Great Resources to Reduce Clutter

Written by Carrie Wiwcharuk, author of Tea Time.

Looking through that pile of papers for your misplaced T4, searching through the pantry for a lost recipe item or having to make an extra trip to the post office because you cannot find your stamps are not just daily annoyances, they can be affecting your health.
Are you a clutter bug?
Take the Clutter Bug Quiz!

Professional organizer Barbara Hemphill, coauthor of Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever, offers one yardstick: "If you can't straighten up your house in 20 minutes when a guest calls to say she's coming over, then you have a problem."

What are some effects of clutter?
Lack of Clarity
When small tasks are entangled with clutter, it is impossible to have clarity on the bigger issues. Your energy is spent finding the bills, instead of coming up with cost saving techniques.
Always Lagging
Facing messiness day in and day out can zap your energy. Clearing the space will revitalize you.
Holding You Back

Keeping clutter can be associated with holding onto the past. Clearing away unnecessary items can help make room for life.
Distraction From Real Issues
Clutter can be something to focus on, keeping you away from emotional issues.
Self Image
Clutter can be a sign of lack of self care. You deserve a clutter free living space.
Anxiety
Clutter can be anxiety producing when that door bell rings unexpectedly or when people are visiting your home.

“Your home should be your sanctuary and your kitchen should nourish your family. If it doesn’t there is a huge impact on every aspect of your health. Create the home you want, move closer to the life you want, and see the ripple effect through every area of your life.”

says Peter Walsh, author of Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat?, in an interview found at Being Frugal.net.

Whether you have been bit by the clutter bug or not, take a look at some of these organization resources filled with quick and fun ways to live a more free, spacious and healthy life.
On Line: Getting Organized Wizard for Smart Women, Motivated Moms, List Plan It, Clutter Diet
Books: Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat written by Peter Walsh, Organizing for the Creative Person written by Dorothy Lehmkuhl
Resources: Health Yahoo, GHC Health, Best Health Magazine, Good- Bye Clutter, Being Frugal

Nine Reasons to Keep on Laughing!

Written by Carrie Wiwcharuk, author of Tea Time.
You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing! Michael Pritchard
Watching that funny movie that has you in stitches is not just fun, it is healthy!
Hear are nine great things that happen when you laugh!
1. Laughing reduces stress by decreasing stress hormones.
2. Laughing decreases your blood pressure.
3. Laughing elevates your mood.
4. Laughing boosts your immune system.
5. Laughing improves brain functioning.
6. Laughing protects your heart.
7. Laughing helps connect you to others.
8. Laughing helps you instantly relax.
9. Laughing makes you feel good.
According to Help Guide, it is estimated that hearty laughter can burn calories equivalent to several minutes on the rowing machine or the exercise bike.
Keep on the funny side of life:
SMILE: The definition of smile, according to The Concise Oxford Dictionary, is to relax the features into a pleased or kind or gently sceptical expression or a forced imitation of these, usually with the lips parted and the corners of the mouth turned up. Even if you don’t feel like smiling, doing the action can lead the way to the feeling.
KEEP LAUGHING COMPANIONS: You cannot help but catch the giggles from the people around you!
START A GRATITUDE JOURNAL: Listing the things that you are grateful for can help eliminate negativity which can be a barrier to laughing.
CREATE OPPORTUNITIES TO LAUGH: Include funny movies and T.V. shows, comedy clubs, and books with humour into your life.
Thirty minutes of exercise three times a week, and 15 minutes of laughter on a daily basis is probably good for the vascular system.
Michael Miller, University of Maryland Medical Center
Laughing is a free and fun way to feel good, emotionally and physically!
On that note, where did the spaghetti go to dance? ……. The meat ball! Get it…..O.K. maybe not.

Resources: Help Guide, About.com, Stress About.com, The Mayo Clinic
Looking for some new jokes, check out Good Clean Funnies List and Yahooligans!