Let’s be real—when was the last time you actually looked around your space and your life? I mean really looked. That pile of clothes that’s been living on your chair for three weeks, the toxic friend who only texts when they need something, the late-night doom scrolling that leaves you feeling worse about everything. It’s all trash, and it’s time to take it out.
Your Physical Space is Your Mental Space
Here’s the thing about clutter: it’s not just taking up room in your apartment—it’s taking up bandwidth in your brain. That overflowing trash can, the dishes in the sink, the random stuff scattered everywhere? Your mind is constantly processing all of it, even when you’re not consciously thinking about it.
Studies show that people living in cluttered environments have higher cortisol levels (that’s your stress hormone, for those keeping track). When you clean your space, you’re literally reducing your anxiety. It’s like hitting the reset button on your mental health.
Digital Detox: Your Phone Isn’t Your Friend Right Now
Your screen time report is probably calling you out harder than your bank account, and honestly? Good. That app that makes you feel inadequate, the news cycle that sends you spiraling, the endless scroll through people’s highlight reels—it’s all mental junk food.
Try this: unfollow accounts that don’t make you feel good about yourself. Yes, even if they’re “aesthetic.” Your peace of mind matters more than your feed looking curated. Set boundaries with social media like you would with a friend who always brings drama.
Relationship Trash Pickup
This one’s tough, but necessary. That person who only reaches out when they need something? The friend who makes every conversation about themselves? The situationship that’s going nowhere but taking up all your emotional energy? Sometimes people are seasonal, and that’s okay.
You don’t have to completely cut people off (though sometimes you do), but you can absolutely change how much access they have to your time and energy. Your mental health isn’t a democracy—you get to choose who gets a vote.
Bad Habits: The Trash That Keeps Coming Back
We all have those habits that felt good in the moment but leave us feeling worse later. Maybe it’s staying up too late, spending money you don’t have, or that thing you do when you’re anxious that actually makes the anxiety worse.
The key isn’t perfection—it’s awareness. Start small. Replace one bad habit with a neutral one. Instead of grabbing your phone first thing in the morning, drink a glass of water. Small changes compound into big transformations.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Your twenties are basically life’s trial run, but the habits you build now? They’re setting the foundation for everything that comes next. Taking out the trash—literally and metaphorically—isn’t about having an Instagram-worthy life. It’s about creating space for the good stuff to actually happen.
When you remove what’s not serving you, you make room for what will. Better relationships, improved mental health, actual goals instead of just stress. You deserve to live in a life that feels good, not just one that looks good from the outside.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning up your life isn’t a one-time thing—it’s an ongoing practice, like brushing your teeth or charging your phone. But every time you take out the trash, whether it’s literal garbage or toxic patterns, you’re choosing yourself. And honestly? That’s the most adult thing you can do.
Here’s a great trash can for the literal trash in your life!
Ready to start your life detox? Begin with one area today. Your future self will thank you.
Looking for more support with mental health, anxiety management, or life transitions? Professional therapy can provide personalized strategies for creating positive change in your life. Remember: asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Salt + Cedar Collective 