Hi there! Let’s pause for a second and chat about something that’s been on my mind—how our environments can either boost our energy or completely drain it. I’m Emily Lawson, a yogi, artist, and mindfulness enthusiast, and I’ve experienced firsthand how a bit of intention can transform chaos into calm. In the fast-paced world of tech, where we’re constantly juggling deadlines, projects, and maybe even family life, our spaces—whether it’s our home, desk, or even our digital workspace—can start to mirror that whirlwind. But what if we could change that? What if organizing our surroundings became a simple, grounding practice to find peace and boost productivity?

Why Your Space Matters (Way More Than You Think)

Imagine sitting down to code, but your desk is a mess of sticky notes, empty coffee mugs, and tangled cables. Your brain feels like it’s in overdrive, right? That’s not just you—science shows that clutter can increase stress and make it tough to concentrate. It’s like trying to debug code with a dozen browser tabs open. But when your space is tidy and organized, it’s like having a clean, well-structured codebase—everything just clicks.

I learned this the hard way a few years back. I was deep into a design project, teaching yoga, and trying to keep my sanity. My office looked like a tornado had swept through, and every time I tried to meditate, my eyes would dart to the mess. I couldn’t settle. That’s when it hit me: my space was reflecting the chaos I felt inside. Once I cleared it out, I swear I could hear my mind sigh in relief. Less clutter meant less stress, sharper focus, and even better sleep. Who knew a tidy desk could feel so good?

Decluttering: Less Stuff, More Peace

Let’s tackle decluttering. I know it might sound tedious, but think of it as debugging your space—finding and fixing the little things that are causing errors in your daily flow. You don’t need to refactor your entire home in one go (that’s like trying to learn a new programming language in a day!). Start small, and let’s make it enjoyable.

Here’s my go-to trick:

1. Pick one spot that’s driving you nuts—your desk, a drawer, your purse.

2. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Yep, just 10. You’ll be amazed what you can do.

3. For each thing you touch, ask: “Does this make me feel good or help me out?” If it’s a no, let it go. I sometimes whisper a little “thank you” as I toss stuff—it keeps it light and mindful.

This isn’t about becoming a minimalist (unless that’s your thing!). It’s about letting go of what’s weighing you down so you’ve got room to breathe. Once, I found an old stack of bills I’d paid years ago. Letting them go felt like shedding a layer of stress I didn’t even know I was carrying.

Try this today: Clear one tiny corner—maybe your nightstand. Toss what you don’t need, and see how it feels to have that little pocket of calm.

Your Workspace: A Happy Place for Your Brain

Your workspace, whether it’s at home or in the office, sets the stage for your productivity. A cluttered desk is like trying to run a complex algorithm with limited RAM—it’s just not efficient. But a calm, organized space? That’s like having a perfectly optimized system—your brain can perform at its best.

Here’s how to make it yours:

– Keep it simple: Just the basics—laptop, a notebook, maybe a candle or a little plant. Less stuff, more focus.

– Bring in nature: A tiny succulent or some greenery can lift your mood and spark ideas. I’ve got a peace lily on my desk, and it’s like a quiet buddy cheering me on.

– Hide the mess: Stash pens and cables in a drawer or basket. Out of sight, out of mind.

– Add a you-vibe: One thing that makes you smile—a photo, a quirky mug. Just don’t go overboard.

I used to pile art supplies all over my desk, thinking it’d inspire me. Nope—it just stressed me out. Now, I keep it clear with a few favorites, and it’s like my creativity has room to stretch.

Try this today: Wipe your desk clean, then add back only what you need. Toss in one happy thing—like a plant or a cozy light—and feel the shift.

Home Sweet Sanctuary

Home should be your sanctuary, a place to recharge after a day of coding, meetings, and problem-solving. But for many of us in tech, it’s easy for home to become an extension of the office. With a few mindful tweaks, though, it can become your ultimate reset button.

Some easy ideas:

– Soft colors: Think creamy whites, earthy greens, or gentle blues—colors that whisper calm. No time to paint? A throw blanket works wonders.

– Nature vibes: A plant, a wooden bowl, or even a tiny fountain if you’re feeling fancy. It’s like bringing a forest hug indoors.

– A zen nook: Carve out a corner for you—maybe a cushion and a candle for a quick stretch or a quiet moment. My bedroom corner with a mat and a lavender scent is my go-to escape.

Try this today: Add one calming touch to a room—a plant, a soft pillow, anything that says “peace” to you. Notice how it changes the vibe.

Organizing Your Time (Yes, Really!)

Let’s step back—organization isn’t just about physical spaces; it’s about managing your time effectively too. When your day is unstructured, it’s like running multiple processes without a scheduler—it’s draining. I swear by time-blocking—it’s like giving your schedule a well-organized workflow.

Here’s a simple rhythm:

– Morning (30 mins): Start slow—stretch, sip tea, or just breathe. No rushing.

– Work chunks (2 hours): Focus on the big stuff, no distractions. It’s your power time.

– Breaks: Sprinkle in short pauses—a walk, a snack, a stretch. Keeps you sane.

– Wind-down (30 mins): Reflect at day’s end. What worked? What’s done? Let it go.

This isn’t about cramming more in—it’s about making space for you. I started doing this, and suddenly, I wasn’t frazzled by 3 p.m. anymore.

Try this today: Block one focused hour tomorrow. Silence your phone, set a timer, and dive in. See how it feels.

Meditation: Your Calm Superpower

Here’s the bonus: meditation and organization go hand in hand. A clear mind helps you organize your space, and an organized space clears your mind. It’s like having a well-maintained system—everything runs smoother.

Try this quickie:

1. Sit somewhere cozy, eyes closed, and take a few deep breaths.

2. Picture your space—clean, calm, just how you like it. See yourself moving through it, relaxed.

3. Open your eyes and take one small step toward that vision.

I do this when I’m feeling swamped, and it’s like hitting reset. Five minutes can shift everything.

Try this today: Take five to visualize your dream space. What’s it like? Let that guide your next move.

You’ve Got This, One Step at a Time

Mindful organization isn’t about strict rules or achieving perfection—it’s about creating a life that feels balanced and productive. You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Start with one small change—tidy a corner of your desk, block out an hour for focused work, or take a few deep breaths—and see how it transforms your day.

Imagine walking into your home or sitting at your desk and feeling that “ahh” moment. That’s what we’re after. I’m cheering you on, friend. You’re not just tidying up—you’re making space for the you that shines.

Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash