005 - How to declutter when you're stuck on pause

Decluttering Untangled with Heather Tingle : How to declutter when you're overwhelmed, ADHD or Autistic

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Introduction:

• Heather Tingle welcomes Untanglers to another episode of Decluttering Untangled.
• Topic: "How to Declutter When You're Stuck on Pause."

Understanding the Pause:

• Neurodivergent individuals may experience the 'freeze' response to stress.
• Heather shares her personal experience of feeling stuck on pause, emphasising the impact of self-imposed pressure.

Overwhelm and Lack of Reward:

• Overwhelm as a major hurdle to decluttering.
• Neurodivergent individuals might struggle with the traditional reward system.
• The challenge of not feeling the impact of small accomplishments due to clutter's persistent nature.

Imagining the After:

• The difficulty of visualising outcomes, a common struggle for neurodivergent individuals.
• Heather discusses her personal challenge of visualising her space after decluttering.

Worry Over Timing and Commitment:

• Fears of getting engrossed, forgetting important tasks, or losing steam halfway through the process.
• The fear of ending up in a bigger mess than when you started.

How to Get Off Pause:

• Knowing the end result is crucial: What, when, and how will your space look after decluttering?
• Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable parts to reduce pressure.
• Planning a reward for motivation and satisfaction.

Short and Sharp Sessions:

• Recommending short, focused decluttering sessions to avoid burnout.
• The importance of visual timers and Heather suggests a recommended product (Amazon affiliate link in show notes below).

Competition and Gamification:

• Gamifying the process by making it a competition against time or against a friend.
• Counting items to add a competitive element and excitement.

Accountability Without Pressure:

• Tailoring accountability to individual needs, especially for those with PDA profiles.
• Scheduling decluttering goals within a reasonable timeframe and self-rewarding.

Buddy Up for Support:

• Heather suggests having a decluttering buddy for support.
• A caution about choosing a non-judgmental buddy and using online communities for support.

Teaser for Future Episodes:

• Heather teases the upcoming exploration of her PAVE system, with 'P' standing for Plan.

Closing Words:

• Encouragement to celebrate small victories and kindness to oneself during the process.
• Inviting feedback and questions from listeners.

Closing Music:

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