☘️ Decluttering When Tired Or Ill • How To Make Progress When Your Body & Brain Are Running On Empty

☘️ Sometimes the will to declutter is there, but it's hard to find a way because you're physically or mentally tired. Or maybe you suffer from chronic illness or pain, or are grieving the loss of a loved one.
This how to continue your decluttering journey when you really want to make progress but you don't have the energy levels to match your enthusiasm. When you can't take on a big task, these are some things you can do instead to keep you moving towards a clutter-free home.
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⭐️ LEARN HOW TO BE CLUTTER-FREE IN JUST 5 MINUTES A DAY: • ☘️ FAST Decluttering R...
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Thank you for your support, and I hope I can help you get your sh!t together!
Laura

[@2Beldam]

Thank you for thinking of your disabled subscribers. Everyone always forgets about us 😢 Appreciate you 🥰❤️ Even bigger fan now

[@HowToGYST]

I appreciate YOU. I truly hope the video is helpful. 💖

[@kellsmum1]

Just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU!! I’m disabled and these are wonderful ideas! Your the only organising KZbinr who has original and truly helpful ideas, they all seem to copy each other so each one you watch it’s the same think they are talking about just in a different way. Your so genuine and relatable and I love to hear your accent too. Lots of love from another Laura. (A Scottish one 😂)

[@HowToGYST]

Oh I love Scotland so much! And thank you for your kind words. Being practical and compassionate is at the heart of everything I do. I want people to walk away from my content either with advice they can put into practice immediately, or just generally feeling a bit better.

[@ladyrois]

A big 💡 moment while watching this: A sign that you're coming out of a bad space is that you start watching or finding resources to motivate you to start decluttering. (Speaking totally for myself on this one... ) I love that you always keep it real and reasonable. ❤

[@FilippaSkog]

Actually, I don’t think you’re speaking only for yourself at all. My experience, both in myself and others, is the same. When we’re down to the point where all we need is strict rest we’re reluctant to come in contact with anything that reminds us of how exhausted we are and what we’re missing because of it. Decluttering (or any other unreachable lifestyle/project) content will make us feel even worse. Then, when we’ve done our job of resting and are starting to feel a tiny bit better, we’ll feel drawn to it again and that’s when videos like these are SO helpful. When we start to feel like something like ourselves again but aren’t quite there yet, and need to figure out what the next teeny tiny little step will be. Very wise, Stephanie! ☀️

[@HowToGYST]

This was definitely my experience with post natal depression. For a long time I couldn't do anything beyond basic survival. Decluttering was the start of a brand new chapter for me.

[@mwilliamson3989]

Thanks, I have chronic health and anxiety issues and have had grief on top of it. So its been very difficult. This has been very encouraging. I really appreciate your encouragement. :-)

[@HowToGYST]

Sending love and hugs. x

[@obragg1]

Specific, detailed and compassionate video.

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you. I truly hope it's helpful.

[@painwarriorprincess5120]

This couldn't have come at a better time. Not only do I have chronic illnesses but also a very good friend passed away suddenly yesterday and the circumstances are terribly sad. Your advice will help me so much over the next several weeks/months. Thank you!

[@HowToGYST]

Oh, I'm so, so sorry for your loss. How awful. Sending love and light. 💖

[@sunbeam8161]

So sorry for your loss. Sometimes everything seems to come together at once. May you find strength and encouragement to make it through this valley. Rooting for you🌻

[@painwarriorprincess5120]

Thank you both for your kind words.❤

[@janproulx]

I like the concept “body battery” needing recharged 😊

[@HowToGYST]

And that brain battery too. 😉

[@judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654]

Finally! Someone is addressing this issue!!! Thank you, Laura

[@HowToGYST]

I hope it helps. x

[@TheCarlaProject]

I am so happy I found this I have chronic migraines and love that chronic pain was taken into consideration. THANK YOU!

[@HowToGYST]

I suffer from migraines too. Even the low level ones can have such an impact on your day, can't they?

[@anngray398]

When I was moving from my large home to a smaller house after mu husband died (actually 8 years after that is how long it took me to make the decision) - the minute I knew that I was going to definitely move I did that after a suggestion by my daughter - I brought a drawer or a box or whatever in front of the tv and did sometimes just one or box or a couple if it went fast. When I finally did move everyone could not believe how organized I seemed to be🥰🥰

[@HowToGYST]

It's amazing how much we can get done with those small but consistent efforts, isn't it? Well done!

[@QueenJuliana89]

I did a huge declutter with the emails, unsubscribes, reporting spam. Then, I went to my phone and deleted everything that I hadn’t remembered from distractions; messages from wrong numbers ect.

[@HowToGYST]

Well done! You'll save SO MUCH TIME no longer having to deal with all that unwanted digital clutter.

[@karendunlop3534]

Thank you for making content for your disabled and chronically ill subscribers: I really appreciate it. I’m not the only one to say this, but with pain and low energy, I sometimes find it hard to watch channels that get done in an hour what it takes me a week to do!

[@HowToGYST]

Oh yes, I definitely know that feeling. I have to constantly remind myself that I'm not in competition with anyone. The only person in this race is me so no matter how slowly I go, I'll always win in the end.

[@lena-aline]

oh thanks so much. feeling really really low these days on literally all levels

[@martavillanueva1062]

@Cherries: In the same place, too...sending you hugs-- hopefully resting helps at least a little..

[@HowToGYST]

Yes, I've been hit on all levels too. It's very tough but you WILL get through it. Focus on those foundational needs - sleep, nutrition, hydration, comfort, etc. - and then build from there. x

[@sixxlee890]

Sending you much love, you'll get through this. Xx

[@wiseforce7045]

@@HowToGYST will you be forever blessed in so many ways for sharing your wisdom and thank you I feel not so alone I guess 🙏🙏🙏

[@sunbeam8161]

Thank you so much for your openess and for sharing in such a kind and understanding way. It touches and helps people more than you may ever know. I think you have a very sweet soul🌻

[@HowToGYST]

Well this just made my whole day. Thank you so much! 😭💖

[@kandycebeeks7056]

I just subscribed because of this video. Thank you. Having moved to a new state during Covid after my Dad died and selling his house and mine...I’ve been struggling to unbox this house. It’s been 7 months and I just struggle finding the motivation.

[@josephdaly2015]

So sorry for your loss. If you have a friend who could help ask them, I’m sure they would be happy to help. Be kind to yourself too. Mary.

[@kbailey3238]

I'm so sorry for your loss 1. Be gentle with yourself 2. Could you commit to 1 box a day? Or even half a box a day? Try not to make things overwhelming for yourself. Hugs. X

[@xXxDrowningDollxXx]

Needed this today. Suffering from a bad stomach ulcer and it’s so hard to want to clean up and declutter but not feeling up to it because I’m so tired.

[@kindnessworks71]

Someone in Charlotte North Carolina just said a prayer for you I truly hope you feel better soon God bless and stay safe

[@HowToGYST]

Wishing a very speedy recovery for you. 💖

[@dickwad69]

I completed one shelf today. Feels good to get that done.

[@kellsmum1]

Doesn’t it! Progress not perfection 😉 💕

[@rondap.328]

today I Got all my cds in cases...feels really good..one zone at a time

[@helen_grace_cosplay]

In bed with a pain flare when this popped in my feed. Thank you

[@HowToGYST]

I hope it passes quickly. 💖

[@konniestaabmiller472]

I lost my brother 2 days ago and just moved a few days ago. Low mental and physical energy right now. I'm going to unpack 2 hours a day till I'm feeling better. Just most needed items for now.

[@lena-aline]

i'm so sorry Konnie. sending you love. 2 hours a day sounds like a lot already, maybe even cut that down a bit?

[@dainty_af]

So sorry for yours and your family's loss.

[@kellsmum1]

10 minutes a day you will still get there the same. Take time, there’s no rush you need to process what’s happened and be ok with not having it all done. No one would in that situation. Eat well, rest well and Don’t worry! Xx 💕

[@kindnessworks71]

Oh Konnie I am so sorry. I am sending you great big hugs I'm also praying for you as well God bless and stay safe

[@sunbeam8161]

So sorry for your loss. I hope you will find new strength and inner peace again soon.

[@suzannedower2569]

Loved this! I have lupus and experience chronic flare ups of joint pain, and navigating ups and downs of energy and ability can be tricky. Thanks for acknowledging that this is an issue for many people, yourself included!

[@HowToGYST]

I really hope the video is helpful. Our limits and capacities can change so much from day to day and it's important to work within them, even if they're less than they were the day before.

[@anngray398]

It is true about the decluttering muscle - you do get better at the decisions as you go!

[@HowToGYST]

Absolutely. And life changes over time too, so there's always another layer to peel away.

[@AnnieMaeEdwards]

These were absolutely amazing tips, and coming on a day where I only have a “half energy” level going. Thank you! Also, I love how you kept mentioning that sometimes you do need to just REST. This is one I had to learn the hard way; it’s so so important!

[@HowToGYST]

Rest is VITAL to the process. If we don't choose to rest, the choice will eventually be taken away and we'll be forced to do it, sometimes in the form of burnout or illness. Like you, I also learned this one the hard way.

[@jeannebowes2898]

Sold, then donated some books. Mine not hubs! Tossed some nightwear and socks. Gave the refrigerator a look over and swipe out. Swung by Goodwill. Quiches in fridge for dinner, might have energy to make a green bean casserole after son’s appointment.

[@HowToGYST]

Well done!

[@judysbakeryandtestkitchen1654]

Finally! Someone is addressing this. These are very great tips. I didn’t think about planning for those times when I’m in pain, or what I could do during those times. That’s a great idea

[@heatherlewis2718]

My mum is quite affected by arthritis & many of these tips will help me sort & declutter the masses of paper & clothes she has. I can set up a table, chairs & shredder that we can we can sit, talk & shred or store items. It'll help corral the space we let a big project take.

[@HowToGYST]

And some beautiful bonding time too. 💖

[@liviamusolino2573]

Thank you! I have fibromyalgia and all your advices are so helpful 💜

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you so much. x

[@michellecornum5856]

Stemming the flow! This came exactly on time. Today is definitely a low energy day. Thank you.

[@HowToGYST]

You're very welcome. I hope your energy levels pick up soon. x

[@dakotacrowe8477]

I desperately needed this one Thank you so much =)

[@HowToGYST]

You're so very welcome. 💖

[@kateallan8930]

Such a beautiful compassionate video. Thank you for sharing these ideas, I feel a lot of people will benefit.

[@HannahRainbow88]

We got told we have a 'lovely, clean and tidy home' by the health visitor today 🤩 (Yes, our little flat that feels crammed to the rafters after moving in recently!) Celebratory cookies & Kettle Chips tonight, then back on with the decluttering - and giving more things a set "home" - tomorrow 😂 ... I dread to think if I hadn't found Cas and you, Laura!!!

[@genealotech]

Thank you again for this, I got out of bed this morning to find the ground spinning. I’m rewatching this and have the printouts printed. ❤️❤️❤️

[@HowToGYST]

Oh, I hope you feel loads better soon.

[@krisb294]

Forgot to say this when you posted this video 2wks ago but.. "You, Cathy Hay, & SnappyDragon were on point with some things I needed to hear this week! 🖤" When you have the mentality of 'there's 24 usable hours in every day'/every moment must be productive, but you are also disabled & sometimes resting/recharging is as productive as you can be...you need gentle reminders that that's alright.

[@sarahsuetopka4748]

This was so good to hear. I get stuck in this cycle of when I'm really down I do nothing because I convince myself I just can't today and then hate myself for it later on but doing little bits can be therapeutic even, I can make a difference without needing to accomplish a huge impact. We need to be reminded of that sometimes. I so appreciate how transparent you are, it's comforting. 🤗

[@HowToGYST]

I've had plenty of those days where I feel even worse at the end of them because I got nothing done. As you say, even the smallest thing can feel like a big win on those days. And it's not about pushing past limits, it's simply recognising that, sometimes, there are still things you can do to make a difference.

[@myraaitken8954]

Thanks Laura! You're full of inspiring ideas and helpful tasks to focus on even the smaller items to declutter so you feel you're accomplishing something, even if it's only shredding paperwork. I was helping my son (24) to go through his bedroom and wardrobe (not the clothes) to clear out what he didn't use, want or wasn't sentimental about. OMG! Five hours later (with a lunch break)! The charity shops are going to love me! Pile for paper recycling, shredding and a couple of bags of stuff for the Tip. I didn't strong-arm him and he hated doing it, but now it's finished (hadn't been touched for at least five years) it won't (shouldn't) need to be done again. 🤞😬

[@Elemiriel]

As someone with autoimmune issues, I feel so loved after watching this! Thank you

[@GumboGirl13]

Thank you so much, Laura! Today I'm feeling like my motivation and energy will never return and this really helped perk me up. And also gave me HOPE. You are DEAR!!! 💚

[@HowToGYST]

Hope you feel loads better soon. 💖

[@christinecassidy2689]

Thank you for posting this. I’m an educator and I’m completely burned out from the past year. Plus, I lost my father 2 years ago which adds to the exhaustion. Again, your post gives me great comfort ❤️

[@HowToGYST]

My deepest sympathies. It sounds like the past 2 years have been incredibly draining for you, in more ways than one. Sending love and hugs. x

[@christinecassidy2689]

@@HowToGYST Thanks so much ❤️

[@ehowiehowie7850]

Folding clothes into bags maybe on a bed ready to go out so it's not in a big mess somewhere if your mind is ok ?

[@HowToGYST]

If you have the energy, absolutely. 🙂

[@jeannebowes2898]

I was able to reassess Costco wheeled storage rack in the garage. To my surprise, after consolidating and discards , it was reduced by one third at least! Practical Categories were once again reestablished, then did a sweep down and out of the garage. We had a good workday here, completed getting transplants in the garden and the grimy car washed. Ty for your encouragement. We are senior seniors here.

[@HowToGYST]

Look at you go! 💪

[@maureenwelch3681]

Just found you channel. I have an autonomic nervous system disorder. I'm often unable to do things I would like to do or have to do. Thank you for your information. I really appreciate it.

[@rebeccarendle3706]

Thank you Laura🙏. I will definitely download those lists. It was a great video🤗... I am still at rock bottom, fighting to survive each day.. I will definitely try these tips to try and get some "small wins" 🤗.

[@melaniehoffman8512]

Thank you for this practical and empathetic advice. I struggle with all these areas and am struggling today as well. This video was just what I needed.

[@shannon6908]

You’re amazing and must be pschic to know how much I NEEDED this! I started decluttering months and months ago so there was stuff everywhere then I started to not feel well. Late March I ended up in the hospital for almost a month paralyzed from my thighs to my toes from a severe Vitamin B12 deficiency. I had to learn how to walk again. When I came home it looked like a tornado hit because my kids dad let them run ragged. I hired a professional organizer for 3 sessions but it barely made a dent and at $300 a session I can’t afford anymore. Thank you so much!

[@HowToGYST]

Goodness, what an ordeal you've been through! I sincerely hope the video helps, and that your health continues to improve. Always remember how much strength you have. x

[@rajeshwarihemmadi3229]

So much needed specially as going thru grief & physical as well as mental exhaustion as I try to complete on my long due projects.thanks u ..god bless u

[@myaccount9498]

Thankyou for sharing the struggles of chronic pain Laura 💞🍀

[@HowToGYST]

💖

[@stefs3460]

I watched this video when I was healthier but over the last 6 months my health has declined quite a bit. I finally got diagnosis last month but it's a chronic illness that's not going away. These tips are helpful!

[@HowToGYST]

I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Sending love. 💖

[@fabienneroure9995]

Thank you Laura for another very inspirational video!🍀🌷💚

[@HowToGYST]

Thank YOU for watching.

[@marthareger1233]

I work for the public schools, so I'm just *about* out of gas! Thanks Laura!

[@HowToGYST]

I take my hat off to you.

[@sandradow1783]

Much needed this pep talk. Thx

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

Thank you. =)

[@PoshConcept]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@genealotech]

Thank you so much for this! I needed this!

[@nicholabendall9872]

Thank you, this helps so much!!

[@richarderenbaum9314]

Thank you.

[@heatherlewis2718]

I'm 'there' right now (packing, moving to a new state, going back to uni, moving in with family, peri-menopause, complete changes of life). One week till the movers are here and I'm trying to just put one front in front of the other. Thank you dearly Laura for all your thoughts and candor.

[@HowToGYST]

Sounds like you have a lot on your plate! But as you say, one foot in front of the other will get you where you need to go. Wishing you the very best of luck with everything.

[@MrsJax304]

Perfect video

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you!

[@n.blaess9304]

This was so helpful.

[@HowToGYST]

Yay! I'm so glad!

[@gigianders1984]

You are AWESOME. Thank you. So happy I found you. Your videos really speak to me. ❤

[@1012chart]

I love you videos. These are such generous ideas. Thank you

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

Am disabled having chronic pain it is hard tidying up am going through depression it’s horrible and you look in the room and just shut the door you just can’t even look inside it’s so hard so thankyou for thinking about us xx

[@HowToGYST]

I know those feelings all too well. When you're ill or feeling low, there are certain things you know will make you feel better but it's so hard to find the energy to do them. Sending you love. 💖

[@constancewilliams4619]

No more excuses for me. Time for me to apply your methods, while I work around my husband's schedule of jobs (semi-retired and not before noon means irregular hours). I am a morning person and when I can't rely on a decent amount of time either, my plans for the day go nowhere. Your list will lighten the load on my shoulders and my mind. Thank you very much! This is a great blessing, Laura.

[@HowToGYST]

I truly hope it helps. 💖

[@abieshleman8313]

Thanks for this. My 3 month old kitten just died unexpectedly a few days ago and we are gutted. I also just had a baby two and a half weeks ago and hormones are exacerbating the situation. I want to do a serious declutter this summer, but I keep falling back on simple survival and basic needs and not getting much past there. I know I will heal and I know the wound of loss won’t hurt quite as sharply after some time, but it is hard to know how to proceed in the here and now. Baby steps seems like a good beginning. I did recently delete over 2,000 emails (mostly junk). That’s something I can work on. I am also going to try and write down all the items around the house that I can think of that I want to get rid of.

[@letshavepie]

I was just wishing for someone to post this kind of advice. Thank you very much!

[@HowToGYST]

I'm so glad you like it. 😊

[@JohnNathanShopper]

Hi! Love what you do

[@HowToGYST]

Thank you, I really appreciate that. 😊

[@JohnNathanShopper]

@@HowToGYST 💛

[@crybebebunny]

Thank you. On the Video that I saw prior to this one are asked, kinda screamed for this information. 😳 You are a blessing. Thank you again.

[@HowToGYST]

You're very welcome. Hope it proves helpful. 😊

[@lisamedeiros7581]

Very real. I am recovery surgery and low energy, this is very realistic. Thank you for this great viedo. I love your accent, it must be Irish, awesome!🍀

[@HowToGYST]

It is. 😁 Wishing you a very speedy recovery.

[@karenthomas7678]

Some very good and thoughtful ideas, Laura. Thanks for thinking of the different stages that we homemakers experience ❤️ And oh, I must get a mood board started! 😀

[@HowToGYST]

Fun! I hope you enjoy. 😊

[@aslmad1]

-Small tasks goals -if physically low energy Bring the clutter in a box to you-were you are comfortable , couch, bed whatever - of mental or emotionally low-rather than declutter decisions, move, clear areas so you have a space to work next time you feel up to it. - create a list of quick wins -when you can’t get up and do anything- then do research and planning in your device in bed, sketch plans or journal - more extreme low energy goals- make that phone call, schedule meeting, cancel subscription, schedule a pick up of junk, or a list of calls needed to make. - when you have a little energy but unfocused, create a vision board for what type of home life you want to create or vision for a vacation after goals are met - stem the flow. How can you stop more stuff from coming your home.

[@janecoder1]

I feel this post is for me. How did you know? Mental, physical emotional burdens topped with a husband with some early signs of dementia. I have 66 years worth of stuff. My only goal in life right now is to get rid of so much it is not a burden on my daughter when I die. It's sad to have this as the goal but it's the truth. Thank you so much for all your encouragement and help.

[@HowToGYST]

Whatever your goal, know that YOU will benefit massively too. Decluttering brings such freedom and peace. It's truly wonderful, and I wish you the very best of luck with it. 💖

[@1plus1equals25]

Excellent video, Laura we all need reminding of these concepts. Love it when you speak Irish at the end of your videos! It feels like a hug coming from you. 💖 (Is it also called Gaelic or is that different?)

[@HowToGYST]

Yes, Irish = Gaelic. 🙂 I wish I was fluent enough to do a whole video in Irish!

[@ip3931]

I am a 28 year old adult female (albeit a very undeveloped,unqualified,unemployed,unskilled,unwanted,ugly,failed, outcast one) who is not coping whatsoever, do not have any life quality and don't know where and how to start. Amongst a plethora of problems, I find myself surrounded by unbearable clutter, dirt, messiness despite all the times I spend hours decluttering each week. What is wrong with me?

[@anngray398]

I wish I had done the before and after pics,,

[@autumn3499]

Every cleaning & organizing video on youtube - shows person kneeling or squatting. Me, who cannot do those for even a second…. Yup, explains why I don’t know how to do those things in a way I’m capable of. Especially cleaning. Also lifting lots, just not possible, heavy, or repetitive. Doing small things is good, and helps, and if you’re issue is temporary, thats great, but if its a lifelong condition, the “big things” still need doing too. 😕

[@salinaholmes7424]

❤️❤️❤️

[@gaiawolfwitch]

Thank you for this Laura, I think sometimes I forget to ask myself how my health is being affected and write myself off completely. I realise I need to focus on what my capacity will allow me to do. Many blessings x x x

[@HowToGYST]

Exactly! Our "best" can change from day to day, based on so many different factors. It's important to listen to what our bodies (and hearts) need, and what their capacity is at any given time.

[@benjaminmanchett1507]

Thanks for this video I struggle to get stuff done I have bad mental health, I think this video is going to be helpful. Is ok to help for help too maybe get a family member or friend to help

[@FilippaSkog]

This is a brilliant video! I wish I would’ve had it last year, when I suffered from a long and tedious depression and couldn’t find energy to do much at all - and when I did I often took on way too much and failed, which made the depression even worse. I call 2020 the year of failures. Luckily I don’t just feel better now, but really really good! And the depression taught me a lot about the need for rest and relaxation BEFORE you crash and burn. I have to ask: did you cut your hair again or is that old footage? I’m confused because you’ve got long hair in the talking parts but the decluttering footage doesn’t seem reused 😆 Either way you look fantastic!

[@dianemaher3538]

Really tired after 2nd vaccine. Great to see this!

[@HowToGYST]

Oh yeah, the second vaccine hit me hard too. Hope you're starting to feel better now.

[@dianemaher3538]

@@HowToGYST Yes, I am. Had a bout of hot/cold too, but that only lasted for a day. Been better for the last couple of days.

[@HowToGYST]

@@dianemaher3538 Yes, I had that too. And general aches. Not fun, but thankfully temporary. Glad to hear you're on the mend. 😁

[@mschrisfrank2420]

This video complements MuchelleB’s latest where she talks about creating more time through making sure to take breaks and manage your energy.

[@HowToGYST]

Muchelle B is brilliant, isn't she?

[@reneeo]

How do i get the Low energy paper list? x

[@HowToGYST]

Hi Renee. Input your details at howtogyst.com/subscribe and you'll be emailed the link and password. 🙂

[@abbymarie2501]

Is anyone else seeing you pixelated??

[@kimhr1069]

Thank you so much Laura! Your compassion and understanding are wonderful. You're the only KZbinr that has addressed these issues and given us solutions. I've already downloaded the new printables...you think of everything. I laughed when I saw the doodling/pen check page because sometimes I do just stop to rest, but still like to doodle. Love to you and your family. ❤❤❤

[@emmkaa2099]

❤❤❤