February 2025

August 31, 2023 by taylor.4411

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the “stuff” in your life. It could be physical or internal things; clutter can be found in all aspects of our lives. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming trying to organize things in our homes or mentally. Before diving into tips for decluttering, let’s look at the mental health benefits for decluttering your home and life.

Utah State University explains that decluttering can lead to mental health benefits. Follow the link below to find more information about the listed benefits.

Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering :

• Boost your mood and help improve your physical health
• Sharpen your focus
• Energize you into productivity mode
• Relieve anxiety

It may seem difficult to find a starting point when trying to declutter your space. It is important to start small. Michigan State University Extension recommends the following tips:

• Begin small. If you try to redo everything at once, you will be overwhelmed and probably give up. Choose one place or area to begin in your home – one drawer, one room or one pile of mail.
• Make a home for everything. When you begin, designate a place for each item that is adding to the clutter. Share information on where things belong with family members.
• Purge regularly. “When in doubt, throw it out” – this could include outdated food, medicines, broken toys and out-grown or unused clothes. Recycle when you can and donate items that others may find useful.
• Give your mind a thorough dusting and cleaning. When you purposefully choose to let go of things that are out of your control, you make room for improved relationships and less stress.

According to Utah State University Extension, some other tips that you may find beneficial is asking for help. Turning to your family and friends can make the task seem less daunting. Try beginning with a positive mindset. The following tips can be helpful in managing your clutter.

• Ask a friend or family member to help you. If you find it difficult to start on your own, you can always invite others to either help you or just be there to keep you company. It can be difficult to ask, but most people are more than willing to help. Especially if you have a major project— the more help you have, the more you will feel that this project is accomplishable.
• Always begin cleaning with a positive mind. There is no right way to declutter because we all have different needs. Put your mind into a state that will allow you to freely wander as you straighten up and organize. Practice a positive mind with deep breathing and positive thoughts towards yourself, what you’re about to do, and then what you accomplish.

Even if you don’t know where to start, begin by starting small in your decluttering journey. Over time you will learn what works for you and how to best organize for your life, wellbeing, and mental health.

Resources:

Beckwith, A., & Parkhurst, E. (2022, July 2). The mental health benefits of decluttering. USU. https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/the-mental-benefits-of-decluttering

Gail Innis, M. S. U. E. (2021, March 9). Declutter your life and improve your health. MSU Extension. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/declutter_your_life_and_improve_your_health

Author: Megan Taylor, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development, Union County

Reviewer: Jennifer Little, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Hancock County

February 11, 2025 by shumaker68

After we make our New Year’s resolutions and are just starting the new habits of better nutrition and physical activity, Valentine’s Day is lurking around the corner. If you ask children what they love about Valentine’s Day, the most common answer is “candy”. If you ask adults, you will often receive the same answer!  Indulge yourself, your family, “Valentine”, “Galentine”, or “Palentine” with a heart-healthy alternative. How can you have a happier, healthier Valentine’s Day?

Close up of hands holding ripe red apple with carved heart shape over wooden table

Here are a few ideas to be a healthy Valentine:

At School

• Teach students about foods that support a healthy heart.
• Hold a taste test with red fruits and veggies!  Apples, blood oranges, cherries, grapes, pink grapefruit, pomegranates, raspberries, red peppers, tomatoes, beets, and more!  Have a vote for the class favorite!
• Make (or serve) heart sandwiches using whole grain bread and any red 100% fruit spread.  Make the sandwich using regular bread, then cut into a heart shape with cookie cutters or a knife.
• Make yogurt parfaits with low-fat berry yogurt and fresh or dried berries. 
• Add some fun messages to lunch boxes with “fruity” puns!  Use markers to write on peelable fruits, fruit cups, or 100% juice boxes.  Messages could be “You’re so sweet!” or “You’re the apple of my eye!”
• Instead of sending candy consider mini bags of pretzels or crackers, pencils, or stickers as tokens of affection. No worries about food allergies!

At Home

• Make heart shaped pancakes or waffles in the morning, top with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
• Avoid the crowds and celebrate with a dance party at home.  Crank up your favorite tunes and groove around the house.  Burn off some energy or cuddle close with your love.
• Show your love by making a healthier dinner at home-containing a heart-healthy protein (such as salmon), whole-grains, and fruits and vegetables.
• If you choose to eat out, be aware the restaurant portions can be much larger than most people need.  Make like Lady and the Tramp and share that giant entrée for a healthier option.
• Keep desserts fruit- based with little to no added sugar. Try using an indoor grill to grill bananas, pineapple, peaches or plums.
• If you do receive chocolates or candy, remember it is ok to eat them in moderation. Keep your servings small or within the recommended serving size. Consider freezing some to enjoy later.

February is Heart Health Month so Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to show some love for yourself and the ones that are near and dear to your heart. Proper diet and activity is the key to a healthy heart!

Written by: Kate Shumaker, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County

Reviewed by: Caitlin Mathews-Smith, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension.