Life can get pretty hectic, and finding ways to cut through the chaos is more than a little helpful. That’s where journaling and cleaning can be useful, even though you might not think these two activities have much in common. Both of these activities can help us find a bit of peace in our daily grind, and here’s how to do just that.

Morning Declutter

Start your day with a 10-minute declutter session, whether that’s your desk, your kitchen counter, or your email inbox. Then, take another 10 minutes to write in your journal about what you’ve cleared out and how it makes you feel. Just having a quick morning ritual like this can make the rest of the day far more positive.

Fresh Start with Fresh Sheets

There’s nothing like the feeling of slipping into fresh sheets after a long day, and it can even help you sleep better. Make it a habit to jot down a few thoughts in your journal while your laundry runs because this will give you a nice break. It’s also a good way to think through your day or plan the next one. Clean sheets are a fresh start, just like turning a new page in your journal.

Before and After Journal Entries

Before you start a big clean-up, write in your journal how you feel about the task ahead and what you hope to accomplish. Once you’re done, write down whether you achieved these goals and how you feel about the newly cleaned space. This “before and after” approach can be more satisfying and revealing than you might realize.

Social Sharing Saturday

At least once a month, have a “Social Sharing Saturday,” where you clean out a digital or physical place and then share a related journal entry online. It can be a pretty fun way to connect with other people and get some feedback on what you’re doing. You’ll also maintain some accountability in both decluttering and journaling.

Gratitude for Gadgets

As you clean and organize your tech gadgets, like your phone or computer, you should take a moment to write in your journal about how each device makes your life easier or better. When you do this, you’ll start to appreciate what you have and stay positive. It’ll also help you manage the clutter that technology brings into your life.

Zen Zone Creation

Try to turn a corner of your home into a “Zen Zone,” which is a space for journaling and reflection that you keep clean and clutter-free. Having a physical space like this can work as a sanctuary for mental decluttering. Try decorating it with items that calm you, and make it a ritual to clean and journal there regularly.

Cleaning Out Triggers

During cleaning, you’ll come across things that might trigger stress or bad memories. Whenever this happens, use your journal to work through any emotions that surface and write down your thoughts and feelings. This can help you process them in a healthy way, which will make both your home and mind lighter. You’ll also let go of the emotional weight tied to certain objects.

Journal Your Junk Drawer

Everyone has that one drawer filled with random bits and bobs that just don’t seem to belong anywhere else. You should try cleaning it out and write about each item in your journal, including the memories you feel with each one. Documenting each item’s history and emotional significance of each item can give you a clearer view of what to keep and what to let go.

Match Your Moods to Your Tasks

In your journal, write about how different cleaning tasks make you feel, such as whether you find vacuuming therapeutic or dusting dull. You can then use this information to tailor your cleaning routine to match your mood. After all, doing tasks that you feel good about can make the whole process more enjoyable.

One Room at a Time, Please

When it’s time to clean, just take it one room at a time because trying to do the whole house at once will be more painful. By breaking it down, room by room, you keep things manageable and avoid burning out. It’s the same with journaling, so take it one topic at a time and feel that sense of accomplishment as you complete each area.

Break It Down

Similarly, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, and when that happens, write out simple, clear steps in your journal to deal with those larger cleaning jobs. After all, small steps are way easier to handle and won’t make you want to run for the hills. Eventually, you’ll see that even the most daunting tasks are manageable when you approach them one step at a time.

Embrace Less is More

Journaling helps you figure out what matters most, which can be pretty useful when you decide to clean the house. When you start ditching the stuff that just takes up space, you’ll have fewer things to clean, which is always a win. Taking a more minimalist approach can significantly improve your home and your headspace, giving you a more peaceful lifestyle.

Celebrate the Little Things

Once you’ve finished a tough journal entry or finally cleaned out that junk drawer, write it down and celebrate it. Noticing these small victories can really lift your spirits, and celebrating them will help you to build momentum. It’ll also keep you motivated to deal with bigger challenges, both with cleaning and personal reflections.

Review and Adjust

Make sure you use your journal to check in regularly on how your cleaning habits are going. What’s helping? What’s not? You should keep adjusting things until you find your sweet spot, as this will help you refine your routines and methods. This way, your space, and your journaling habits will change to meet your needs.

Declutter with Decisions

As you declutter your space, make a decision tree in your journal. This can simplify decision-making and make decluttering less stressful. For each item you’re unsure about, jot down the pros and cons of keeping it. Visually mapping out your choices helps you make more deliberate and thoughtful decisions about what stays and what goes.

Reflect on Past Cleanliness

Remember to go back through old journal entries to see how you’ve felt about your living space in the past. Were you more stressed when things were messy? Then, use this as motivation to keep your current space tidy and stress-free. After all, reflecting on the past can help you see the benefits of a clean home.

Use Tech Wisely

There are plenty of apps that’ll help you organize your cleaning schedule and journaling habits. Find one that suits you and use it to keep track of your tasks and entries. This can make your routines far easier. It might even free up more time for you to enjoy your cleaner and more organized surroundings.

Doing Self-Care

After a big day of cleaning and journaling, treat yourself to a little self-care, such as taking a long bath or watching your favorite show. Self-care is more important than most people realize and helps you maintain motivation. It also makes both tasks something to look forward to because it involves acknowledging your efforts and recharging your batteries for the next day.