Decluttering isn't just about organizing your home—it's about reclaiming your health, energy, and life. In a recent episode of the You World Order Showcase Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Melanie Cohen, a coach who combines her expertise in health, weight loss, and decluttering to help people achieve holistic transformation. Melanie's unique approach highlights how clutter—whether physical, mental, or emotional—can hold us back from living our best lives.
The Connection Between Clutter and Health
Melanie's journey began in her youth as a competitive gymnast, where societal pressure around body image planted the seeds for emotional eating. Over time, she realized that her relationship with clutter—both in her physical environment and her mental state—played a pivotal role in her health struggles.
She explained how clutter, whether in the form of overstuffed closets, disorganized kitchens, or an overwhelming schedule, creates stress that often leads to unhealthy behaviors like overeating or avoidance. This stress can compound over time, impacting not just physical health but also mental and emotional well-being.
Why the Kitchen Is the First Place to Start
Melanie emphasizes that the kitchen is often the heart of our homes and our habits. A cluttered kitchen discourages healthy choices. If your counters are stacked with papers or your pantry is packed with outdated ingredients, you're less likely to prepare a nourishing meal and more likely to reach for takeout menus.
She shared this actionable advice:
- Declutter First: Clear out expired items, mismatched Tupperware, and tools you rarely use.
- Simplify Your Tools: Keep only the essentials—like a sharp knife, a good cutting board, and a few versatile pots or pans.
- Create a Flow: Organize your kitchen so it feels inviting and functional.
By creating an organized space, you make healthy choices easier and more sustainable.
Clutter Goes Beyond Your Physical Space
Melanie reminded us that clutter isn’t just about the “stuff” in our homes. It can show up in other ways:
- Mental Clutter: Negative self-talk, limiting beliefs, or decision fatigue.
- Emotional Clutter: Unresolved feelings that weigh you down.
- Social Clutter: Relationships that drain your energy.
- Digital Clutter: Overwhelming emails or endless notifications.
Addressing these forms of clutter can free up mental and emotional space, helping you feel lighter and more in control of your life.
Decluttering and Mindset: A Values-Based Approach
One of Melanie’s most refreshing perspectives is her values-based approach. She doesn’t advocate for minimalism unless it aligns with your values. For example, she keeps a beautifully organized display of family photos that bring her joy and connection.
Decluttering isn’t about throwing everything away; it’s about letting go of what doesn’t serve you while holding on to what enhances your life.
How Decluttering Impacts Weight Loss and Finances
Decluttering can also have surprising effects on other areas of your life:
- Weight Loss: A clutter-free environment reduces stress, making it easier to maintain healthy habits like meal prepping or exercising.
- Finances: Being mindful of what you bring into your home can lead to more intentional spending. Shopping less impulsively and opting for secondhand items can save money and reduce clutter.
Breaking the Cycle of Shame
A powerful theme throughout the conversation was breaking the cycle of shame. Whether it’s the shame of carrying extra weight or the embarrassment of a cluttered home, Melanie encourages her clients to seek help and take small, manageable steps toward change.
“No one has to feel ashamed of where they’re starting,” she says. “It’s about recognizing the clutter in all its forms and addressing it in a way that feels aligned and supportive.”
How to Work with Melanie Cohen
Melanie offers one-on-one coaching and her signature program, Design Your Healthy Life Strategy. This program features over 50 lessons covering topics from nutrition and exercise to decluttering and mindset. Participants also benefit from weekly workshops where they can connect with others on the same journey.
Find Melanie online:
Website: MelanieCohen.podia.com
Decluttering Your Space…
Decluttering is about so much more than organizing your space—it’s about reclaiming your health, your mindset, and your energy. By addressing the clutter in your life, you can create space for positive habits and meaningful connections.
Ready to transform your health and life through decluttering? Start small, focus on what matters, and remember—you don’t have to do it alone.
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