The Connections Bernards Ridge Edition Sep/Oct/Nov 2021

theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 58 Emotional clutter isn’t something that’s talked about much. It’s easier to focus on the physical clutter in our home instead. However, the feelings we hold onto im- pact every area of our lives, so it is import- ant to talk about emotional clutter. What Is Emotional Clutter? Emotional clutter is that stuff that hangs around, taking up precious mental space, and generally makes us feel neg- ative about ourselves, our lives and oth- ers. Like physical clutter, emotional clutter weighs us down. Emotional clutter can be complex. It can take many forms, in- cluding persistent thought patterns, emo- tionally charged physical clutter , cycles of destructive behavior, and unrealistic standards. The Emotional Disguise Like anything that’s been in our life for a while, emotional clutter can feel good to have around. It can give us the excuse not to start or to hold back on the things we know are good for us. Emotional clut- ter tends to dress itself up as something that’s there for all good and no harm. It can be sneaky like that. Emotional clutter can trick us into thinking we are doing just ne because it gives us a sense of familiar- ity. Some of these things serve function- al purposes or may have at one point in the past, which can increase the dif culty of recognizing and addressing them. The truth is, just like physical clutter, we need to release it in order to move in a healthier direction. The Emotional Work We are complex emotional beings with a fondness for patterns, stories, and col- lections. We tend to not always be ratio- nal or objective. This combination of traits leads most of us to spin tales and develop thought patterns, and other emotional- ly charged habits. We carry this psychic backlog around like heavy baggage - sometimes unknowingly and other times because we think we don’t have a choice. With conscious effort, over time, we can decrease the backlog we carry and learn how to let go of the excess clutter. 6 Steps To Emotionally Declutter 1.Tune in to the emotional state 2.Identify the emotions 3.Catalog the triggers 4.Set goals 5.Build a support network 6.Create new habits Invest In Personal Growth Clearing emotional clutter makes more room for us to listen to ourselves, experience our own growth and nd joy in the things that make our lives uniquely ours. Emotional decluttering is an invest- ment in our well-being. The rewards are life-changing. Emotional decluttering is an investment in our well-being. The rewards are life-changing. We are complex emotional beings with a fondness for patterns, stories, and collections. We tend to not always be rational or objective. This combination of traits leads most of us to spin tales and develop thought patterns, and other emotionally charged habits. CLEARING OUT EMOTIONAL CLUTTER 6 steps to get you started By Patricia Diesel [ Reduce Pain & Stress Restore Harmony & Balance United Acupuncture Health Center Heal MOST MAJOR INSURANCES ACCEPTED NJ Office: Crosspointe, 27 Mountain Blvd. • Suite 8 • Warren 908-756-1538 Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 10am-7pm; Sat.: 9am-1pm Peter Ng, LAc, NY, CA, NJ NCCAOM Board Certified Jennifer Ng, LAc, NY, CA, NJ NCCAOM Board Certified •Pains/Aches/ Numbness •Allergies /Asthma •Stress /Sleeping Problems •PMS/Menopause •Digestive/ Circulatory Problems •Stroke Rehab •Depression/Anxiety •Chronic Fatigue •Nausea, Pain & Fatigue from Chemo •Bell’s Palsy • Infertility •Arthritis Pain