Tuesday

"The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past."

-Marie Kondo

Welcome to Tuesday! Today, we're chatting about:

• Why do you get stressed in messy spaces

• How to get started on spring cleaning

• A fresh start for spring—and a bonus for you! Enter here

• Make cleaning feel less like a chore

Why a Messy Room Feels So Overwhelming

Ever walked into a messy room and immediately felt stressed? You’re not alone. Clutter has been shown to increase anxiety and make it harder to focus. When our surroundings feel chaotic, our brains can struggle to process information, leading to irritability and frustration. It’s like your environment is constantly whispering, “Hey, shouldn’t you be doing something about this?”

On the flip side, cleaning can have an almost meditative effect. Studies show that tidying up can give us a sense of control, ease stress, and even boost our mood. Something as simple as washing dishes mindfully—focusing on the warmth of the water and the scent of the soap—has been linked to reduced anxiety. And let’s be honest: nothing beats the satisfaction of a freshly made bed or an organized closet.

If the idea of cleaning feels overwhelming, start small. Set a five-minute timer and tackle one task—wiping a counter, folding laundry, or decluttering a drawer. Tiny wins add up, and before you know it, your space (and mind) will feel lighter. Who knew a little tidying could be so good for the soul?

How to Make Spring Cleaning Feel Easy

Spring cleaning always sounds like a great idea—until you're surrounded by half-finished tasks and wondering why you started. The trick to making it easier? Prepping before you even pick up a sponge.

First, check your supplies. Running out of cleaner mid-scrub is the fastest way to lose motivation. Stock up on essentials like sponges, dish soap, and your go-to cleaning spray. Bonus points for making your own citrus-infused vinegar—just soak lemon slices in white vinegar for a few days.

Next, make a plan. Walk through your home and note the spots that need the most attention. Prioritize what will make the biggest difference, whether that’s decluttering your entryway or deep-cleaning the kitchen. And remember, you don’t have to do it all in one day.

Finally, clear the clutter before you clean. Trying to scrub around a mess is like vacuuming before picking up the socks—it just doesn’t work. Grab a donation bin and a trash bag, and start fresh.

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be overwhelming. A little prep goes a long way in making it feel manageable—and dare we say, even satisfying.

A Fresh Start for Spring—And a Bonus for You!

Want a cleaner home without the harsh chemicals? We’re giving away $450 in gift cards to 3 lucky winners—enter now for your chance to win one of three $150 gift cards in just seconds!

Meet Force of Nature, your ultimate spring cleaning upgrade. This powerful (but tiny) appliance transforms water, salt, and vinegar into a multi-purpose cleaner, deodorizer, and EPA-registered disinfectant—killing 99.9% of germs without toxic chemicals.

• One cleaner for every surface

• Cuts through grease, grime & odors

• As effective as bleach—without the toxins

• Eco & family-friendly

3 lucky winners will get to experience a cleaner, healthier home—for free! Don’t miss out: Enter here for your chance to win.

Thank you to Force of Nature for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Make Cleaning Feel Less Like a Chore

Cleaning isn’t exactly topping anyone’s list of weekend plans, but hear us out: it doesn’t have to be awful. A few small tweaks can turn it from a dreaded chore into something mildly enjoyable. The trick? Make it feel less like work and more like a personal challenge.

First, set a timer. Fifteen minutes. That’s it. You’d be surprised how much you can get done when the clock is ticking. Or, better yet, blast your favorite three-song playlist and race to finish before the last chorus hits. If cleaning has to happen, it might as well come with a built-in dance break.

Next, reward yourself. Tidy up the kitchen? That calls for a coffee run. Finally tackle the laundry pile? That’s face-mask-on-the-couch time. Little incentives make the whole process feel less like punishment and more like a game you’re winning.

And if all else fails, recruit a cleaning buddy. A roommate, a partner, even a FaceTime friend. Everything feels easier when you’re chatting (or complaining) through it together. Because let’s be real—cleaning alone in silence? Absolutely not.

Note From Us

Wellness Round-Up:

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: A clutter-free space not only feels good, but it can also boost productivity and mental clarity!

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers’ lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Cleaning and organizing aren’t just chores—they’re acts of self-care. A tidy space can lead to a clear mind, more focus, and a sense of peace. Whether you’re decluttering your home, creating a new routine, or simply taking a moment to tidy up, know that it’s all part of showing up for yourself.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!