30 Day “Stress” Diet

So…If you read my blog regularly, you can see that I have been just a tad “stressed”. *understatement*  (If not, then read my most recent posts and catch up.)  I decided a while back that I was in need of “stuff” cleanout.  Which I have been in the midst of when I can find an hour here or there (closet, office, etc.).  But those are long term projects for me and then hopefully I can maintain it.  But really, its the small things that add a lot of unneeded stress to my life.  I’m talking about the things that just bother me over and over again throughout the day and then again the next day and so on.

Well, here goes…I have devised a plan.  I am going to simplify my life in 30 days.  It’s kind of like a diet, but I’m not trying to lose weight, just stress.  (Although stress is supposed to be a cause of weight gain.)  Please don’t pee in your pants with excitement.  It’s not that big of a deal…Really, I mean it.  But that’s the thing.  If it’s not that big of a deal, then why can’t I get this stuff done rather than stress about it constantly?   

Here’s the plan.  My self-created “stress diet” consists of just completing/getting rid of one simple stresser each day.  Basically, when I find it, I’ll deal with it. 

The “diet” starts tomorrow.  So in preparation, I put an empty cardboard box in my laundry room.  This is my “go away box”.  At the end of the 30 days, I have to get rid of all the items in there (donate, give to someone, yard sale, whatever).  If something goes in the box, it can’t come out.  No exceptions. 

As the 30 days go past, if I come across something that I don’t like or need (for example, I try on a shirt for the day and don’t wear it because its 1) ugly, 2) doesn’t fit, 3) has a small stain/tear/etc.) then it goes in the box, not back on the hanger.  Of course, this isn’t just limited to clothes.  As I say this, I am thinking about how I absolutely can’t stand washing one of my two colanders because it can’t go in the dishwasher for some reason.  I can already feel the box calling its name.  Goodbye colander.

Check back daily as I will document each one of my days and what I accomplished.  I am hoping that as I get rid of stress and “stuff”, I will be able to find happiness in my surroundings.  I hope that I will provide you with the encouragement to take care of your own small stresses.  If you want to follow along with me then please do!  I’m also accepting recommendations if you have any so please feel free to comment.

The diet starts tomorrow!