Unbusy yourself, declutter and get organised
We live in a 24x7 culture. Addicted to busyness, we keep telling ourselves that we are doing something right by maximising our productivity. However, if there is a mismatch between things you’d like to do or feel ought to do, then you need to pause and ponder.
Jonathan Fields, the author of Unbusy: A Manifesto, talks about unbusy as our awareness wake-up call. Busyness is a sign of what neuroscientists call cognitive overload that affects our ability to plan, organise and innovate. In our autopilot lifestyle, we forget to organise thoughts and things in their place, which is critical for a congenial and coherent life.
One of my colleagues always comes to college complaining how she couldn’t find the matching dupatta for her suit in her almirah as everything is in a mess and she is too busy to organise things. Another one usually comes without breakfast as she fails to manage chores in the morning. She nibbles from other’s tiffin. Many of us live chaotic days worrying about stuff not done, wondering where our priorities lie, panicking we may forget something and then eventually surrendering in desperation and despair, telling ourselves, ‘Relax, be fit, tomorrow is another day’. But we fail to catch up that tomorrow or fitness, till we learn to control and organise our days and life. Winston Churchill rightly said, “Fail to plan, plan
IN OUR AUTOPILOT LIFESTYLE, WE FORGET TO ORGANISE THOUGHTS AND THINGS IN THEIR PLACE
to fail.”
A few quiet moments spent every night before going to bed, just thinking and planning what needs to be done the next day is the success mantra for a peaceful and pleasant day ahead. Lately, I’ve started doing this by checking the fridge for vegetables to be cooked tomorrow and seeing if they are chopped and readied; if the dress to be worn is ironed with accessories in order; if books are kept in the folder; and if the handbag contains the necessary items. This helps me manage tasks faster and I feel a sense of contentment when I leave home for college the next morning.
Here is how I got organised. I identified clothes, accessories, books, crockery and other items that seemed redundant and distributed them among the needy. A sense of lightness descended as things I had not been using of late were given to those who needed them. I learnt a lesson not to accumulate things unnecessarily.
Organising after clearing the clutter was the next step. Each thing was kept in its designated space. Life began to get smoother. The habit putting things back in their place can cut down stress. We may not realise it but something as minor as a missing book or blazer can be stressful if it can’t be found as one leaves for work.
Organise not just your household items but also important papers in separate files and convert them into digital format to make things easier. True are the words of Lao Tzu: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
So unbusy yourself, declutter and get organised. Cultivate spaces in your daily routine and harvest its dividends. These small spaces will help you feel in control of your routine and life. With time in your hands you will be at peace with yourself and at ease to enjoy leisure and pleasure.