Seeking Simplicity? These Books Will Help You Banish Clutter
Slowly, things got out of hand. Over-the-door organizers, under-the-bed organizers, sock drawers, magnetic shelves that cling to my refrigerator for the other spices I may buy someday to augment the spice racks I already own. And cords. Oh my God, the cords.
The problem is, the more I organize, the more I give myself permission to buy. At this point, I have run out of room for organizers.
I'm not alone. According to a 2024 study, 73 percent of homeowners felt overwhelmed and anxious when their homes were untidy, and 48 percent said lack of organization affects their mental health. (This study was commissioned by the Container Store, so I take it with the grain of salt that I easily found in one of my matching spice jars).
It's no wonder that an organizing account on Instagram like the Home Edit has more than six million followers — and that books on the subject proliferate like, well, cords.
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New York Times
4 hours ago
- New York Times
Seeking Simplicity? These Books Will Help You Banish Clutter
At first, they gave me hope. There were organizers for everything: medications, eyeglasses, eggs, spice racks for 24 spices. (Disclosure: I only use five. And what is fenugreek anyway?) Slowly, things got out of hand. Over-the-door organizers, under-the-bed organizers, sock drawers, magnetic shelves that cling to my refrigerator for the other spices I may buy someday to augment the spice racks I already own. And cords. Oh my God, the cords. The problem is, the more I organize, the more I give myself permission to buy. At this point, I have run out of room for organizers. I'm not alone. According to a 2024 study, 73 percent of homeowners felt overwhelmed and anxious when their homes were untidy, and 48 percent said lack of organization affects their mental health. (This study was commissioned by the Container Store, so I take it with the grain of salt that I easily found in one of my matching spice jars). It's no wonder that an organizing account on Instagram like the Home Edit has more than six million followers — and that books on the subject proliferate like, well, cords. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
5 Things That Emotionally Intelligent People Do When They're Disrespected
5 Things That Emotionally Intelligent People Do When They're Disrespected originally appeared on Parade. When you get upset or someone embarrasses you, it can be hard to respond in a healthy way. Being emotionally intelligent when someone disrespects you might be the last thing on your mind. It's totally fair to feel hurt or angry, for example, and to react quickly in a way you later the same time, practicing emotionally intelligent habits and saying emotionally intelligent phrases has benefits. For example, a 2024 study in The Canadian Veterinary Journal reported that high levels of emotional intelligence can lead to lower levels of stress and higher rates of positive emotional states, such as happiness, and are associated with healthier coping may also want to have more emotional quotient for your partner because you know you struggle with anger management, or for your career, because you want to handle work situations more effectively. Whatever your reason is, we're sharing five things emotionally intelligent people do when they're and what to do if you struggle to respond to situations in healthy What Being Disrespected Can Look Like Disrespect has many different looks. While it isn't always obvious or even purposeful, the ramifications it can have are real.'Disrespect can be both intentional or thoughtless, but either way, it leaves an emotional mark,' says, a psychologist and the author of Be the Sun, Not the shares some common examples: Interrupting or talking over someone; this implies that their thoughts aren't important. Sarcasm or condescension, which is often masked criticism or superiority. Dismissiveness, such as ignoring ideas, feelings or contributions; this includes nonverbals, like eye-rolling. Public criticism, like undermining someone in front of others. Invasion of boundaries, whether they're personal, emotional or time-related boundaries. Related: 8 Genius Phrases To Shut Down Rude Comments, According to Psychologists What Being 'Emotionally Intelligent' Means When you think of 'intelligence,' you may picture people like Steve Jobs or your class valedictorian. But what does 'intelligence' mean in an emotion-focused sense?Dr. Cohen says emotional intelligence is the ability to: Recognize, understand and manage or regulate your emotions. Recognize and influence the emotions of others. Navigate social situations with empathy, self-awareness and tact. 'Emotionally intelligent people don't just react,' he continues. 'They respond in ways that reflect clarity, control and compassion, even under stress and conflict.'Related:If You Use These 3 Phrases, You Have Higher Emotional Intelligence Than Most, Psychologists Say 5 Things an Emotionally Intelligent Person Does When Someone Disrespects Them, According to a Psychologist Now, let's combine the two concepts so you can reap the benefits of emotional intelligence mentioned earlier. 1. Emotionally intelligent people pause before reacting Rather than responding impulsively—perhaps in an angry or mean way they'd regret—they take a few seconds to breathe, calm down and process the situation. When they do speak up, Dr. Cohen says they may ask a question like, 'Can you clarify what you meant by that?' or 'That sounded quite disrespectful. Did you mean to say what you just said?'What responses like this do, he explains, is allow the other person to reflect on their words, save face and apologize or restate more respectfully. 'If the person says the demeaning phrase again, calmly walk away and say nothing,' Dr. Cohen adds. 2. They don't take everything personally An emotionally intelligent person realizes that people say things they don't mean or that are born from other situations. They also understand that disrespectful behavior says more about the other person, Dr. Cohen says, so they don't internalize the gives an example: 'If a colleague snaps at them in a meeting, they might think, 'This isn't about me—it might be about their stress,' which helps them stay grounded.' 3. They set clear boundaries Rather than retaliate, like saying something rude back, an emotionally intelligent person asserts their needs with clarity and respect, Dr. Cohen says, teaching the other person to treat them with calm communication. ''I'm happy to discuss this, but I'd like to keep it respectful,' sets a tone without escalating tension,' he 35 Phrases To Set Boundaries Firmly and Fairly, According to Mental Health Pros 4. They address problems at the right time Again, emotionally intelligent people take a beat. They know when it's the best time to address a concern to keep the situation civil. 'Instead of confronting them in the heat of the moment, or ignoring it altogether, they pick a moment when both parties are calm,' Dr. Cohen clarifies. At that point, he continues, they may say something like, 'Earlier, I felt dismissed when my idea was brushed aside. Can we talk about that?' 5. They let go when it's not worth it Here's a hard but true reminder from Dr. Cohen: 'Not every slight deserves a reaction.' Emotionally intelligent people keep this in mind (at least most of the time), and they 'weigh whether speaking up will serve a greater purpose or just drain energy.' For example, he says, they may choose to walk away from a stranger's rude comment to preserve their peace. What To Do if You Struggle To Respond in Emotionally Intelligent Ways Taking those steps and saying those phrases is easier said than done, so if you have concerns, know you're not alone. No one will be able to respond that way perfectly, every time—even emotionally intelligent people. If and when you struggle, Dr. Cohen says the following can help: Practicing self-awareness, like naming the emotion to create space between the feeling and acting on it. Using the '24-hour rule,' AKA waiting a day to respond. Role-playing your response or writing it out to help you organize your thoughts and reduce emotional intensity. Seeking feedback, coaching or therapy from a trusted friend, parent or therapist to identify patterns and practice healthier responses. Last but not least, don't forget that it's okay to start small. 'You don't have to get it perfect,' Dr. Cohen says. 'Your confidence will come with repetition and practice.'Up Next:Source: Dr. Harry Cohen, PhD, a psychologist and the author of Be the Sun, Not the Salt 5 Things That Emotionally Intelligent People Do When They're Disrespected first appeared on Parade on Aug 19, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
10 habits of organized people (that you can start today)
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter and chaos? Steal 10 simple daily habits of organized people to create a calmer, stress-free home. Life often feels like a juggling act. Between work, family, and everything else on your plate, it's no surprise when clutter and unfinished tasks sneak in and steal your peace of mind. Here's the truth: organized people aren't born with some magical superpower. They've simply built small, daily habits that keep life running smoothly. And the best part? You can build them too. With just a few simple changes, you can create more calm, order, and breathing room in your home—and your life. 1. Make your bed every morning It's been said a thousand times because it works. Making your bed takes less than five minutes, but it gives you an instant win that sets the tone for the day. It's a small action that signals, 'I've got this.' 2. Share the work No one stays organized alone. Families that run smoothly do so because everyone pitches in. Give kids age-appropriate chores and ask for help with household tasks. Even teens who grumble can learn responsibility (and lighten your load). 3. Declutter regularly Clutter is the enemy of calm. Donate, recycle, or toss items you no longer use. Start small - a single drawer, a shelf, or one closet. You'll be amazed at how much lighter both your space and your mind feel. Here is a list of things to declutter you might want to keep handy to help guide you. 4. Use simple organizing systems Labels, baskets, planners, and storage bins may seem small, but they're powerful. You don't need to set up everything at once. Start with one system, like a family calendar or labeled pantry containers, and build from there. 5. Put things away immediately Scissors, tools, hair dryers, whatever you used, put them back where they belong right away. Telling yourself you'll do it later usually means you won't. A few seconds now saves you from an overwhelming pile later. 6. Don't procrastinate Organized people deal with things as they come, whether it's folding laundry, paying a bill, or returning a phone call. Try keeping a short daily to-do list. The satisfaction of checking things off is a great motivator. 7. Clean as you go Cooking dinner? Wipe counters while the pasta boils. Doing a project? Put tools away as you finish with them. Little resets along the way prevent big, overwhelming messes later. 8. Store things within easy reach Keep everyday items like kitchen essentials or toiletries where you actually use them. Save high shelves or deep cabinets for things you need less often. Bonus: add labels so everyone in the house knows where things belong. 9. Learn to prioritize Not every task deserves equal attention. Organized people focus on what matters most first, then tackle the smaller stuff. That way, even if the day goes sideways, the essentials are done. 10. Do a quick evening reset Before bed, spend five minutes resetting your space like clear the counters, fluff the pillows, or tidy the entryway. Waking up to a clean, calm home makes mornings feel less rushed and more productive. Start small. Try adding just one or two of these habits this week. Over time, these little wins add up to big results: less clutter, more time, and a calmer home. And remember: progress matters more than perfection. You've got this! Solve the daily Crossword
