Declutter your emotions, eliminate paper mess, and achieve a 15-minute decluttering session
In the pursuit of a happier, healthier, and more organised life, Weekend Favorites brings you a collection of practical tips and insights almost every Saturday, straight to your inbox. This week, we delve into the world of literature and minimalism, offering a unique blend of cognitive exercise and decluttering advice.
According to Dr. Richard Restak, a renowned neurologist, reading fiction plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing memory and cognitive function. By exercising the brain, particularly the "working memory", fiction helps challenge and train our mental capacity to hold and manipulate information while performing tasks. Dr. Restak's research suggests that giving up on fiction could be an early indicator of memory issues, and he emphasises the importance of continuing to read fiction as effective mental training that strengthens the brain and helps slow memory loss associated with aging.
Reading novels requires active engagement, as one needs to remember characters, plots, and events to follow the story. This active engagement exercises the brain, making fiction a significant cognitive exercise. Dr. Restak's latest book, *The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind*, delves deeper into this fascinating topic.
In addition to the cognitive benefits, the article offers seven tiny steps for beginner minimalists, focusing on decluttering your home and mind. One such tip is to ask two questions when managing paper clutter: "Do I need this?" and "Can I find it easily if I need it again?". The article also discusses creating a "culture of slow" at home, encouraging readers to embrace simplicity and mindfulness in their daily lives.
For those seeking to declutter their wardrobes, the article offers advice on creating a capsule wardrobe, not just for adults but for kids as well. Moreover, the article shares a book titled "Unclutter my heart", which focuses on letting go of children's belongings, helping parents navigate the emotional challenges of decluttering their children's items.
The article also provides a list of tools and resources to help cope with anxiety, offering practical solutions for managing stress and improving mental wellbeing. In the realm of happiness hormones, the article offers tips on how to hack them for a happier life.
On a personal note, our sister-in-law is currently raising funds for MS research. If you'd like to support her cause, you can find the link in our article.
This month, inspiration for simplicity was shared on Instagram, with a quote from @tinybuddhaofficial equating inner peace to "letting go of the story you tell yourself". The article also mentions three books: "One True Loves", "Pineapple Street", and "The Housemaid", offering readers a variety of literary choices to explore.
In conclusion, the article offers a holistic approach to mental wellness and minimalism, combining cognitive exercise through fiction, practical decluttering tips, and tools for managing anxiety. By adopting these strategies, we can strive to live happier, healthier, and more organised lives.
- Enhancing your lifestyle and maintaining a healthier mind can be achieved not only through decluttering your home, but also by engaging in regular reading of fiction, as it plays a vital role in maintaining and strengthening our cognitive function.
- In the realm of food for thought, the article also explores the connection between decluttering your home and garden, and cultivating a culture of simplicity and mindfulness, which can positively impact your overall mental wellbeing.
- For a holistic approach to lifestyle and wellness, consider adopting minimalist practices in your home-and-garden, such as decluttering your wardrobe or adopting a capsule wardrobe, and engaging in regular reading of fiction for cognitive benefits, while also exploring practical resources to cope with anxiety and hack happiness hormones.
