessions, yet its also stressfuland potentially dangerouswhen the house is so crammed that there is nowhere to sit, she says. I ask people whether everything they have is serving them, she says. I help them think about heirlooms they can hand down to a family member and things they can sell on eBay or give away. Many times people are unaware of what their clutter contains and dont miss things after theyre given away, donated, or thrown out, To adds.
Buy Less, Enjoy More
Simplifying your life also involves curbing your impulse to acquire more stuff, according to Dennis. Pause before you make your next purchase, and ask yourself if what you are about to consume will make your life better, happier, or more fulfilled. More often than not, the answer will be a resounding no.
Deep Cleaning
Along with rifling through that junk drawer, Dennis recommends tidying up your diet and your mind, too, as part of your spring cleaning. You can do that by sorting through your cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer, and tossing any foods that dont make you feel healthy, he says.
Give your mind some clear space as well, he advises, by managing your technology consumption. If youre tethered to your smartphone and seize it every time it buzzes or chirps, consider allocating some time each day to turn it off and get away from it. Uncluttering your mind even briefly each day can reduce stress, sharpen your memory, and brighten your mood. It will also free up time for healthier activities, like exercise or getting together with friends live, rather than via the screen.
Clean Junk Drawer, Now What?
Maybe you feel like you can handle the junk drawer, but the prospect of decluttering a larger mess seems overwhelming. Make a list, says Lisa Suchesk, professional organizer and productivity coach, and owner of Timeline Organizing Consultants in Long Beach. Suchesk offers professional help with organizing to home-based businesses and small businesses, and provides some residential consulting. I advise my clients to take a pad of paper and write down all their concerns about why theyre stressed out, and why they cant get started, she says. Completing that task builds momentum and can help you create a plan of action. Suchesk adds, Even small steps lead to a tremendous sense of relief.
http://belmontshore.patch.com/articles/junk-drawers-and-your-health-2b87ae84-spring-cleaning-does-a-heart-and-health-good-may-help-live-longer-happier-clutter-clearing-better-health
With Springtime upon us, and spring cleaning, I though some of you might find this helpful.
Easy Breathing to you all,
Love
Holly
I moved into my motel on September 2nd and kept my duplex for that month as well. I literally moved in with my tooth brush, shower items, a change of clothes and my meds. As I lived here I was able to discern what part of my 'STUFF' was really important to me and what I could live without. I made a deal with my landlady that I would only move what I wanted and she would keep my security deposit to take care of everything else I left.
I ended up walking away from about 95% of my stuff--and haven't looked back yet. All of my clothes except for my winter coat fit into one large drawer. I have two pairs of shoe--and will have three once I replace my old flip flops in a few weeks.
As I don't have a kitchen per say, my food fits into one drawer and part of another along with the few kitchen utensils I kept. I only have a microwave to cook in and a small apartment-sized refrigerator, so needless to say my cooking has been extremely simplified.
The hardest thing for me to whittle down was my library--I brought a few books over at a time--the most important, and once my last drawer was filled up I left all the other books (probably in excess of l00) to be donated. I go to the library when I feel that I can physically, so I still have new and interesting things to read (especially since I can't walk any further than the first shelf of 'quick picks' which has broadened my interests because of the limited selection. When I decide to purchase a book to keep, I choose one to give away.
I have transferred all of my bills to automatic pay and I keep my checking account on line so I don't ever have to worry about paying bills or keeping a check register. This also has practically eliminated all mail except cards and letters from friends.
I disposed of 25 years of journals and now keep my journal on line. I left my stereo equipment and gave away all but my favorite few cds and now I have Rhapsody--everything nice and convenient here on my puter.
I used to be a make up freak (having been a make up artist for several years) but realized that I love going without make up for all but the most important occasions. I now have a compact, mascara, a blush, and a lipstick.
My house work is done for me, my groceries are delivered, my laundry is picked up and returned the next day.
I was thinking about replacing my crock pot that I left in the duplex, then started experimenting with a four-cup glass measuring cup and fixing soup in the microwave. For just one person this works out just right--I don't have to eat the same soup for a week--and I'm learning that almost anything can be cooked in the microwave.
I know this would not appeal to many people--but my life is so simple and carefree now!! I feel so much closer to God and my prayer life is wonderful without all the distractions. I have everything I need--and nothing unnecessary-- because it wouldn't fit!!
I plan to read the above book--sounds great! I'd also recommend "Simple Living" by Jose Hobday.
Believe it or not I am happier in this very small space than any where else that I have ever lived. The only problem is that I've realized that I can easily go for weeks without my feet touching anything but concrete or carpeting. So I'm starting to take my morning coffee to a small park that is only 1/2 mile away. I do need my 'nature' time.
This is long, I know. probably should have written a journal entry instead. Oh well.....I'm getting more in touch with whats really important and learning (trying) to give myself leeway to do things quite imperfectly! Vicki
Oh yes there are some wonderful things connected to growing old just starting to appreciate that fact.Always was a slow learner!