A Cluttered Space = A Cluttered Mind

I’m the first to admit it—when my space is messy, so is my mind. If I’m struggling to focus or feeling restless, the first thing I do is pause and look around. More often than not, I’ll find an extra jacket draped over my chair, too many half-empty coffee cups within reach, or a pile of papers that somehow multiplied overnight. Taking just a few minutes to tidy up brings instant relief. If something doesn’t have a designated place, I find one or create one.

For the longest time, I envied those picture-perfect workspaces—thriving plants, a perfectly coordinated color scheme, and not a single speck of dust in sight. But after several years (and several dead plants… sorry, plants), I had a realization: fake plants look great, too, and they don’t require water. I also realized that my pens, notebooks, and water bottles don’t need to match. As long as my space is functional and everything I need is within reach, it’s perfect.

Aesthetics are great, and if decorating your space brings you joy, go for it! But at the end of the day, the goal is to make mindful choices that help you work better. If your space supports your focus and creativity, you’re already winning.

Declutter With Purpose

Staying organized looks different for everyone, but here are a few habits that can help in any workspace:

• The Three-Touch Rule: If you touch something three times without using it, it probably doesn’t need to be within immediate reach.
• Don’t put it down, put it away: It’s tempting to set things aside and move on, but that leads to clutter fast. Instead, get in the habit of putting things away immediately.
• Keep only essentials within arm’s reach to reduce visual and mental clutter.
• Rearrange with intention: If you have to move something out of the way constantly, it’s in the wrong spot. Find a more accessible place for frequently used items.
• The “Reset” Habit: At the end of the day, take two minutes to tidy up. Your future self will thank you when you start fresh in the morning.

Even adopting just one of these habits can make a huge difference in creating a workspace that feels clear and functional.

Optimize Your Digital Space Too

Your digital workspace is just as important as your physical one. If you work on a computer or tablet, take time to declutter your desktop—organize files, remove unnecessary icons, and create folders that make sense for you. A rule I follow? No loose documents. Every file goes into a folder. It takes some trial and error to find a system that works, but once you do, it’s a game changer.

For email sanity, I use an Action Folder system to avoid touching emails more than twice. I either respond immediately and archive, or I file it into one of my action folders (To Do, Waiting For, Later, or Reading List). This keeps my inbox from becoming an endless to-do list.

When it comes to task management, simple beats overcomplicated. Start with a basic system and refine it as needed. The best tools are the ones you’ll actually use.

Sensory & Mental Environment Tweaks

Your physical space isn’t just about what’s on your desk—it’s also about how it feels.

• Lighting matters: Natural light is ideal, but if you’re stuck with harsh fluorescents, try a warm desk lamp for better focus.
• Find your soundscape: Some people focus best with background music, others prefer white noise, lo-fi beats, or complete silence. Experiment to find what helps you concentrate.
• Engage your senses: I’m a tactile person—I like having something to fidget with or sipping hot tea throughout the day to stay grounded. Small resets like stretching, deep breaths, or taking a quick walk can also work wonders for focus.

Your Workspace Should Evolve With You

The beauty of a functional workspace is that it works for you. And as you grow and change, your space should, too. The key is functionality over perfection—so let’s let go of the Pinterest-perfect pressure.

Try different layouts, lighting, and background sounds until you find what supports your focus and creativity. The best workspaces aren’t the ones that look the best—they’re the ones that make you feel inspired, clear-headed, and productive.

✨ Glimmer Moment ✨

Your workspace should work for you—you don’t need to force yourself to fit into it. Create a space that makes you happy and helps ground you in the present.

What’s one small change that has made a big impact on your workspace? I’d love to hear!

Wishing you a focused and inspired week ahead.

Mindfully,
MK