Going through cancer treatment and keeping track of appointments and medications can add a lot to your existing mental load. Balancing your psychological and physical well-being can feel extra challenging during this time and adding a task to your to-do list may be the last thing you want to do.
You may not realize it, but clutter and general messiness can contribute to your anxiety and exacerbate the stress you’re already experiencing with a cancer diagnosis. If you find yourself struggling with messes in your home, there are simple ways to take baby steps toward improving your environment and overall mood.
According to cancer survivor Jane Biehl, organizing her environment provided a sense of control during a time when she felt scattered “with simply staying alive, going to doctor appointments, and fighting through fatigue.” For Jane, the benefits of decluttering were tremendous.
Organizing your living space can allow you to focus on what’s really important – getting better.
Below are some easy recommendations for taking the first step:
Start small and go from there
Set manageable goals and make a list of things to organize around the house. If you feel overwhelmed, start with something that is low-stress and won’t take too much of your time. You can also ask a friend or caretaker to help you figure out where to start and brainstorm realistic goals.
Create a checklist so you can cross off your tasks as you go, feel a sense of accomplishment, and stay motivated.
Create a regular cadence for decluttering
Set aside dedicated time to clean your space. Depending on how you feel, it may be just 10 minutes on some days and 30 minutes on others. Every minute makes a difference, so try to incorporate organizing into your routine in a way that’s manageable for you.
Ask for help
Whether it be a caretaker, friend, or family member, don’t be afraid to lean on your support network. The extra assistance can make the task seem less daunting and having loved ones there to help can even be fun. It can also be beneficial to talk through whether or not you want to keep an item, how to best organize your space, and you could use this time to catch up on each other’s lives.
Find organizations that you want to donate to
Our belongings often hold a lot of sentimental value and memories and the idea of throwing them away can be difficult. Rather than throwing them away, find meaningful organizations to donate your items and give them a second life. Whether it be clothing, books, or cutlery, make sure they’re in good condition. If your clothes have stains or tears, you can set them aside for repurposing or textile recycling.
Declutter your social media feed
Although social media can be a place where you can find community and like-minded individuals, too much time online can increase anxiety and depression. Rethink your relationship with social media and unfollow accounts that negatively impact your mental health. If there are specific types of posts that trigger you, most social media platforms have a feature that allows you to enter keywords or phrases to filter out posts containing those words from your feed.
If you would like to connect with an Outcomes4Me oncology nurse practitioner at no charge through the Outcomes4Me app, using the “Ask Outcomes4Me” button.
