Every year over the Christmas holiday, I declutter and organize my kids’ rooms. I just can’t stand the thought of adding more clutter (杂物) to their cabinets when they’re already fully packed with all that stuff. It’s no secret that clutter weighs on us mentally, and when it’s not dealt with, the problem only worsens. All that stuff can make us feel anxious and overwhelmed. And if it’s in our bedrooms, it can even keep us from sleeping well. Research has shown that those with cluttered bedrooms have more trouble getting enough sleep.

I separate their toys, books, and clothing into one of three piles: for donations, friends with younger children, and, finally, that which is too damaged to keep at all. The process can take hours, but when I’m done, there’s a huge weight lifted as all the clutter finds a new home.

Organizing and decluttering our space gives us a sense of control over our surroundings, says Jourdan Travers, a psychotherapist and clinical director of Awake Therapy in New York City. “Mess is stress. Humans have limited bandwidth, and it isn’t easy to focus on essential tasks when we are in messy or unclean spaces,” says Travers. The research backs this up. A study published in the September 2017 issue of Current Psychology found that “clutter problems led to a significant decrease in satisfaction with life among older adults.” The study found that those who delay decluttering because of “indecision” end up with a mounting issue that weighs on their mind.

Sometimes, however, we have trouble parting with our stuff. It can start to mount up because the task of decluttering and reorganizing can start to feel overwhelming and intense. There are various reasons why we hold onto stuff, some of which are valid. If something is a family heirloom, for example, and has deep meaning, we may not want to part with it.

Maybe it’s that outfit you hope one day you’ll fit into. Maybe the items were expensive, and even though you don’t wear them anymore, you hate the idea of parting with them. If there are some items you have trouble parting with, try getting rid of the easy stuff first.

Flight security rules are changing almost daily; however, there have been two main changes which seem likely to remain.

The first change is that international passengers flying to the USA are getting a pat-down at the gate. In some places this is being taken very seriously with a thorough check, but in many places the checks are cursory (粗略的) as people don’t think it contributes much to safety.

The second change is that the USA is increasing the number of air marshals (空警) on flights to, from and within their country. Action by passengers, whether security personnel or other flyers, is now seen as the most effective improvement in flight security since 9/11.

But it is likely that moves announced in 2010 to remove the liquids carry-on restrictions will be quietly dropped for political reasons.

No matter how well prepared a traveler is before a trip, there is a chance that security rules will change at the last minute or during travel. For example, for three days over Christmas last year those flying from other countries to the USA were not allowed out of their seats for the last hour of the flight. Some people flying in August found they were unable to carry on any bags after the liquid bomb attempt.

There are things passengers can do to save trouble:

 Before heading to the airport, check the rules posted on the airline’s website.

 Reduce the amount of baggage being carried on board, and especially the items in your pockets. Fewer items mean it’s easier to pass through security-quicker bag checks, less time needed to empty pockets at the metal detector.

 Allow more time between connecting flights and before departure.

 If you’ll have trouble standing in a queue for an extended period of time then arrange with your airline in advance for wheelchair assistance.

 Pick the fast-moving security lines — normally the ones filled with business travelers move fastest.

Powerful Benefits of Journaling

When looking for a way to better manage stress and feel your best, consider adding journaling to. 【小题1】 It’s a pathway to deeper self-understanding, emotional clarity, and psychological recovery.

Practice journaling as therapy (治疗)

By making journaling a regular practice, you create a space for self-reflection that can lead to personal growth and psychological treatment. 【小题2】 Once you start, with each word you write, you’re taking a step towards a deeper understanding of yourself and moving closer to well-being.

Release and process feelings

【小题3】 Journaling provides a private, judgment-free space to explore and express emotions without reservation. This process of externalizing what’s inside can be incredibly cathartic (宣泄的), helping to reduce stress and manage extreme emotions.

Help recognize sources of stress

Think of it as a safe space to express how you feel, leading to a significant decrease in stress levels. Sometimes the first step in building the life you want starts with simple awareness. Journaling gives you a chance to recognize what stresses you out in the first place. 【小题4】

Promote mindfulness

Journaling brings your focus to the present. Just like in mindful meditation (冥想), journaling gives you an outlet to observe thoughts and emotions without judgment. Think of this as an act of self-love, to accept yourself in the present moment just as you are. 【小题5】