Tidy gear, tidy mind.

When your desk is messy, your thoughts can feel messy too. As your coach, I’ve seen how small habits — like putting your sneakers by the door or stacking notebooks neatly — can make a big difference on days that feel heavy. Tidy gear, tidy mind isn’t a magic spell, but it’s a simple idea you can use whenever your brain is crowded with worries, homework, or big feelings. Keeping your space in order gives your brain fewer things to juggle, and that makes space for thinking clearly, calming down, and deciding what to do next.

Start small. Pick one corner of your room, one backpack, or one shelf and spend five minutes there. Set a timer, put things where they belong, and notice how it feels afterward. You don’t have to make everything perfect. The goal is to build a habit that reminds you you can take action, even when things feel out of control. That sense of control is powerful: it says, “I can do something right now” and “I am not helpless.” When you order your things, you’re also ordering your mind a little bit. It’s practice for handling bigger problems later.

You can turn tidying into a tool for emotional strength. When you feel overwhelmed, try a short routine: breathe slowly three times, pick up three things, and make one decision (keep, toss, or donate). Celebrate small wins — a cleared desk, a zipped pencil case, a backpack ready for tomorrow. These wins stack up. Over time, they teach your brain that problems have steps and that you can follow those steps. Ask a friend or family member to tidy with you once in a while; working together makes chores faster and feels less lonely.

Here are some short, powerful phrases you can say to yourself when tidying or when life feels tough. These are easy to remember and can help you stay steady:

• “One step at a time.” “Five minutes, then I’ll decide.” “I can make room.” “This is enough for now.” “Ask for help.” “Small progress is real progress.” “Breathe, then act.” “I am allowed to try again.”

Use these phrases like a coach’s whistle — a quick signal to slow down, focus, and move. Put a sticky note with one of them on your desk or inside your locker. Read it before tests, after arguments, or when clutter starts to pile up. You’re practicing a habit of care: caring for your things helps you care for yourself.

Remember, I’m not a doctor or a therapist — I’m a coach who believes small actions build big strength. If messes are part of bigger worries or hard feelings that don’t get easier, talk to a grown-up you trust. For now, try a five-minute tidy and one simple phrase. You might be surprised how much clearer and calmer you feel.